Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy Tempeh Bolognese Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty, protein-packed vegan twist on a classic Italian favorite. Crumbled tempeh takes the place of ground meat, absorbing all the rich tomato, garlic, and herb flavors. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and comes together fast, delivering comfort and nourishment in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

tempeholive oiloniongarliccarrotcelerycrushed tomatoes or tomato saucetomato pastesoy sauce or tamariItalian seasoningbasiloreganochili flakes (optional)salt and pepperwater or vegetable brothspaghetti or pasta of choice

directions

Crumble tempeh into small pieces using your hands or a food processor.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until soft.

Add the crumbled tempeh and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly browned.

Stir in tomato paste, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, and chili flakes if using. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

Pour in crushed tomatoes and a splash of water or broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

Let the sauce cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve over cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice. Garnish with fresh basil or vegan Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use lentils or mushrooms instead of tempeh for a different texture.

Add chopped spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.

Spice it up with smoked paprika or cayenne.

Use gluten-free tamari and pasta for a gluten-free option.

Stir in a splash of red wine for deeper flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover Tempeh Bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

What is tempeh?

Tempeh is a fermented soy product with a firm texture and nutty flavor—great for absorbing sauces.

Can I freeze this sauce?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Do I need to steam tempeh first?

Not necessary for this recipe, but steaming can mellow the flavor if desired.

Is this sauce kid-friendly?

Yes! It’s flavorful and packed with veggies—just skip the chili flakes for a milder taste.

Can I use store-bought marinara?

You can, but homemade sauce allows more control over flavor and ingredients.

What pasta works best?

Spaghetti is classic, but it also pairs well with rigatoni, penne, or linguine.

Can I make this oil-free?

Yes, sauté veggies in water or broth instead of oil.

How can I make it creamier?

Stir in a splash of plant-based milk or a dollop of vegan cream.

What gives it a “meaty” taste?

Soy sauce, tomato paste, and seasoning blend with the tempeh to create rich, umami depth.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—perfect for meal prep or freezing for later.

Conclusion

Quick & Easy Tempeh Bolognese Spaghetti Sauce is a flavorful, plant-powered comfort dish that’s fast enough for weeknights and satisfying enough for guests. With wholesome ingredients and rich Italian flavors, it’s a go-to vegan pasta sauce that’s both nourishing and crave-worthy.