Go Back

Trader Joe’s Easy Vegan Meat Sauce (Inspired by Sarah’s Mom’s Recipe)

This Trader Joe’s easy vegan meat sauce is a plant-based twist on a family classic, made with onions, garlic, herbs, and Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground. Perfect for pasta, lasagna, or meal prep — rich, hearty, and 100% vegan!
2.79 from 14 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, filipino, Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon vegan cheese

For the Vegan Meat Sauce

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil or use vegetable broth for oil-free
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped
  • 1 package Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground 12 oz / 340 g
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 can 28 oz / 800 g tinned tomatoes (whole, crushed, or diced)
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon coconut sugar or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Yondu optional, for umami depth
  • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley or fresh basil chopped, for garnish

To Serve

  • 12 oz 340 g pasta of choice (spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne work beautifully)

Instructions
 

Step 1 – Sauté the Aromatics

  • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2 – Cook the Vegan “Meat”

  • Add Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook for 4–5 minutes until heated through and lightly browned.

Step 3 – Add Tomato Paste & Seasonings

  • Stir in the tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let it toast for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 4 – Build the Sauce

  • Pour in the tinned tomatoes and a splash of reserved pasta water. Add coconut sugar and Yondu (if using). Stir well, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook gently for 20–25 minutes.

Step 5 – Finish & Serve

  • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Stir in fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot over your favorite pasta, and garnish with extra herbs if desired.
Keyword spaghetti, spaghetti bolognese