Vegetarian Meat Sauce Smart Ground
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this hearty and flavorful Vegetarian Meat Sauce made with Smart Ground crumbles! Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs, this plant-based recipe combines the richness of crushed tomatoes, a touch of garlic, and a satisfying, protein-packed texture. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a quick, wholesome option for pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles. The mixture of dried basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes creates a robust, savory depth, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. This easy-to-make sauce is not only vegan but also a crowd-pleaser for all palates—ideal for meal prep or impressing dinner guests with a healthy, guilt-free bite. Keywords: vegetarian meat sauce, vegan protein, Smart Ground crumbles, plant-based recipe, Italian-inspired sauce, quick vegan dinner.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 12 ounces Smart Ground crumbles
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Add the Smart Ground crumbles to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Push the Smart Ground mixture to one side of the pan and add the tomato paste to the empty side. Cook the paste for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor, then stir it into the rest of the mixture.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
Add the Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir thoroughly.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve the vegetarian meat sauce hot over pasta, rice, or your favorite base. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
179 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 6.8 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.0 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 659 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.0 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.1 g | ||
| Protein | 13.8 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 75 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 711 mg | 15% | |
*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.
