Name: Tomato Sauce with Hidden Veggies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced; 2 bell peppers, diced; 3 stalks of celery, diced; 4–5 large carrots, diced; 4 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 tbsp Italian seasonings; ½ tsp sea salt, plus more to taste; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; 3 tbsp tomato paste; ½ cup dry red wine (optional, but adds some extra flavor); 2 (28 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes and their juices; 1/4 cup raw cashews; 2 tbsp hemp seeds; 1.5 tbsp nutritional yeast; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/8 tsp garlic powder

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 23 reviews

If you’re craving a rich, hearty sauce that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, this Tomato Sauce with Hidden Veggies absolutely delivers. Packed with carrots, celery, bell peppers, and onion, this vegan-friendly recipe is pure comfort food with an impressive nutritional boost. The blend of classic Italian flavors and a smooth, velvety texture makes this sauce an instant family favorite—even your pickiest eaters won’t suspect just how many veggies are inside! Plus, it’s plant-based, gluten-free, and irresistibly satisfying poured over pasta, protein, or as a base for countless inventive meals.

Tomato Sauce with Hidden Veggies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how basic ingredients create a Tomato Sauce with Hidden Veggies that tastes so layered and full of character! Each element adds its own personality—whether it’s deep savory undertones, lively color, or sweet, subtle complexity.

Extra virgin olive oil: Rich and fruity, it’s the flavorful foundation of the sauce and helps soften the veggies.
Yellow onion: Adds sweet depth and melts seamlessly into the background as it cooks.
Bell peppers: Bring a pop of color and brightness, balancing the sauce’s sweetness and acidity.
Celery: Offers a mild, earthy undertone and a little structure to the veggie blend.
Carrots: Their sweetness sneaks in and smoothes out the tomato’s tangy edge.
Garlic: Classic Italian flavor that amplifies every other ingredient—no tomato sauce feels complete without it!
Italian seasonings: A trusted blend (like dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary) to give the sauce that signature Italian aroma.
Sea salt: Essential for bringing the natural flavor of all the vegetables to life.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat and rounds out the flavors.
Red pepper flakes: Just a hint gives lively warmth, but you can dial the heat up or down as you like.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Dry red wine (optional): A splash boosts the sauce’s richness and adds an elegant twist—skip if preferred.
Canned whole peeled tomatoes and juices: The backbone of the sauce, giving it body and familiar tomato goodness.
Raw cashews (for vegan parmesan): They create a creamy, nutty base for the optional dairy-free topping.
Hemp seeds (for vegan parmesan): These tiny seeds add healthy fats, a little protein, and extra texture.
Nutritional yeast: Delivers a delicious cheesy taste—perfect in vegan parmesan!
Sea salt (for parmesan): Ensures every sprinkle is savory and well-seasoned.
Garlic powder: Adds another layer of garlicky goodness to the parmesan finish.

How to Make Tomato Sauce with Hidden Veggies

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating a generous pour of extra virgin olive oil in your favorite large, high-sided pan over medium heat. Once it’s glossy and hot, stir in the onion, bell peppers, celery, carrots, and garlic. Sprinkle in the Italian seasonings, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes now so the veggies can soak up every savory note from the get-go. Let this vibrant mixture cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the veggies to soften and caramelize a bit—this is where tons of hidden flavor is born!

Step 2: Add Tomato Paste and Wine

Spoon in the tomato paste and cook it down for about 3 minutes, letting it cling to the veggies and sizzle away its raw tomato taste. If you’re using red wine, add it next, and let the mixture simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes. This little bath of wine adds a gorgeous depth and really rounds out the overall taste of your Tomato Sauce with Hidden Veggies.

Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes

Time for the main event! Pour in those canned whole peeled tomatoes along with all their juices—don’t waste a drop. Use a spoon to gently break up the tomatoes a bit, then drop the heat to a gentle simmer. Let everything bubble together uncovered for at least 40 minutes; this slow magic gives the sauce time to mellow, sweeten, and thicken into something truly special.

Step 4: Make the Vegan Parmesan (Optional)

While the sauce simmers, whip up your quick vegan parmesan if you like! Just pop the cashews, hemp seeds, nutritional yeast, sea salt, and garlic powder in a high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse until you have a fine, crumbly sprinkle—don’t over-blend or you’ll accidentally make a paste. This zippy topping is the ultimate finish for any tomato sauce masterpiece.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

Ready for the fun part? Carefully ladle your chunky sauce into a blender (like a Vitamix) and blend until completely smooth and velvety. Depending on the size of your blender, you might need to work in batches. Blending is what truly turns this into Tomato Sauce with Hidden Veggies: the texture becomes totally luscious, and every bit of veggie is perfectly hidden!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Pour the creamy sauce back into your warm pan and keep it hot while you whip up your favorite pasta, veggie noodles, or protein. Toss and serve piping hot, with a big sprinkle of vegan parmesan if you made it! This sauce shines over any base, and the possibilities are endless—let your creativity lead the way.

How to Serve Tomato Sauce with Hidden Veggies

Garnishes

Nothing elevates a bowl of Tomato Sauce with Hidden Veggies like the right garnish! A scatter of fresh basil leaves, a generous spoonful of vegan parmesan, or even just a swirl of good olive oil turns every serving into an eye-catching, mouthwatering treat. Don’t forget a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of flair.

Side Dishes

Pair this sauce with your favorite pasta for the ultimate classic comfort, but don’t stop there. It’s just as amazing spooned over roasted vegetables, polenta, or a hearty grain bowl. Add simple garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or even a side of sautéed greens to round out the meal and soak up every drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the pasta bowl! Tomato Sauce with Hidden Veggies becomes the star when swirled into risottos, baked into lasagna, or ladled over spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist. Hosting a gathering? Serve it in mini ramekins alongside fresh baguette for dipping or use it as a dipping sauce for oven-baked fries or roasted cauliflower “wings.” You’ll find so many surprising and delicious ways to enjoy it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra Tomato Sauce with Hidden Veggies on hand? You’re in luck—it keeps beautifully! Pour any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s leftovers even more irresistible. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing

This sauce is a meal prep superstar! Let it cool completely before dividing into freezer-safe containers or reusable bags (make sure to leave a little space for expansion). Freeze for up to 3 months—just be sure to label with the date. Thaw overnight in the fridge for quick weeknight dinners anytime.

Reheating

Gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the sauce thickens a bit too much in the fridge or freezer, just stir in a splash of water or veggie broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual portions for busy days—simply cover to prevent splatters!

FAQs

Can I make Tomato Sauce with Hidden Veggies without a blender?

Absolutely! For a rustic, chunky version, just skip the blending and use a potato masher or the back of your spoon to break down the veggies as much as possible. The sauce won’t be as silky smooth, but it’s every bit as tasty and you’ll get bits of hidden veggies in each bite.

Do I have to use red wine?

Nope—the red wine is totally optional! It adds depth, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, just leave it out. Try a splash of vegetable broth or extra tomato juice if you want to keep the liquid level the same.

How can I sneak in even more veggies?

You can get creative by adding diced zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or even sweet potato! Just chop them finely and sauté with the other veggies at the start. Tomato Sauce with Hidden Veggies is endlessly adaptable, so it’s great for using up whatever’s in your fridge.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Once blended, the sauce is ultra-smooth and the veggie flavors meld beautifully into the tomato base. Most kids won’t suspect a thing, making it a stress-free way to boost their veggie intake.

Can I make Tomato Sauce with Hidden Veggies ahead of time?

Yes, and it actually tastes even better when made a day or two in advance. The flavors meld and deepen, so you’ll have an extra delicious sauce ready for busy meals or entertaining guests.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a pot of Tomato Sauce with Hidden Veggies bubbling on the stove, filling the kitchen with cozy aromas. If you’re looking for that perfect sauce that feels both healthy and indulgent, give this recipe a try—you’ll fall in love with every spoonful (and your family might just demand it on repeat)! Happy cooking!