Vegetarian Ground Meat with Tomato Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this hearty and flavor-packed Vegetarian Ground Meat with Tomato Sauce! This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a vibrant plant-based masterpiece that pairs beautifully with pasta or serves as a versatile filling for dishes like lasagna or stuffed peppers. Featuring savory vegetarian ground meat, aromatic garlic and onion, and a medley of finely chopped carrots and celery, this tomato-based sauce is infused with classic Italian seasonings like oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a satisfying, protein-rich dish that’s perfect for those seeking a healthy, meat-free alternative. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance, and enjoy a dish that’s equal parts comforting and nutritious. Perfect for vegetarian lifestyle enthusiasts and lovers of robust, homemade sauces!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 400 grams vegetarian ground meat (soy or plant-based)
- 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped carrot, and chopped celery to the skillet.
Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the vegetarian ground meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until it is heated through, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, ensuring everything is well combined.
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to the mixture. Stir well.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley.
Serve the tomato sauce over your choice of pasta, or use it as a filling for other dishes. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
288 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 11.8 g | 15% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.6 g | 8% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1082 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.9 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.1 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.2 g | ||
| Protein | 21.2 g | 42% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 131 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 937 mg | 20% | |
*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.
