Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty and flavorful vegetarian spaghetti sauce packed with fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, garlic, and herbs. This versatile sauce is perfect for a healthy, meat-free meal that appeals to all ages. Its rich flavors and slow-simmered texture make it a comforting choice for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crush the garlic and chop the onion, then brown them in canola oil.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, mushrooms, salt, chopped squash (if using), and spices.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 2 hours.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the garlic and onion before adding them to the pan. You can substitute fresh herbs for dried ones if available, using about three times the amount. If you're looking for a heartier sauce, add lentils or beans to boost protein. This sauce can also be made in larger batches and used in other Italian recipes like lasagna or stuffed peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vegetarian spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or even angel hair pasta. It pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad like Italian Slaw or Italian Style Bean Salad for a complete meal. Top with grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 786 calories, with 13g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (107% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), and iron (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1913mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this spaghetti sauce can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
What can I use instead of canned mushrooms?
If you don't have canned mushrooms, you can use fresh mushrooms instead. Just slice them and add them to the sauce when you add the onions and garlic. Alternatively, you can omit them altogether or use other vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add heat to your vegetarian spaghetti sauce, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also add a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper when sautéing the garlic and onion for a fresh kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).