Vegetarian One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Free Sauce
This one pot wonder is great for vegetarians or anyone looking to skip the meat for a day. It works perfect for big families as it makes a lot. And my favourite part? One pot means less washing up!
I’ve got to say, this recipe, although no Michelin star meal, is an absolute favourite. It’s so easy to make and is super forgiving. Not everything has to be step by step what I say for it to taste nice. You can adjust the recipe however you like which is great because it means it’s a delicious way to get rid of all those veggies in your fridge that have seen better days.
Which also makes it a cheap meal. Forget about all the seasonings and veggies, the heart is spaghetti, Quorn mince, and plum tomatoes. After that it’s just a case of whatever you have already in. Super cheap which is brilliant when food prices are through the roof.
Pocket Friendly Recipe
Speaking more on food prices, this kind of recipe is something I’m looking to do more of. Given just how much people are struggling to keep the lecky on never mind buy a courgette. Remember when butter use to be a kitchen essential and it’s now priced as a luxury? wow.
Anyway, my point being, I can’t do much in terms of advising you on how to make and save money. But what I can do, is give you a delicious yet affordable recipe once in awhile.
This one in particular is similar to my vegetarian chili con carne recipe, but instead of Mexican beans we’re going Italian pasta.
So check out that recipe and you will see a theme. It’s very much hearty food which you can mix up to suit your own taste/whatever you have available. And for more recipes which I will be adding to every week until food suppliers sort out this pricing mess, check out my budget friendly tag here.
Why this recipe is perfect for families
This one pot spaghetti is particularly good for families. Whether you have a vegetarian family or not. Nothing in it is typically a disliked food so although some people in the family may not think of it has there favourite dinner ever, others will, but no one will hate it. Does that make sense?
What I’m trying to say is no one hates it.
More to the point. Like I said, it’s easy to make, it doesn’t need a lot of attention which means if you just want some time to your self, bang this on the hob, tell the rest of the fam you’re busy making dinner, then sit on the kitchen counter scrolling through tiktok for the next 25 minutes. Just look over and stir it if it needs it.
Furthermore, it’s one pot, which means…
Less washing up!
That’s right, its less washing up. If you do have a family you’re feeding, the last thing you want is a recipe that’s going to involve 3 different pans, 4 different utensils, 2 bowls, and 5 miscellaneous kitchen gadgets.
Especially when on top of that everyone has a plate, a glass, and let’s face it, maybe even a bowl for ice cream.
I mean come on, is there anything more dreamy than seeing a delicious recipe, that’s big enough to feed a family, and yet it’s all done in one pot. Sign me up.
I’d also just like to point out that just because it’s suitable to feed a family, does not mean you have to feel bad if it’s only 2 of you your making this for. Did someone say date night? anyone want to lady and the tramp some spaghetti with me? Or even one of you. It’s great for any occasion.
Vegetarians
Did I mention this one pot spaghetti and meat free sauce is vegetarian? I think I did, just a few times. But why not mention it again? its vegetarian! A big hearty comfort meal fit for vegetarians. Perfect.
The only meat I personally eat is fish, so every recipe on this blog is one or the other. You can check out all the vegetarian recipes I have here or the fish recipes here. I much prefer making a recipe that’s vegetarian with the option to add meat if that’s your preference, rather than the other way round.
If you do want to add meat, it’s as simple as swapping out the Quorn mince for meaty mince and you’re good to go.
Recipe Variations
Variations, variations. I’ve touched on this above but let’s talk a little bit more about it. This recipe has a bunch of variations you can make. The heart of the meal is the mince, tomatoes, and spaghetti. Everything else you can swap for whatever you like/whatever you have.
Even those 3 main ingredients can be substituted. You can swap the vegetarian mince for meat, you can swap the spaghetti for whole grain or any other pasta, and you can add the tomatoes either chopped or whole. It’s up to you.
If I was to list of all the ingredients that goes well with this recipe I’d be here all day. Just know that if you don’t have something, don’t worry too much about having to buy it in.
Whatever vegetables you have in should work fine and if not, at least you know for next time.
Tips for this one pot spaghetti and meat free sauce
Finally, before we get to that delicious one pot spaghetti and meat free sauce recipe, lets cover a few top tips.
If you have leftovers you want reheating, reheat them in a sauce pan with a splash of water to help heat through your leftovers thoroughly and rehydrate that sauce.
When adding the spaghetti, it’s best to break them in half to make sure they are fully covered and cook through.
If you’re adding a lot of vegetables and your making this for children (or men) who might be a bit fussy with them, chop them super finely and add them in early so they soften right into the sauce.
When buying canned tomatoes, don’t buy chopped, buy plum. Plum tomatoes are cheaper but they are exactly the same other than the fact chopped have been chopped. When using them in recipes like this, you’re going to break them up with a spoon anyway. In fact for any recipe you will. Never chopped, always plum.
Use a big pan. My top tip is getting the right pan. You want a big pan because once you start adding all your ingredients, you’ll see it bulks out, so you need space. It also helps to have a wide bottom pan with a larger surface area to make sure everything has a consistent heat.
Casserole Dish
As per my last tip, the best pan you can use for this recipe is a casserole dish. And not just for this recipe either, for most similar recipes or one pot recipes, casserole dishes are your best bet. They have lids, they can go in the oven, they heat thoroughly. It’s the kitchen essential you will use time and time again and a good one will last a lifetime.
My ultimate recommendation and the casserole dish I personally use is this cast iron casserole dish that I’ve reviewed here on Smartblend. However, side note, that ones not always available.
If I was buying another dish, my top recommendation would be the Uno casa dish. It’s not over priced and comes with some helpful ad ons like those mats. If you’re shopping from the UK, it’s here on amazon for just £52 so check that out and pay attention to those raving reviews. Its a great price for such a high quality casserole dish.
If you’re shopping from the US, you can get it on amazon.com for $59 right here.
Vegetarian One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Free Sauce
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a cast iron skillet or casserole dish, heat a splash of vegetable oil. Once hot add your onions and cook for around 5 minutes or until soft, then add your Quorn mince and cook till soft and dark. This should take around 10 minutes.
- Stir in your garlic, carrot, spinach, and seasonings then cook for a further 1-2 minutes.
- Add the can of plum tomatoes, then dump in your veggie stock. Bring the mix to a boil then turn the heat down to simmer and add your dry spaghetti. Cover the mix with a lid (you see how the casserole dish is helpful now don’t you?) if you don’t have a lid you can make one with tin foil but be careful, it will be hot.
- Once the pasta is almost cooked (about 9 minutes) taste, adjust the seasoning to your liking, then add your peas for the last few minutes.
- Sever in bowls with an optional sprinkle of cheese.
Notes
Top Tips
- When adding the spaghetti, it’s best to break them in half to make sure they are fully covered and cook through.
- When buying canned tomatoes, don’t buy chopped, buy plum. Plum tomatoes are cheaper but they are exactly the same other than the fact chopped have been chopped.
- Use a big pan. My top tip is getting the right pan. You want a big pan because once you start adding all your ingredients, you’ll see it bulks out, so you need space.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
442.15Fat
4.26Sat. Fat
0.89Carbs
79.97Fiber
12.31Net carbs
67.64Sugar
15.26Protein
26.74Sodium
1828.37Cholesterol
0The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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Hi, I’m Cameron, guv’nor of Smartblend. If you liked this then you’re in luck, I have a bunch more recipes like it. I share only vegetarian and pescatarian food recipes, cocktails, and drink guides with a sprinkling of wellness and mindful drinking. If that sounds like you, then stick around!
