A deliciously healthy pasta sauce with hidden veggies is an easy weeknight dinner everyone will enjoy. Packed with vegetables and high in protein, this homemade pasta sauce is rich, meaty and easy to make.

Looking for an all-in-one meal that is full of flavor and nutrition? Look no further. This hidden vegetable pasta sauce is so easy and versatile. You can swap or add any veggie you like and the best part is that it comes together in one pan. This recipe is a great way to sneak in extra servings of veggies for picky eaters.

Why this Veggie-Packed Pasta Sauce is Perfect for Weekly Dinner?

Versatile: Use up veggies that you may have neglected in the fridge. Substitute vegetables based on your preference. Serve it up with any pasta you like, zucchini noodles or as a lasagna meat sauce.
Quick & Easy: Comes together in one pan, less kitchen clutter and easy clean up. This recipe uses store bought marinara making it more flavorful and doesn’t require multiple cans of canned tomatoes and sauces.
Freezer friendly: Perfect make ahead recipe for busy seasons. Freezes very well for up to 3 months!
High Protein: Not only is this pasta recipe loaded with vegetables, it is also loaded with protein. Very macro friendly.
Nutrient-dense: With so many variations of vegetables to add, this pasta sauce recipe is rich in vitamins, minerals, protein and antioxidants. One thing I like to do is sneak in chicken liver into this recipe, it amps up the nutrient level even more. I add one small chicken liver, chopped up and sauté with the veggies, before adding the sauce. You wont be able to taste the chicken liver!

pasta sauce with hidden vegetables in pan

Pasta Sauce Variations and Substitutions:

There are endless possibilities with veggies. I usually stick with neutral flavored vegetables that won’t alter the flavors too much.

My favorite vegetables: carrots, onions, red pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant, cauliflower, broccoli and spinach.
Swap the beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage
Keep it Vegetarian without the meat
Use in lasagna filling
Serve over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option, or in zucchini boats.

Ingredients for Homemade Healthy Pasta Sauce:

This pasta sauce with hidden veggies uses simple ingredients that are available in most grocery stores. Feel free to tailor this recipe to your liking.

Ground Beef: Good quality beef such as grass-fed or pasture raised.
Oil: neutral flavor like avocado or olive oil.
Mushrooms: White or baby portobello mushrooms. Adds heartiness.
Onion & Garlic: Yellow or sweet onion.
Carrots: The sweetness of carrots naturally balances the acidity of the marinara sauce.
Red Bell Pepper: High in vitamin C and beta carotene. It’s an antioxidant powerhouse. Can use yellow or orange bell pepper too.
Marinara Sauce: Your favorite store-bought marinara sauce.
Seasoning: Italian seasoning or Herbs De Provence. Salt and pepper to taste.
Add-ins (optional): Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

How to make Hidden Vegetable Pasta Sauce

Grab a deep pan or skillet, such as cast iron. Chop up veggies.

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef. Sauté until half way cooked through.
Add mushrooms to the skillet with beef and sauté until browned, about 3 minutes.
Add onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes on medium- low heat.
Add remaining vegetables carrots and red pepper and cook until softened, 3-5 minutes.
Lastly, add the marinara sauce and seasoning. Stir ingredients together.
Cover with lid, reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Add chopped fresh basil or parmesan in the end, if desired.

Tips

Storage: Air tight container in refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freeze: Air tight container or zip lock bag. Allow sauce to first cool completely. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Stove top on low heat or microwave.