Vegan Crock Pot Bolognese Sauce
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As I get older, the less I care about new years resolutions. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love the idea of having something to work for in a new year, but I don’t like the rigidness of resolutions. People get so down when they don’t accomplish what they promised they would on January 1st, and then quickly revert back to their old ways. I don’t think life should be so black and white. If you don’t lose 10 pounds by February, don’t give up your weight loss goals entirely. Celebrate the little successes you’ve had and continue to work to a better you.
That’s what I believe in, at least. Even though I don’t set my own resolutions, January is a very inspiring month. Even if you’re not setting a goal to lose weight, get in better shape, workout more or eat better, it’s hard not to feel the excitement as others around you try their best to better themselves. This is why I was incredibly excited to be chosen by Del Monte to participate in their Garden in Your Pantry: New Year New You campaign. They asked 18 fabulous healthy food bloggers to use one of Del Monte’s farm fresh ingredients to make a healthy, delicious and good-for-you meal to kick start your healthy new year. Unlike many other canned food companies, Del Monte only uses real ingredients. And what’s more exciting and inspiring than using something that tastes like you just plucked it from the ground yourself? Truthfully, my pantry is always filled with Del Monte’s diced tomatoes, so I instantly knew what I was going to make: bolognese sauce!
I’m trying to eat less meat so I went the vegan route with this, using my favorite meat substitute, gimme lean. You can add in any lean ground beef, lamb, pork or turkey if you’d like and get a similar sauce. What I love SO much about this sauce is how easy it is. Seriously. Just toss your ingredients into the crock pot, let them cook to perfection for 6 hours and then pour over your favorite noodles. I’m not kidding, it’s that easy. And since we’re all running around like crazy people trying to get our lives back after the holidays, I know easy is a must have on many people’s lists these days 🙂
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be hard, expensive or overly complicated, and this recipe is proof of that. With delicious recipes like this vegan crock pot bolognese sauce, I don’t think there’s any excuses on why you can’t stick to your healthy eating resolutions.
Vegan Crock Pot Bolognese Sauce
Serves about 8
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 14 ounces Gimme Lean ground beef style
- 14 ounces Del Monte diced tomatoes
- 14 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until translucent. Add the Gimme Lean ground beef style and break it up with a spatula. Heat until crumbled and cooked, about 6 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for about 6-8 hours. Serve over spaghetti or your favorite noodles.
Nutritional information per serving (1/2 cup sauce):
Calories: 125.5
Fat: 3.5 grams
Carbohydrates: 6.5 grams
Fiber: 1.5 grams
Protein: 7 grams
Weight Watchers Points: 3
Now, a chance to win a $100 Visa giftcard! Simply answer THIS question in the comments below!
“What are your favorite fruits or vegetables to stock in your pantry?”
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This giveaway will run from 1/6/2014-2/6/2014.
Claire
Tags:bolognese recipes, crock pot recipes, healthy recipes, vegan pasta, vegan recipes
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
austma7@aol.com
kidney beans. lima beans, baked
beans, peaches and pineapple and
mixed fruit in my kitchen cabinet.
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I tweeted with “#SweepstakesEntry”
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I want to thank you for this awesome sweep :)
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demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
tvollowitz at aol dot com
I like to keep squash, crackers and butter.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
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amy [at] utry [dot] it
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
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Thank you.
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Tweet
mrsmchappell at gmail dot com
My favorite fruits to store are tangerines, pineapple and peaches! My children love to eat them straight from the cans and I like to use them in trifles.
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https://twitter.com/fernglade77/status/424987213286215680
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To answer the contest question:
My favorite fruits and vegetables to have in the cupboards are peas, green beans, apricots, and peaches.
coriwestphal at msn dot com
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Thanks for the chance to win!
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boylaneely at hotmail dot com
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tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Thanks for the contest.