Description
Get ready to fall in love with this deeply flavorful and hearty Mushroom Ragu. This comforting Italian-inspired sauce is rich with umami, thanks to a slow simmer of mushrooms, garlic, onion, tomato, and herbs. Perfect for cozy dinners, meatless Mondays, or when you’re craving something savory and plant-based. Whether served over pasta, polenta, or used in baked dishes, it’s a go-to choice for a quick dinner, healthy snack, or easy recipe for both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. It’s one of those food ideas you’ll make on repeat—perfect for weeknights or dinner ideas with guests.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
500g cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
200g portobello mushrooms, finely chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
0.5 cup red wine
1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
0.25 cup vegetable broth or water
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Pasta of your choice
Grated parmesan or vegan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Clean and finely chop all vegetables and mushrooms.
2. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add chopped mushrooms and cook until browned and most liquid evaporates.
5. Deglaze the pan with red wine, simmer until reduced.
6. Stir in tomato paste, then crushed tomatoes, herbs, bay leaf, and broth.
7. Simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Cook pasta until al dente and reserve some pasta water.
9. Combine pasta with ragu, add pasta water if needed.
10. Serve hot, topped with herbs and cheese if desired.
Notes
Use a variety of mushrooms for maximum umami depth.
Don’t skip the browning—this step builds rich, caramelized flavor.
This sauce freezes exceptionally well and tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: mushroom ragu, vegetarian pasta, easy dinner, meatless ragu, vegan sauce