This vegan twist on an Italian classic is not only quick and easy to prepare, but also budget-friendly at just 80p per portion!
Back in my university days, this was one of my go-to recipes, and 30 years later, it’s still a family favourite! While traditional Bolognese is left to simmer for over an hour, this speedy ‘cheat version’ is ready in just 20 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a delicious meal in a flash.
This recipe is part of my 3 Healthy Meals for £3 a Day series, making it ideal for students and anyone looking to eat well on a budget.
Ingredient Cost Breakdown
- ½ medium onion (60g) (Tesco) – 6p
- 2 tsp minced garlic (Very Lazy Chopped Garlic) – 6p
- 7 medium mushrooms (125g) (Tesco) – 37p
- 140g / 5 oz meat-free mince (Tesco Plant Chef) – 52p
- 250g / 9 oz bolognese sauce (Tesco) – 35p
- 180g / 6 oz durum wheat spaghetti (Tesco) – 23p
Total cost: £1.59
Cost per serving: 80p
Prices listed are for November 2024, sourced from Tesco as that’s where I do my main grocery shop at the moment.
Top Tips & FAQs
Why use ready-made bolognese sauce?
Using a ready-made bolognese sauce is both cost-effective and time-saving. While some might consider it cheating, it can often be cheaper than sourcing individual sauce ingredients. No need for a high-end brand either – I’ve found that supermarket own-brand sauces are surprisingly delicious! Just make sure it’s vegan-friendly, like Tesco Smooth Bolognese Sauce (500g for 69p), which contains simple, plant-based ingredients with moderate salt and sugar levels.
To elevate the flavor, I add fresh onion, garlic, and mushrooms, giving the sauce a deeper, richer taste. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, try finely chopping them or blitzing in a food processor; they’ll blend right into the sauce.
How do we get that ‘chewy’ texture in vegan alternatives to traditional bolognese?
Meat-free minces work perfectly for this dish, and if you’re after a whole-food option, home-made tofu crumbles are an excellent choice. They’re super easy to make too – check out my recipe here!
Can I recommend a store-bought meat-free mince?
My personal favourite is Tesco Plant Chef frozen mince, which has a good texture and doesn’t contain any artificial additives. It’s budget-friendly too, costing just £1.69 for 454g.
Meat-free minces are now widely available in UK supermarkets and health food shops. You’ll find them in the plant-based chiller and freezer cabinets, as well as dehydrated minces on the ambient aisles. I recommend trying a few out and seeing which is your favourite. Interestingly, own-brand supermarket frozen veggie minces tend to be the cheapest, but also contain the least additives!
What about parmesan? Are there vegan options?
Vegan parmesan alternatives are available from brands like Violife and I Am Nut OK, though they can be a bit expensive. I often make my own vegan “parmesan” by blending nutritional yeast flakes, cashews, and salt – ingredients I always have on hand. It’s a quick, tasty, nutrient-rich and affordable option. I’ve shared my recipe below.
Gluten-free options
Gluten-free spaghetti can be found on the ‘Free From’ aisles of UK supermarkets. For a higher protein alternative, a lentil or chickpea pasta could be used instead. Some veggie minces contain barley so be sure to check the ingredients before purchasing. Alternatively, my tofu crumbles recipe can be made gluten free.
The Good Stuff
✨ Onions are loaded with antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin, along with fibre and vitamins that support immunity, heart health, and reduce inflammation.
✨ Garlic contains immune-boosting compounds like allicin, along with vitamins C and B6, which support heart health and have powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
✨ Mushrooms are packed with B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants that promote immune and brain health.
✨ Soya mince is rich in plant-based protein, healthy fats, fibre, and essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and B vitamins, supporting muscle health and heart health. It also contains special compounds called isoflavones that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and also support hormone balance.
✨ Durum wheat spaghetti is rich in complex carbs for sustained energy, and contains useful amounts of plant-based protein and essential nutrients, like iron and B vitamins, supporting digestion and energy metabolism.
Recipe Card
Speedy Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients
- 1 TBSP oil
- ½ medium onion (60g) finely chopped
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 7 medium mushrooms (125g) finely chopped
- 140 g / 5 oz meat-free mince*
- 250 g / 9 oz bolognese sauce**
- 180 g / 6 oz durum wheat spaghetti
Suggested toppings:
- Vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast flakes***
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan (skillet) over low-medium heat and cook the onion until it starts to soften and become translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the garlic and stir through. Continue cooking for one minute.
- Add the mushroom, and stir through to combine. When the mushrooms have started to brown and release their liquid, stir in the veggie mince.
- Pour in the bolognese sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. When al dente, drain, arrange in bowls, and top with the bolognese. Sprinkle with vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast flakes, if desired, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition Breakdown
N.B. The above values are estimates and for illustration purposes only. The actual nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. The % Reference Intake (RI) will also vary depending on your age, gender, height, BMI, level of activity and other personal variables.
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If you make this Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese, I’d love to hear your feedback and any suggestions for adaptations. Tag your photos with #bitofthegoodstuff on social media – I’d love to see them! You can also connect with me on my social media channels here: Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest.
With love,
