Vegetarian Bolognese Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy

There’s something deeply comforting about a hearty bowl of bolognese, but traditional recipes often rely heavily on meat. If you’re looking for a delicious, satisfying twist that’s both vegetarian and packed with flavor, this vegetarian bolognese recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Using wholesome vegetables and plant-based ingredients, this sauce offers all the rich, savory notes you crave without compromising on nutrition or taste. Whether you’re a committed vegetarian, trying to cut down on meat, or simply seeking a fresh way to enjoy pasta nights, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

In this recipe, we’ll use mushrooms, lentils, and a medley of aromatic vegetables to build layers of flavor, simmered slowly in a robust tomato base. The result is a thick, luscious sauce that clings beautifully to your favorite pasta.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your pantry staples or dietary preferences. Let’s dive into why this vegetarian bolognese is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful: This vegetarian bolognese packs the umami punch you expect from a traditional meat sauce thanks to mushrooms and lentils.

Nutritious and wholesome: Loaded with vegetables and plant-based protein, it’s a balanced meal that will satisfy your hunger and nourish your body.

Easy to make and budget-friendly: Using simple, affordable ingredients, this recipe comes together with minimal fuss, perfect for busy weeknights.

Customizable: You can swap in your favorite veggies or add extra spices to tailor the sauce to your taste. It’s ideal for experimenting!

Looking for more vegetarian inspiration? Check out these tasty dishes like Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners or Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 10 oz (280g) mushrooms, finely chopped (cremini or button mushrooms work well)
• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup vegetable broth (more as needed)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
• 400g pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite)

Equipment

• Large deep skillet or saucepan
• Chopping board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander (for rinsing lentils and draining pasta)
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Optional: blender or food processor (for fine chopping mushrooms if desired)

Instructions

1. Prepare the lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside. Lentils are a fantastic plant-based protein that adds body to the sauce.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 7-8 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
3. Add garlic and mushrooms: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms. Cook for another 8-10 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and reduce in size, creating a meaty texture.
4. Incorporate lentils and tomato paste: Add the rinsed lentils and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly in tomato paste, which adds richness and depth.
5. Add crushed tomatoes and broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine. The broth will help cook the lentils and keep the sauce saucy.
6. Season and simmer: Add dried oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the sauce simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.
7. Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
8. Final adjustments: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend a portion of it or leave it chunky for rustic texture.
9. Serve: Toss the pasta with the vegetarian bolognese sauce or spoon sauce over the pasta on plates. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Tip: To really bring out the umami flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of miso paste during the simmering stage. This adds complexity without overpowering the dish.

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by serving it with gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables. For a vegan option, ensure your pasta is egg-free.

Variations:

• Add finely chopped walnuts or pecans for a lovely texture contrast and extra protein.
• Use different types of lentils like red lentils for a softer, more stew-like consistency.
• Include diced zucchini or bell peppers to boost the veggie content.
• For a creamier sauce, stir in some plant-based cream or cashew cream near the end.
• Try adding a splash of red wine during cooking for a richer taste.

Explore other flavorful vegetarian meal ideas like Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore or Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals to keep your menu exciting.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian bolognese pairs wonderfully with a variety of pasta types such as spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free noodles. For a low-carb option, serve it over spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash.

Complement your meal with a fresh green salad, crusty garlic bread, or a side of steamed vegetables. A sprinkle of vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast adds a lovely cheesy flavor to finish.

For a cozy, comforting dinner, try serving with creamy polenta or mashed potatoes as a base instead of pasta. This sauce is also fantastic layered in a vegetable lasagna or stuffed into baked peppers.

If you love creamy pasta sauces, don’t miss our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for a delicious complement to this bolognese.

Conclusion

This vegetarian bolognese recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic Italian favorite with a healthy, plant-based twist. It’s rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and nourishing, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.

The combination of mushrooms and lentils provides a meaty texture that satisfies even the most dedicated meat eaters while keeping the dish wholesome and nutritious.

With plenty of room for customization, this sauce can evolve with your pantry staples and taste preferences. Enjoy it with your favorite pasta or experiment with different serving ideas to keep every meal exciting.

For more delicious vegetarian recipes that bring vibrant flavors to your table, explore our collection of Best Italian Vegetarian Recipes for Delicious Meatless and other plant-based favorites.

Happy cooking and buon appetito!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegetarian Bolognese”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful vegetarian twist on classic bolognese using lentils and vegetables. Perfect served over pasta or zucchini noodles for a comforting meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 onion, finely chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 carrots, diced”, “2 celery stalks, diced”, “1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed”, “1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes”, “2 tablespoons tomato paste”, “1 teaspoon dried oregano”, “1 teaspoon dried basil”, “2 cups vegetable broth”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; saut\u00e9 until softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in lentils, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes until lentils are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve over cooked pasta or zucchini noodles.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “18 g”, “fatContent”: “6 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “45 g”}}