Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese
Looking for a hearty, plant-based version of the classic Italian favorite? This Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese delivers all the rich, savory flavors you love while being completely meat-free. I've perfected this recipe to create a sauce that's thick, chunky, and packed with protein – you might even fool some meat-eaters with this one!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
- 1 package 16 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups textured vegetable protein TVP or crushed mushrooms
- 1 large onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots finely diced
- 2 celery stalks finely diced
- 2 cans 28 oz each crushed tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: nutritional yeast for serving
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. If using mushrooms instead of TVP, add them now and cook until they release their moisture.
If using TVP, add it along with the vegetable broth and let it rehydrate for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and all dried herbs. Stir well to combine.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken nicely.
Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions in well-salted water.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve the hot sauce over cooked spaghetti, topped with nutritional yeast if desired.