Vegan Spaghetti

Here’s a delicious vegan spaghetti recipe that is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It features a hearty sauce made with lentils and vegan ground beef, making it a satisfying meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti Sauce

• 16 ounces vegan ground beef (e.g., Beyond Meat)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 15 ounces canned lentils, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)

For Serving

• 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
• Vegan Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• Crusty bread (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegan ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft and translucent.

Combine Ingredients:

• Stir in the lentils, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, chili flakes, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and sugar. Mix well to combine.

Simmer:

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Pasta:

• While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Finish the Sauce:

• If using, stir in the fresh basil just before serving.

Serve:

• Serve the sauce over the cooked spaghetti noodles. Top with vegan Parmesan cheese and enjoy with crusty bread if desired.

This recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and yields approximately 6 servings. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or for meal prep! Enjoy your delicious vegan spaghetti!

Creative Ways to Serve Vegan Spaghetti

• Layered Pasta Bake: Combine cooked spaghetti with sauce and vegetables, layer in a baking dish, top with vegan cheese, and bake until bubbly.
• Spaghetti Salad: Toss cold spaghetti with fresh vegetables, olives, and a vinaigrette for a refreshing pasta salad.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill halved bell peppers with spaghetti and sauce mixture, top with vegan cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender.
• Zucchini Noodles: Use spiralized zucchini as a base and top with your favorite vegan spaghetti sauce for a low-carb option.
• Spaghetti Tacos: Serve spaghetti in taco shells with toppings like avocado, salsa, and lettuce for a fun twist.

Alternative Proteins

You can substitute lentils or TVP with various other protein sources:

• Chickpeas or White Beans: Mash or blend them into the sauce for added creaminess and protein.
• Tofu or Tempeh: Crumble or cube these soy products into the sauce for texture and flavor.
• Seitan: This wheat-based protein can be used in place of meat substitutes for a chewy texture.
• Nuts or Seeds: Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds can be sprinkled on top for added crunch and protein

Making the Sauce Thicker and Creamier

To achieve a thicker and creamier sauce:

• Add Nut Creams: Blend soaked cashews or sunflower seeds with water to create a creamy base that can be stirred into the sauce.
• Use Tomato Paste: Incorporate more tomato paste to enhance thickness without adding too much liquid.
• Incorporate Pureed Vegetables: Blend cooked cauliflower or carrots into the sauce for creaminess without altering the flavor significantly.
• Cornstarch Slurry: Mix cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce while simmering to thicken it up quickly

Gluten-Free Pasta Options

Several gluten-free pasta options work well with vegan spaghetti:

• Chickpea Pasta: High in protein and fiber, chickpea pasta is an excellent alternative that holds up well in sauces1.
• Lentil Pasta: Made from lentils, this option is also high in protein and has a similar texture to regular pasta.
• Brown Rice Pasta: A widely available gluten-free option that mimics traditional pasta well.
• Quinoa Pasta: Offers a unique flavor profile and is packed with nutrients

Side Dishes to Pair with Vegan Spaghetti

Consider these side dishes to complement your vegan spaghetti:

• Garlic Bread: Vegan garlic bread made with olive oil or vegan butter pairs perfectly.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette adds a nice contrast to the hearty pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide additional nutrients and flavor.
• Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze makes for a great appetizer