Transform your pasta nights with this hearty and flavorful Vegan Marinara Sauce with Ground Beef, a plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. This recipe combines rich, tangy crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and onions with savory, texture-packed vegan ground "beef" for a robust, meatless take on traditional marinara. Enhanced by a splash of optional red wine for depth and a blend of dried herbs like oregano and basil for authentic Italian flair, this sauce simmers to perfection in just 30 minutes. A hint of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while fresh basil stirred in at the end adds a burst of freshness. Perfect for everything from spaghetti to lasagna or even cozy weeknight dipping sauces, this dish is not only vegan but also irresistible. Whether you're catering to a plant-based diet or simply exploring new flavors, this easy-to-make, versatile recipe is sure to become a go-to in your rotation.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the vegan ground 'beef' to the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it cook down until reduced by half.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well to combine.
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, lower the heat, and let it cook gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Stir in the fresh basil right before serving.
Serve the marinara sauce over your choice of pasta or use it as desired.
Calories |
1635 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 91.6 g | 117% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.5 g | 108% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4581 mg | 199% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 114.8 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.2 g | 101% | |
| Total Sugars | 53.4 g | ||
| Protein | 79.4 g | 159% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 480 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 23.6 mg | 131% | |
| Potassium | 4636 mg | 99% | |
*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.