When it comes to comfort food, few things are as universally loved as a hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce. But if you’re vegetarian or simply want to enjoy a meatless meal without sacrificing taste, this All Recipes Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce is the perfect dish for you.
Bursting with the richness of ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and fresh vegetables, this sauce is a celebration of wholesome, plant-based ingredients. It’s easy to prepare, uses common pantry staples, and can be simmered to perfection in under an hour, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.
This sauce not only satisfies your craving for Italian flavors but also packs a nutritious punch, offering fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants in every bite. Whether you want to top your favorite pasta, use it as a base for a vegetarian lasagna, or enjoy it with a crusty slice of bread, this sauce is versatile and delicious.
Plus, it pairs wonderfully with many other recipes you might enjoy, such as the Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or the Baked Spaghetti Vegetarian Recipe for Easy Family Dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian spaghetti sauce is a true crowd-pleaser that blends simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying flavor profile. Unlike many store-bought sauces, it’s free from preservatives and excessive sugars, making it a healthier choice for your family.
The sauce is highly adaptable—you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. It’s also perfect for meal prep since it stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer for future meals.
You’ll appreciate how it warms up well and maintains its fresh taste, making your busy weeknights a breeze.
Finally, this recipe is a wonderful introduction if you’re exploring more vegetarian or vegan dishes. For more delicious vegetarian meal ideas, check out Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Yellow onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
Garlic cloves, minced | 4 |
Carrot, grated | 1 medium |
Celery stalk, finely chopped | 1 |
Crushed tomatoes (canned) | 28 ounces (1 can) |
Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
Vegetable broth | 1/2 cup |
Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
Dried thyme | 1/2 teaspoon |
Red pepper flakes (optional) | 1/4 teaspoon |
Salt | To taste |
Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
Fresh basil leaves, chopped | 1/4 cup |
Sugar (optional, to balance acidity) | 1 teaspoon |
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Grater (for carrot)
- Can opener (for canned tomatoes)
- Lid for saucepan (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in your skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery to the pan. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic. The carrot and celery add a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. This step intensifies the tomato flavor and slightly caramelizes the paste, enriching the overall taste.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients. The broth helps loosen the sauce while keeping it flavorful.
- Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season the sauce with salt and pepper, then stir again to distribute the herbs evenly.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover loosely with a lid and allow the sauce to simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
- If the sauce tastes too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
- Just before serving, stir in the fresh chopped basil for a bright, herbal finish. Remove from heat.
- Serve hot over your favorite pasta or use in any recipe calling for marinara sauce. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
“For a chunkier sauce, add diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions.”
Feel free to customize this sauce to your taste. Adding a splash of red wine during step 4 can deepen the flavor.
For a smoky twist, try stirring in a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
If you prefer a creamy texture, blend part or all of the sauce with an immersion blender towards the end of cooking. This also helps incorporate any vegetables you add.
For a protein boost, toss in cooked lentils or finely chopped walnuts. These additions make the sauce hearty and satisfying.
And don’t forget, this sauce pairs beautifully with vegetarian recipes like our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert after your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/2 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 90 |
Total Fat | 4.5 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.6 g |
Carbohydrates | 12 g |
Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
Sugars | 6 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Sodium | 320 mg |
Vitamin A | 15% DV |
Vitamin C | 20% DV |
Iron | 6% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian spaghetti sauce is incredibly versatile. Serve it over your favorite cooked pasta like spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni for a classic Italian meal.
It also works wonderfully as a base sauce for vegetarian lasagna or baked ziti.
For a lighter option, spoon the sauce over roasted or steamed vegetables such as zucchini noodles, eggplant slices, or cauliflower rice. You can even use it as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or as a topping for stuffed bell peppers.
To complement your meal, consider pairing with a fresh green salad or a side of sautéed greens. And if you love baked dishes, try pairing it with the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to create a luscious layered pasta bake.
Conclusion
Making a delicious and wholesome vegetarian spaghetti sauce from scratch is easier than you might think. This recipe offers a perfect balance of fresh vegetables, herbs, and robust tomato flavor that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this sauce is a fantastic go-to that makes weeknight dinners both simple and delicious.
Not only does it bring comfort and warmth to the table, but it also pairs excellently with a variety of dishes, inspiring you to explore and enjoy more vegetarian cooking. Don’t hesitate to experiment by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs, and remember to check out other tasty recipes like Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for more inspiration.
Happy cooking and buon appetito!
📖 Recipe Card: All Recipes Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce
Description: A hearty and flavorful vegetarian spaghetti sauce made with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a quick and healthy pasta dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Stir in carrot, zucchini, and red bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce; stir well.
- Season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer sauce uncovered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 18 g
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