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    Home ▸ Vegan Main Dishes

    The Best Vegetable Bolognese Sauce

    Last modified: October 5, 2022. Originally posted: June 14, 2021 By Sophia DeSantis

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    A big bowl of spaghetti with vegetable bolognese sauce and overlay text
    Fork twirling in spaghetti mixed with vegetable bolognese
    A pan with vegetable bolognese cooking and then mixed with spaghetti and overlay text

    This vegetable bolognese is hands down the best recipe ever. It's so flavorful, made with whole food ingredients and comfort food perfection!

    A blue bowl filled with vegetable bolognese mixed with spaghetti and a spring of thyme
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    This recipe is probably one of my most favorite ever. I created it craving a rich tasting sauce that I could snuggle up to. My dad, who is a big meat eater, had thirds. Enough said.

    But how do you make a vegan bolognese? How do you get that hearty, deep, satisfying flavor without meat? Easy! Load up on veggies, herbs, and a little secret ingredient. Plus, this veggie based sauce is made in just 30 minutes! Serve over your favorite pasta for a too easy meal.

    Ingredients

    The perfect mix of ingredients creates the best tasting vegetable bolognese sauce! Here's what you need:

    • Onion
    • Garlic
    • Jackfruit or Mushrooms
    • Carrots
    • Celery
    • Dried thyme
    • Red pepper flakes
    • Dairy free milk 
    • Red wine 
    • Tomato paste
    • Tamari (or soy sauce if you're not gluten-free)
    Bowls of ingredients needed to make a vegetable bolognese sauce on a wooden surface

    How to Make Vegetable Bolognese

    This vegan sauce is easy to make in no time! Here's what to do:

    1. Sauté the onion, garlic, jackfruit(or mushrooms), carrots, celery, and seasonings until brown.Jackfruit and chopped vegetables being cooked in a pan
    2. Add the milk, red wine, tomato paste and Tamari (or soy sauce) and cook until reduced and thick.Pan with a wooden spoon mixing a vegetable bolognese sauce
    3. Top with Parmesan and serve!Fork twirling in spaghetti mixed with vegetable bolognese

    Serving suggestions

    Bolognese can be served in so many ways! If needed, make sure your pasta is gluten-free. Try any of these pasta shapes:

    • Tagliatelle
    • Spaghetti
    • Fettuccine
    • Rigatoni

    You can also use this sauce in any of these recipes:

    • Eggplant Parmesan
    • Sweet Potato Gnocchi
    • Vegan Pasta Bake
    • Vegetable Lasagna
    • Stuffed Shells

    No matter what you do, make sure you top it with Vegan Parmesan or Vegan Ricotta!

    Tips and tricks

    For the best vegan bolognese, check out these helpful suggestions:

    • Add even more veggies! Try including zucchini, spinach, or peppers.
    • To add extra protein, toss in some chickpeas, lentils, or tempeh.
    • The amount of salt you need depends on if you use jackfruit or mushrooms, taste first before adding.
    • Make this recipe oil free by using broth instead of oil.
    • You can also sub the wine for veggie broth.
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
    • This is a great make ahead recipe! Whip up a double batch and freeze half for the future.
    • Freeze the sauce in a freezer safe airtight container for up to 3 months.
    • Reheat defrosted sauce on the stove or in the microwave.

    Common Questions

    What veggies go with Bolognese?

    Anything! Include onions, celery, carrots, mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, or spinach in the sauce. Serve alongside broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.

    What gives Bolognese its flavor?

    The deep umami flavor can be created by using soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free), balsamic vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce.

    What is the difference between Bolognese sauce and spaghetti sauce?

    While still a red sauce, bolognese is a thicker and creamier sauce than spaghetti sauce. It's generally served over thicker pasta than spaghetti noodles that can carry the sauce better.

    Does celery go in Bolognese?

    Yes it does! It adds a nice texture and subtle flavor to the thick sauce.

    What can I add to Bolognese sauce?

    Add extra veggies like peppers, spinach, or zucchini. You can also add in more flavor with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted peppers.

    More Vegan Pasta Recipes

    Who doesn't like pasta? Seriously! It's one of the easiest family friendly meals, so having a variety of options is key. Try these other plant based pasta recipes:

    • Easy Broccoli Pesto Pasta
    • Feta Tomato Pasta
    • Vegan Carbonara
    • Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
    • Cacio e Pepe
    • Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash
    • Healthy Vegan Chili Mac
    • Green Mac and Cheese
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    A blue bowl filled with vegetable bolognese mixed with spaghetti and a spring of thyme

    The Best Vegetable Bolognese Sauce

    Sophia DeSantis
    This vegetable bolognese is hands down the best recipe ever. It's so flavorful, made with whole food ingredients and comfort food perfection!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course 30 Minutes or Less, Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4
    Calories 139 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 cup chopped yellow or sweet onion
    • 4 cloves garlic , minced
    • ¼ - 1 teaspoon sea salt , depending on if you use jackfruit or mushrooms (taste first before adding)
    • Drizzle of olive oil to saute , or broth if oil free
    • 2 cans jackfruit (14 ounces each) , or 2 pounds mushrooms (see note)
    • 1 cup chopped carrots
    • 1 cup chopped celery
    • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
    • ½ - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 1 cup dairy free milk , I used cashew
    • ½ cup red wine , use broth if you don’t want to use wine
    • ¼ cup tomato paste
    • 1 tablespoon Tamari , or soy sauce if not gluten-free

    To serve:

    • Pasta of choice , gluten-free if needed
    • Vegan Parmesan

    Instructions
     

    • Sauté the onion, garlic, salt and oil or broth until the onions are beginning to brown. About 2-3 minutes.
    • Add the jackfruit, carrots, celery, thyme and red pepper flakes and cook until the jackfruit and veggies are browning. You want them nice and brown. About 10 minutes.
       
    • Add the milk, red wine, tomato paste and Tamari and cook until reduced and thick. About 5 minutes.
    • Cook your favorite pasta and mix! Add some pasta water to the sauce if you want it saucier.
    • Top with Parmesan and serve!

    Notes

    • You can also sub mushrooms for the jackfruit. Use about 2 pounds portobello or king oyster mushrooms and shred with a fork.

    Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 707mgPotassium: 434mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5721IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 134mgIron: 2mg

    Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.

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    1. Sarah

      June 23, 2021 at 6:48 am

      It is truly amazing how deep and rich the flavor is in this sauce! And, you don't have to spend hours upon hours to get that taste, pure magic!

      Reply

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    Hi, I’m Sophia and I love food. As a food photographer, plant-based recipe creator, and client-centered health coach, I focus on helping people feel empowered instead of overwhelmed when it comes to overall health and wellness. Let me help you eat more plants!

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