Turning common mushrooms into a meatless bolognese sauce? I am all in!
Using plant-based, pantry-friendly ingredients, we’re are creating an affordable dinner meal everyone can enjoy.
Mushrooms are one of my favorite plant-based meat alternatives since they naturally have an umami flavor profile. Additionally, depending on the kind of mushroom type, they can be incredibly “meaty.”
I opted to use common white mushrooms for this recipe because they are easy to find, affordable, and are mostly accessible.
However, many mushrooms varieties can work for this recipe including shiitake, portobello, and king oyster mushrooms.
If you opt for a different type of mushroom varieties, just be sure to take note that some may cook longer than others.
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Recipe Notes
- No need to be perfect when chopping the mushrooms. We just want them in smaller pieces that resemble ground crumbles.
- Fennel seeds are already toasted, however, if they are a bright green they might be raw. You’ll know they are toasted when they have a gray and dark green color. If they look raw, simply toast them in a skillet with no oil over medium heat. Toss and cook until fragrant and deep in color.
- There are a few ways to chop walnuts. One way is to carefully chop them with a chopping knife. Another way is to pour into a processor or blender and use the chopping function if there is one.
What Else To Add In Bolognese Sauce
The flexibility in a bolognese sauce means that additional vegetables and ingredients can be added. And if you have a picky eater in your home – it’s a great way to include more vegetables.
Although ingredients like carrots, onion, and celery are traditionally used in a bolognese sauce, feel free to add other ingredients including spinach, crushed garlic, fresh tomatoes, and meatless sausage.
If you want to expand the herbs and spices added to this recipe, here are some ideas:
- Black pepper
- Minced saged leaves
- Parsley
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Oregano
- Basil
This vegetarian bolognese sauce can be used in more ways than just spaghetti. You can use this recipe for lasagna, lasagna soup, tacos, baked potatoes, Shepherd’s pie, nachos, and quesadillas.
How To Store
You can store the meatless bolognese sauce in an air-tight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
If you’re serving pasta with the bolognese sauce, keep those two separate when storing.
To store in the freezer, user a freezer-safe bag, or container.
Meatless Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta sauce
- 1.5 cups common mushroom chopped
- 1/2 sweet onion chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 garlic clove crushed, minced
- 1/4 cup walnuts finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablesppon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Toast the chopped walnuts in a pan over medium heat until fragrant. Set aside.
- Add olive oil In a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion cook for about five minutes, or until tender.
- Next, add the mushrooms and red bell pepper to the saucepan. Cook and stir for 8 minutes, or until the water from the mushroom has been cooked off.
- In the same saucepan, add tomato paste, pasta sauce, Italian seasonings, walnuts, fennel seeds, and garlic powder. Mix well. Reduce heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-8 minutes.
- Taste, add a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too acidic (optional). Serve.
Nutrition
Did you try out this Meatless Bolognese Sauce recipe?
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Tisha
I’ve never had meatless bolognese, but this recipe looks perfect! I can’t wait to try!
Katrina Adams
I will have to try this for meatless Monday!! Looks so good!!!
SHANIKA
Now this Pasta looks absolutely delicious! I love how hearty it is even without meat!
Jazz
Wow–this looks so comforting. Especially for it to be meatless!
Eden | Sweet Tea and Thyme
Never thought of meatless bolognese before! We love mushrooms, so we’ll give this a try!
Calysta
This looks like a hearty umami rich sauce that I can make and won’t miss the meat! Mmmmm!!
Aline
I love mushroom filled meatless recipes – this is a keeper!! Thanks girl! xx
plantbasedandbroke
Same!!! Hope you love it 🙂
Angelina Maria
I just made this with extra garlic and blended it smooth for my picky kids. Sooo good!
Aly Michell
Hi Angelina! Thank you for trying out the recipe – happy to hear your kids loved it!
Jenny
HI, Can I check, is Walnuts a must? does it add to the texture or can we omit or replace with another ingredient? Thanks
Aly Michell
Hello :)! The walnuts add some texture to the bolognese sauce, but you can omit them! Feel free to add a variety of mushroom types (shiitake, portobello), for a “meatier” texture.