Description
Looking for a cozy, flavor-packed meal that skips the meat but never the richness? This Mushroom Ragu is your answer. It’s a hearty, satisfying sauce brimming with earthy mushrooms, simmered in a robust tomato and red wine base. Perfect over pasta, polenta, or crusty bread, it brings out deep umami notes that even meat lovers will appreciate. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner, plant-based comfort food, or vegetarian meal prep, this easy recipe checks all the boxes. It’s a go-to when you want dinner ideas that are both nourishing and indulgent. Think healthy snack meets comforting dinner – all in one bowl!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
16 ounces mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, portobello), finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup red wine
1 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari (optional)
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces pasta (tagliatelle or fettuccine)
Instructions
1. Chop onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Clean and finely chop the mushrooms.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in mushrooms and salt. Cook for 10–15 minutes until moisture evaporates and mushrooms are browned.
5. Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Deglaze the pan with red wine. Simmer until slightly reduced.
7. Stir in vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, and soy sauce (if using).
8. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Serve ragu over pasta and garnish with fresh herbs or cheese.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, add a splash of the mushroom soaking liquid if using dried mushrooms.
Make a double batch and freeze leftovers for a ready-made dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg