Vegetarian Tomato Meat Sauce

Transform your mealtime with this hearty and flavorful Vegetarian Tomato "Meat" Sauce, a plant-based twist on a classic comfort food. Made with a medley of sautéed onions, carrots, and celery, this sauce is brought to life with the rich umami of plant-based ground meat and the vibrant taste of crushed tomatoes. Infused with aromatic garlic, dried oregano, and basil, and balanced with a hint of sugar and crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, this high-protein, meatless sauce simmers to perfection in just 40 minutes. Whether spooned over pasta, layered in lasagna, or paired with roasted vegetables, this vegetarian recipe is as versatile as it is satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep, it’s a wholesome and crowd-pleasing option for vegans and omnivores alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 ounces plant-based ground meat
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 0 salt, to taste
• 0 ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

Add the plant-based ground meat to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to slightly caramelize it.

Step 6

Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and sugar to the pan. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Lower the heat to a simmer and let the sauce cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Step 8

Season the sauce with salt and ground black pepper to taste towards the end of cooking.

Step 9

Optional: Garnish the sauce with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 10

Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, use it in a lasagna, or enjoy it as a topping for roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1481.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1353.0

Total Fat 84.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2699.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 107.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.0g	0%
Total Sugars 47.0g
Protein 72.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 410.1mg	0%
Iron 20.5mg	0%
Potassium 3624.5mg	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: 51.5%

Protein: 19.5%

Carbs: 29.1%