Vegetarian Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and Cheese

Savor the hearty comfort of Vegetarian Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and Cheese, a weeknight dinner classic reinvented for plant-based eaters! This recipe features tender whole wheat or regular spaghetti blanketed in a rich, savory tomato sauce made with plant-based ground "meat" and aromatic garlic, onions, and herbs. A touch of dried oregano and basil infuses the sauce with Italian-inspired flavors, while optional red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. Top it all off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a vegetarian-friendly alternative for the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is satisfying—perfect for feeding the whole family or impressing your guests. Whether you’re vegetarian or simply looking to enjoy a meat-free twist on a classic, this recipe delivers the same hearty goodness you know and love.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti (dry, whole wheat or regular)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 12 ounces plant-based ground 'meat' (e.g., Beyond Meat, Impossible, or equivalent)
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, shredded (optional or use vegetarian-friendly brand)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the spaghetti cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the plant-based ground 'meat' to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for about 5-6 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 7

Once the sauce is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 8

Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce or serve the sauce ladled over the spaghetti.

Step 9

Top each serving with shredded Parmesan cheese (or skip for a fully vegetarian-friendly option) and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.

Step 10

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1726.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2702.8

Total Fat 92.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 5277.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 334.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.1g	0%
Total Sugars 44.7g
Protein 133.4g	0%

Vitamin D 12IU	0%
Calcium 1098.0mg	0%
Iron 31.5mg	0%
Potassium 4059.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.8%

Protein: 19.7%

Carbs: 49.5%