Name: Vegan Bolognese Sauce
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 yellow onion, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, crushed; 1 carrot, finely diced; 1 rib celery, finely diced; 12 ounces vegan ground meat (soy-based or lentil-based); 1 1/4 cups dry red wine (or vegetable broth); 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (soy or oat recommended); 1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes with juices; 4 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 pound dried pappardelle or long vegan pasta

Vegan Bolognese Sauce

miradugm

This vegan bolognese is a plant-based twist on the classic Italian comfort sauce, delivering all the savory depth and rich texture of the original—without any animal products or peanuts. By swapping traditional ground meat for a savory vegan alternative and using creamy plant-based milk, this sauce achieves a luscious, hearty consistency. The mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery) builds aromatic flavor, while red wine (or veggie broth) and Italian herbs add complexity. Perfect for topping wide pappardelle noodles, this sauce is a crowd-pleaser that reheats beautifully and is ideal for meal prep or family dinners. Enjoy a vegan classic that's both nostalgic and nourishing!

Ingredients

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add vegan ground meat and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
Pour in the red wine (or vegetable broth) and simmer uncovered until mostly evaporated, about 10 minutes.
Add plant-based milk and simmer uncovered until mostly evaporated, about 8 minutes.
Stir in whole tomatoes (breaking them up with a spoon), tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf.
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened. Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of pasta water, then drain.
Toss pasta with sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or vegan parmesan.