Easy Vegan Spaghetti with “Meat” Sauce is easy to make on the stove in just 30 minutes! This classic Italian dinner is the best choice when you need something quick, easy, and comforting. Plus, the vegan “meat” sauce can be made months in advance.
Is there a dinner that’s more classic than spaghetti? Meaty tomato sauce-covered noodles, fresh Italian herbs, and loads of vegan parmesan on top - it doesn’t get much better than that!
My Easy Vegan Spaghetti with “Meat” Sauce is a quick and easy dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes. The recipe just happens to be based on my dad’s one-pot ragu sauce a dish he would make for us every Sunday. Every bite is the epitome of warmth, comfort, and delicious Italian flavor!
The vegan spaghetti sauce is similar to my Vegan Bolognese but uses simple ingredients that are most likely already in your cupboard. It comes together easily on the stove and can even be made months in advance and frozen for later. Besides, it’s always a great idea to keep a batch of pre-made vegan “meat” sauce handy for dinner or pasta emergencies!
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Ingredient notes:
- Vegan ground beef - This will act as the “meat” in the meat sauce. I used Impossible Beef but ground Beyond Meat (or sausage), Gardein, or any store-bought brand would work well. Lentils are a great choice too!
- Vegetables - Finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and garlic give the sauce a great baseline flavor while adding to the texture. Feel free to add even more veggies, like celery, mushrooms, spinach, or carrots.
- Diced tomatoes - Use canned tomatoes to make this recipe as easy as possible.
- Pasta sauce - This is an easy spaghetti recipe, which means we’re using jarred pasta sauce. It saves a ton of time and the flavors are still out of this world.
- Balsamic vinegar - Trust me. A splash of vinegar gives the vegan spaghetti sauce brightness and acidity to balance the rest of the flavors. If you don’t have balsamic at home, replace it with vegan Worcestershire sauce or a splash of vegan-friendly red wine.
- Spaghetti noodles - A must-have! For gluten free, use gluten free spaghetti noodles instead and leave the sauce as-is (it’s naturally gluten free).
How to make vegan spaghetti with “meat” sauce
This easy vegan pasta recipe comes together quickly on the stove, leaving you feeling stress-free by the time dinner arrives on the table. Here’s how it’s done:
- Saute the vegetables: Saute the onion and bell pepper in a large pot with oil. Once they’re soft, add the garlic.
- Brown the “beef”: Add in the ground “beef” and cook until it’s browned all over.
- Let it simmer: Stir the rest of the “meat” sauce ingredients into the pot. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat, cover with a lid, and let it simmer.
- Cook the pasta: At this point, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season, then enjoy: Taste the sauce and add more balsamic or sugar if needed. Scoop the vegan spaghetti sauce over the pasta in bowls, add vegan parmesan on top, and enjoy!
Tips for success
- Is your sauce looking a little thin? Leave the pot uncovered for a few minutes while it simmers or stir in 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
- Is it too thick? Stir in a splash of water when it’s done and adjust the seasonings as necessary.
- The spaghetti sauce is naturally nut free but you can stir in a handful of walnuts for added nutrition, texture, and heartiness.
- If you want to keep the spaghetti sauce soy free, make sure your vegan ground beef isn’t made with soy.
Serving suggestions
Vegan spaghetti is really simple and always delicious, but there are a few ways to use side dishes and toppings to make it a little more extravagant:
- Vegan spaghetti and meatballs: Craving an extra “meaty” dinner? Serve your spaghetti with vegan meatballs on top.
- Lasagna: The spaghetti sauce can be layered in lasagna instead of served over spaghetti!
- Spaghetti toppings: Sprinkle vegan parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top of each serving. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes as well.
- Bread is a must: Don’t forget the dinner rolls, focaccia, or crusty bread on the side to soak up every last drop of sauce.
- Side dishes: Spaghetti is delicious on its own but if you want to take the meal up a notch, serve it with vegan caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or split pea soup on the side.
Can you make vegan spaghetti sauce ahead of time?
Yes! If you don’t need to serve the spaghetti right away, you can make the sauce on its own and store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes really well for up to 3 months.
Hungry for more vegan pasta recipes?
Enjoy everyone! Happy Day! Please feel free to comment below and give this recipe a rating. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
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Easy Vegan Spaghetti with “Meat” Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Easy Vegan Spaghetti with “Meat” Sauce is easy to make on the stove in just 30 minutes! This classic Italian dinner is the best choice when you need something quick, easy, and comforting. Plus, the vegan “meat” sauce can be made months in advance.
Ingredients
Spaghetti sauce:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium yellow onion, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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4 cloves garlic, chopped
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1- 12 oz package vegan ground beef, I use impossible meat could sub beyond meat.
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1- 28 oz can diced tomatoes, I like san marzano tomatoes
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1 jar pasta sauce, use your favorite (approx 24 oz)
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¾ cup water
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1 teaspoon each dried oregano and basil
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ to 1 tablespoon sugar
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1 to 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
For serving:
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1 lb (16 oz) uncooked spaghetti noodles, use gluten free if needed
see notes section if you need added flavor*
Instructions
- Sauce: In dutch oven pot saute onions, peppers with oil and a pinch of salt and pepper over medium heat for 5 minutes.
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Add in the vegan ground beef and fry for 4-6 minutes until completely cooked and browning.
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Stir in the rest of the ingredients (except pasta) and bring to a bubble over medium heat. Cover and reduce to a good simmer for 20 minutes.
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Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, add in more sugar and more balsamic if needed. (if too thick or thin or needs more flavor see notes*)
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Pasta: While sauce is simmering cook pasta according to instructions, (add a good pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil to pasta cooking water) drain pasta in colander, do not rinse. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve sauce over cooked spaghetti sprinkle on some vegan parmesan if you like and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegan ground beef: Can sub beyond meat or sausage (casings removed) or your favorite plant based ground beef, gardein, lightlife etc,..
- For added flavor: depending on what jarred sauce you use you might need to add more seasonings like a good pinch of garlic powder and onion powder and or more dried herbs, sugar etc,..
- If the sauce is too thick add a splash of water. To thin simmer uncovered for a 5 to 10 minutes and/or stir in a couple tablespoons tomato paste
- To store and freeze: will keep covered in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Category: Mains, Gluten free,
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Alexandra Sullivan
Amazing sauce!!! I used mushrooms instead of bell peppers and it worked really well. My husband couldn't even tell it was vegan!
Vera Morgan
Hah love such success stories thanks for sharing!
MJ
I have made this recipe twice now, using red lentils as add ins. This recipe is a huge hit with my family! My picky 4Year old grandson asked for 2nds and my meat loving husband said please make this again. Followed recipe for everything except liquid smoke. Thank you for sharing this fabulous recipe!
Cal
Fantastic spaghetti!
Verna
Yay! Thanks 🙂
Nancy
Finally a sauce my kids will eat. Thanks for sharing this! We are all really enjoying it.
Verna
Glad you're all enjoying the spaghetti thank you for your wonderful review!
Janet
This is on regular rotation in our house. Highly recommend!
Verna
Yay! Thrilled you all love it, thanks for your feedback.
Peter
Dynamite sauce! I used Rao's, Beyond meat and a Red Pepper. It was a winner. Highly recommend
Verna
Wonderful thanks for your review so happy you enjoyed the spaghetti! Really appreciate your feedback
Joan
Hi Verna, I would rather not use a jar of pasta sauce, what can I use instead, please.
Verna
Hi Joan, you could use the equivalent of canned tomato sauce, you might have to bump up the flavours a bit or check out my bolognese recipe 🙂 and there are some really healthy jarred pasta sauces in the grocery stores as well if you want to give recipe a go as is. Hope that helps!
Betts
Fantastic spaghetti! Our kids Left nothing on their plates. I just used a basic cheap pasta sauce and it worked perfectly. I'll be sharing this one! Thank you
Verna
That just made my day! Thrilled you all enjoyed the pasta.
Sara
Hi Verna Could you tell me what marinara sauce is vegan?
Verna
Yes! There are many brands of jarred pasta sauce that are vegan, some Rao’s red sauces, Classico, Prego, Newman’s Own etc.. Just check the ingredients on back label to make sure..
Carol
Just got my order of Butler Soy Curls a couple days ago!! Could this be made with soy curl crumbles?? Would rather not use processed fake meat.
Verna
Absolutley Carol!! Just rehydrate them fist. Enjoy
Rita
This is our new best spaghetti recipe!
Verna
So happy you all like the pasta Rita! thank you so much for your feedback
Jan
This spaghetti was fabulous. My children practically licked their plates. Definitely going on our meal rotation. Thank-you so much for sharing. I've enjoyed so many of your vegan creations.
Verna
I am so happy you all enjoyed the spaghetti. Thanks for your awesome feedback! It is definitely one for meal rotation! Happy day to you!
Nell
Hi! Could I use passata or tomato sauce instead of tinned tomatoes? Thank you
Verna
Yes you can! Passata and tomato sauce are purees. Passata is an uncooked tomato puree where tomato sauce is cooked. If using for this spaghetti recipe you might need to add tomato paste at the end to thicken the sauce if necessary, Hope that helps.
Joan
Hi Verna! You mention substituting lentils I'm assuming canned. How many dried lentils would you recommend cooking?
Verna
Hi Joan, You can cook 1/2 to 3/4 cup of dried lentils, which is about the equivalent of a can - about 15 oz. Enjoy!
Jay
What pasta is vegan?
Verna
Most packaged pasta—including spaghetti, penne, rotini, etc and any other type is vegan. Simply check the ingredients on your package to know for sure. Fresh pastas usually contain "egg" so avoid those. Hope that helps!