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5.0 from 36 votes

Vegetarian Bolognese Recipe

Vegetarian Bolognese served over cauliflower gnocchi is the ultimate cozy meal! The sauce is made with tons of flavorful vegetables cooked in a rich tomato based sauce. And when served with your choice of pasta or gnocchi, this meatless version is just as hearty and delicious as the traditional meat-filled sauce. It freezes really well and you can make it vegan. Enjoy with the Best Caesar Salad for an incredible vegetarian meal!

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 532 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 small yellow onion peeled and minced
  • 3 garlic cloves peeled
  • 1 large carrot peeled and minced
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms
  • 1/2 head cauliflower florets removed and stems trimmed
  • 1 (26-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt or to taste
  • 1/2 crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan-Reggiano plus more as garnish
  • 1 pound of cauliflower gnocchi OR pasta of choice

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Pull out your food processor. If you don’t have one, you can just minced everything with a knife. But I do love the fine mince that is provided by the food processor because it makes it almost “ground.” Add the onion and garlic and pulse until diced. Repeat with the carrot, cremini mushrooms and cauliflower.
  2. In a medium Dutch oven, set over medium-low heat, add the olive oil. When warm, add the minced onion, garlic and carrot; cook until softened about 10 minutes.
  3. Then add the mushrooms, and cauliflower, adding a few tablespoons of olive oil if needed (I needed it). Cook, stirring frequently, until liquid has released from the vegetables and evaporates and they’re totally softened, about 10 minutes. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, salt, dried oregano, red pepper flakes and finely grated Parmesan. Cook for an additional 15 minutes, just until the flavors have married together. Give it a taste and adjust the salt to your liking. Turn the flame to low to keep warm while you cook the gnocchi/paste.
  4. To cook the cauliflower gnocchi, add a tablespoon of olive oil to a non-stick skillet. When warm, add the gnocchi and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until lightly golden brown. Add a ladle or two of the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Divide amongst bowls and top with another spoonful of “bolognese.” Garnish with parmesan cheese, basil leaves, more crushed red pepper…if you’re into that sort of thing.
  5. You’ll end up with leftover ‘bolognese’—good! This freezes so well. Add to a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer. To thaw, transfer to the fridge or leave out on the counter.

Notes

  • Equipment:
  • Dutch Oven | Silicone Spatula | Food Processor | Chef's Knife |
  • This is a perfect make-ahead meal! The sauce will last for a few days at least, tightly sealed in the fridge.
  • If you wanted to use other vegetables that you have on hand that’s fine! I will say that the only vegetables that can’t be swapped out are the mushrooms, they give the sauce that hearty meat like base that makes a bolognese.
  • How to freeze vegetarian bolognese sauce: Let it cool completely then place in a freezer safe bag (I like to freeze it flat on a baking sheet first so it’s easier to store). Once it’s frozen, remove the baking sheet.

Nutrition Information

Serving 2g Calories 532kcal (27%) Carbohydrates 105g (35%) Protein 21g (42%) Fat 6g (9%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g Monounsaturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 9mg (3%) Sodium 3497mg (146%) Potassium 1310mg (37%) Fiber 11g (44%) Sugar 11g (22%) Vitamin A 5447IU (109%) Vitamin C 80mg (89%) Calcium 285mg (29%) Iron 10mg (56%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 532

% Daily Value*

Serving 2g
Calories 532kcal 27%
Carbohydrates 105g 35%
Protein 21g 42%
Fat 6g 9%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g 1%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 9mg 3%
Sodium 3497mg 146%
Potassium 1310mg 28%
Fiber 11g 44%
Sugar 11g 22%
Vitamin A 5447IU 109%
Vitamin C 80mg 89%
Calcium 285mg 29%
Iron 10mg 56%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.