Name: Vegetarian Bolognese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 carrot, finely chopped; 1 celery stalk, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped; 1.5 cups cooked brown or green lentils (or 1 can, rinsed and drained); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or passata; 1/2 cup vegetable broth; 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari; 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or 1/2 tsp dried oregano + 1/2 tsp dried basil); 1 bay leaf; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional); Cooked pasta (e.g., spaghetti or tagliatelle), for serving

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegetarian Bolognese is the perfect comfort food for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. It’s packed with nutrients, deeply savory, and incredibly satisfying. The recipe is easy to make, budget-friendly, and ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Plus, it’s customizable depending on what vegetables or proteins you have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil
Onion, finely chopped
Carrot, finely chopped
Celery, finely chopped
Garlic cloves, minced
Mushrooms, finely chopped
Lentils (brown or green), cooked or canned
Tomato paste
Crushed tomatoes or passata
Vegetable broth
Soy sauce or tamari
Italian seasoning or dried oregano and basil
Bay leaf
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Cooked pasta (such as spaghetti or tagliatelle)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 8 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Add the lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and flavorful.
Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve over your favorite pasta and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Vegan Version: This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use egg-free pasta.
Protein Boost: Add crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat for extra protein.
Nutty Flavor: Stir in a handful of ground walnuts for a richer texture.
Creamy Option: Add a splash of plant-based milk or cream at the end for a creamy Bolognese.
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce.
Zoodle Version: Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Vegetarian Bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave until heated through. This sauce also freezes well—store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of lentils should I use?

Brown or green lentils work best because they hold their shape and provide a meaty texture.

Can I make this recipe without lentils?

Yes, you can use chopped walnuts, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles instead of lentils.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer longer uncovered, or stir in a small amount of tomato paste.

Is this Bolognese gluten-free?

The sauce is gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce and serve it with gluten-free pasta.

Can I freeze Vegetarian Bolognese?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.

Can I use canned lentils?

Absolutely. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the sauce.

What pasta works best with this sauce?

Spaghetti, tagliatelle, or rigatoni work great, but any pasta will do.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down longer to achieve the same rich consistency.

How do I add more umami flavor?

Add a splash of soy sauce, miso paste, or nutritional yeast to boost the savory depth.

Can I use a slow cooker?

Yes. Sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Conclusion

Vegetarian Bolognese is a delicious and wholesome alternative to the traditional meat sauce. It’s full of flavor, easy to prepare, and adaptable to many dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or prepping meals ahead of time, this recipe is sure to satisfy your craving for classic Italian comfort food.