
Quorn Bolognese Recipe
Learn how to make quick and easy Quorn bolognese recipe with tender plant-based mince. This simple how to cook guide creates a delicious meat-free pasta sauce in just 30 minutes using basic ingredients for perfect weeknight dinners.
Prep
Cook
Serve
Kcal
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stick, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 350g Quorn mince
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 150ml vegetable stock
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil (or a small handful fresh basil, torn)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 320g tagliatelle or spaghetti
- 30g Parmesan, finely grated (or a vegetarian hard cheese)
Step 1
Get your veg finely diced first, this is called a soffritto and it's the flavour base of your bolognese, so take your time over it. Warm the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or sauté pan over a medium heat, then tip in the onion, carrot and celery. Cook gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until softened and sweet but not coloured.Step 2
Add the crushed garlic and cook for a further minute until fragrant, keep it moving so it doesn't catch and turn bitter.Step 3
Crumble in the Quorn mince and stir well to coat it in all that lovely veg and oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, breaking it up with your wooden spoon, until it takes on a little colour.Step 4
Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 1-2 minutes, this cooks out the raw, tinny taste and deepens the flavour beautifully.Step 5
Pour in the chopped tomatoes and vegetable stock, then add the oregano, basil, bay leaf and sugar (the sugar just balances the acidity of the tomatoes, you won't taste it as sweetness). Season generously with salt and pepper, stir well, then bring to a gentle simmer.Step 6
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce tick away gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's thickened, glossy and rich. If it looks too thick, loosen with a splash of water.Step 7
About 10 minutes before the sauce is ready, cook your pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water according to the packet instructions, until al dente. Scoop out a mugful of the starchy pasta water before draining, this is liquid gold for loosening the sauce.Step 8
Fish out the bay leaf, then toss the drained pasta through the bolognese sauce with a splash of the reserved pasta water, tossing well until every strand is glossy and coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Divide between warm bowls and finish with a generous grating of Parmesan.
What ingredients are used in Quorn Bolognese Recipe?
Key ingredients include 300g Quorn mince, olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, vegetable stock, red wine, dried herbs (oregano, basil), bay leaves, and balsamic vinegar for depth of flavour.
How to cook Quorn Bolognese from scratch at home?
Learn how to cook quorn bolognese recipe by sautéing vegetables in olive oil, adding Quorn mince, then incorporating tomatoes, stock, and herbs. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until rich and flavourful, finishing with balsamic vinegar before serving over pasta.
How long should you simmer bolognese sauce for best results?
Simmer bolognese sauce gently for 25-30 minutes on low heat, partially covered. This allows flavours to develop and the sauce to reduce properly. Stir occasionally and add extra stock if it becomes too thick during cooking.
Can you substitute Quorn mince with other plant-based alternatives?
Yes, you can easily substitute Quorn mince with soy mince, lentils, mushrooms, or other plant-based mince alternatives. The cooking method remains the same, though cooking times may vary slightly depending on your chosen substitute.
What's the best pasta shape to serve with vegetarian bolognese?
Spaghetti is classic, but pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni work brilliantly with bolognese. Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well. Cook until al dente and toss with some sauce before serving for best coating.
