If you’re looking for a classic vegan bolognese that deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation, this is it. It’s rich, hearty, packed with plant-based protein, high in iron and fibre, and made using simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Think deep tomato flavour, a savoury umami boost from mushrooms and lentils, and that perfect “meaty” texture thanks to TVP.

This is the kind of recipe you make once and then keep coming back to. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and easy enough for busy weeknights, but still tastes like something that’s been simmering all day. Serve it over your favourite pasta, in lasagne, or even batch cook it to keep in the freezer for those nights you need something quick and nourishing.

Print Pin

Classic Vegan Bolognese

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings 5

Suitable For 6m+

Ingredients

250 g mushrooms (finely diced)
1 large onion (finely diced)
3 tbsp olive oil
6 cloves garlic (minced)
200 g textured vegetable protein
750 ml vegetable stock (low salt if possible)
2 tbsp Italian herbs
1/2 tbsp dried oregano
1/2 tbsp dried basil
1 x 400g can of brown lentils (drained and rinsed)
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1/2 tbsp raw sugar (omit under 12 months)
1 tbsp soy sauce (omit under 12 months)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (omit under 12 months)
140 g tomato paste
1 x 800g can of diced tomatoes
500 g pasta (of choice)

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the TVP and vegetable stock. Allow it to absorb the liquid for 1 minute.
Add the Italian herbs, oregano, basil, lentils, nutritional yeast, raw sugar, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes. Mix well to combine.
Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes to deepen the flavours. Alternatively, let the mixture sit for up to 1 hour, then reheat before serving.
While the sauce cooks, cook your choice of pasta according to the packet.
Once cooked, serve the bolognese over your pasta of choice.