These tested vegetarian dinner recipes are easy, filling, and packed with flavor! From baked pastas to tacos, these meatless meals satisfy everyone at the table.
Looking for meatless meals? Vegetarian dinners appear often on my table: in fact, eating vegetables was the reason I started this website! As the author of a vegetarian cookbook, I’ve realized can be difficult to find vegetarian meal ideas that are these four things: easy, filling, tasty, and healthy.
So I’ve done the hard work for you! Here’s a list of my top vegetarian dinner recipes that get rave reviews from my real-life family (including my kids) and my readers. Each one is filled with colorful healthy veggies and has enough plant-based protein to keep you full all evening.
My Top Easy Vegetarian Dinner Recipes
This easy rice bowl comes together in a flash! This fast vegetarian dinner stars black beans and veggies with zingy cilantro lime ranch sauce.
Eggplant parmesan is a classic vegetarian dinner recipe that's hearty, filling, and pleases just about everyone. My spin on the recipe is faster and easier to make at home than most versions and is full of incredible flavor.
Here’s a Tex Mex favorite vegetarian dinner that everyone loves, a great way to infuse loads of veggies without giving it a second thought. Try these Vegetarian Faijtas! These are so full flavored and satisfying, they please everyone around the table: even the meat lovers.
This falafel bowl makes a satisfying meal, full of bright Mediterranean flavors! Featuring homemade baked falafel and crunchy veggies, it’s a delicious healthy vegetarian dinner idea.
Need a fast and easy vegetarian dinner recipe? Enter: baked quesadillas! This recipe makes the humble solo meal into a delicious dinner, resulting in a big batch all at once on a sheet pan. They come out with a beautifully crispy exterior.
Some vegetarian dinner recipes stand a head above the rest, and this is one of them. Try this cheese tortellini in creamy marinara sauce! In just 15 minutes, you’ve got a pasta skillet that's full of crowd-pleasing flavor.
This Mediterranean rice bowl is ready in just 30 minutes, packed with colorful vegetables and bright flavors! With fluffy turmeric rice, seasoned chickpeas, and creamy tzatziki: it’s a weeknight dinner homerun.
This delicious black bean tacos recipe takes just 15 minutes, a fast and easy dinner idea that pleases everyone! Customize your toppings for loads of variations. Works for gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and vegetarian diets.
This easy lentil soup recipe uses just 7 simple ingredients and costs pennies per serving, making it perfect for meal prep and weeknight dinners. This plant-based soup is hearty, satisfying, and delicious.
These eggplant meatballs are absolutely delicious! Made with garlic and Parmesan, the meatballs have a surprisingly juicy texture. Serve with pasta and marinara for a satisfying vegetarian dinner!
Here's a fan favorite easy weeknight vegetarian dinner: chickpea curry! It takes only about 20 minutes to make, which is a speed demon move on weeknights. Warm spices and coconut milk make it one the most tastiest things you can make in that short time window.
In just 30 minutes you have a fast and easy vegetarian dinner: this vegetarian Chili! All you have to do is chop an onion and garlic: otherwise, it’s dump and stir. It's one of my fan favorite recipes! Even better: serve it over sweet potato wedges for chili loaded sweet potatoes.
This unique spin on the iconic Italian dish is a fun way to put a spin on dinner. This recipe features a comforting vegetarian filling of spinach, basil and ricotta, topped with a garlicky easy homemade tomato sauce. Roll up the noodles and cover them in melty mozzarella cheese, and it’s fun, a crowd-pleasing vegetarian dinner recipe.
This tofu broccoli stir fry comes to the dinnertime rescue! Broccoli florets and tofu cubes are tossed in a tangy, savory sauce for a vegetarian and vegan dinner everyone will love. Even better, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
My favorite red lentil curry is packed with flavor and plant based protein, topped with a sparkling cilantro chutney that makes it shine! Serve with rice as a hearty vegan and vegetarian dinner.
Cozy up to a bowl of these creamy, zingy peanut noodles! This fresh, easy dinner recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes. The peanut butter sauce is lusciously creamy, bursting with flavor from soy sauce, fresh lime juice and honey or maple syrup. Mix it together with noodle strands and crunchy veggies, fresh cilantro, and crunchy peanuts.
You won’t want to stop eating this mushroom pasta recipe! Its savory, buttery flavor pops with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan. This dish has just the right proportion of ‘shrooms to pasta, so that each bite has a generous pop of flavor.
This tofu bowl with rice stars crispy tofu, fresh veggies, spicy mayo and crunchy bits of fried onion! It's a deliciously healthy vegetarian dinner that's like eating a deconstructed sushi roll.
Here’s a delightful vegetarian recipe that makes dinnertime more special: Eggplant Rollatini! It’s like a combination of eggplant Parmesan and lasagna roll ups. Tender strips of eggplant are wrapped around a creamy three-cheese filling, then baked in homemade tomato sauce and more cheese.
Welcome to the vegetarian sandwich of your dreams! It stars crispy breaded tofu, tangy Russian dressing, and crunchy pickles that create a flavor explosion everyone will love.
Everyone loves this easy baked gnocchi recipe! It features the doughy pasta baked in tangy marinara, layered with two types of gooey cheese. You don’t even have to boil the gnocchi: just throw it in the pan and bake.
You know those recipes where people rave and only you know the secret that it’s actually easy to make? That’s the case with this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta! There’s major wow-factor to this pasta, which comes together in just 30 minutes. Earthy, fruity sundried tomatoes lend a meaty quality to this easy vegetarian dish, which is bathed in a Parmesan cream sauce.
Over the years, I've become a huge fan of tofu and this crispy tofu recipe is easy to make and comes out perfectly seasoned, with extra crunchy edges and a tender interior. There’s no need to even press the tofu! It’s actually pretty amazing that it can go from bland to meaty, savory cubes in just 20 minutes.
Need a healthy vegetarian dinner idea? Look no further than this trusty trick: Stuffed Sweet Potatoes! Bake the spuds whole until they’re moist and tender, then top with savory fillings to make a hearty dinner recipe. The way the savory black beans contrast with the sweet orange flesh makes magic, in our opinion.
Here’s a vegetarian dinner recipe we designed to work in 30 minutes flat: these easy Vegetarian Enchiladas! The filling takes no time to whip up: it’s just spiced pinto beans and spices. Roll ’em up, bake until golden and cheesy, and load with all your favorite toppings.
Here’s a vegetarian dinner recipe that’s one of the Italian greats: Quattro Formaggi! This classic Italian combination of four cheeses makes one completely irresistible slice! There’s the melty mozzarella, sharp and salty Parmesan and Pecorino cheese, and the subtle funk of gorgonzola.
Meet our best vegetarian lasagna! I've been honing meatless lasagna recipes for years. This one is the culmination of all of my research. The tomato sauce has just the right zing and garlic nuance, and the spinach ricotta cheese filling is classic and creamy.
This breaded tofu is a game-changer for fast and easy weeknight meals! It comes out crispy on the outside and seasoned on the inside, and it comes together in a flash. This one is a huge hit in my house as a vegetarian / vegan dinner, or as a plant based protein to top salads and bowl meals.
The best way to eat mac and cheese, in my opinion? Broccoli mac and cheese! This makes a tasty one pot meatless meal that kids and adults alike will go mad for. It comes out creamy, cheesy, and loaded with broccoli for a dose of nutrients and fiber.
Got eggplant and want to turn it into a meal? Try this Eggplant Lasagna, a tasty vegetarian dinner recipe that swaps out the traditional noodles for roasted eggplant! This gooey pan holds layers of eggplant, homemade marinara, and a flavorful three-cheese filling. Lemon zest and nutmeg takes it to restaurant-style flavor.
Here’s a vegetarian dinner that takes just 30 minutes and results in so much flavor, you’ll put it on your regular rotation. The brilliant red broth is flavored with coconut milk and red curry paste, with the zing of lime and a hint of spicy sweetness.
Here’s my favorite way to use these tasty florets: in a cauliflower stir fry! Fry it until lightly charred and tender, then add bell peppers and a punchy stir fry sauce. It’s the best way to make eating your veggies irresistible!
Here’s a recipe that doubles as a vegetarian dinner or a stunning side dish: and it couldn’t be more delectable. Try these spinach artichoke Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms! Yes, that’s right. It combines the deliciousness of spinach artichoke dip with the meaty, savory goodness of a baked portobello mushroom.
Also try: Portobello Mushroom Pizza
Let’s make stuffed Zucchini Boats! This recipe is a vegetarian dinner masterpiece! Hollow out zucchini into shells, then stuff it with vegetarian sausage, tomatoes, garlic, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Top with some crispy breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown.
Here’s a go-to when you need a plant based dinner that’s protein-packed: Meatless Meatballs! This recipe takes under 30 minutes to make, and it’s packed with protein! Even better: the flavor is outstanding. Serve with pasta and your favorite marinara sauce!
You’ll love this simple tofu soup recipe, a tasty, nourishing vegetarian dinner! Cubes of tofu float in a savory broth flavored with miso, ginger, dried mushrooms, and fresh mushrooms. Add crunchy carrots and green onions just before serving, and it’s a satisfying combination of hearty earthiness with crisp, fresh vegetables.
Here’s an easy dinner recipe that seems to please just about everyone: Taco Salad! This Tex-Mex salad has been impressing for decades, and it gives us all the 1990’s nostalgic vibes. Top it off with our deliciously satisfying vegan taco meat.
Here's a vegetarian sheet pan dinner to load on the veggies! This recipe has 4 of my best vegetables to eat all at one time: and it’s seriously tasty, too. It’s perfect to meal prep for healthy dinners or lunches throughout the week.
Meet one of my favorite vegetarian dinner recipes: the Falafel Burger! I don’t always have the energy to fry up a batch of authentic falafel. So eating it in burger form is the next best thing! The combination of a cumin and coriander-scented chickpea patty with cool cucumber sauce is just right.
These wraps have a punchy, savory filling infused with hoisin, soy sauce and rice vinegar, savory tofu, cashews, and green onions. Throw it into tender leaf of crunchy green lettuce with a few more colorful veggies, and it’s to die for!
This one the ultimate quick weeknight meal, a filling vegetarian dinner that comes together in 20 minutes flat. Meet this soba noodle bowl! It’s filled with stir fried broccoli, red pepper and onion, mix with a savory sauce with creamy peanut butter.
A good grain bowl is an easy vegetarian dinner! This one is loaded with fresh veggies, chickpeas and our favorite creamy Tahini Sauce. It makes a fast and easy dinner in 30 minutes!
Ready for a stunning vegetarian dinner? You’ve got avocado fries, breaded and baked in a hot oven until crispy, with a texture reminiscent of a fried fish taco. Then top that with spiced black beans, pico de gallo, creamy sauce, and the refreshing crunch of romaine lettuce.
This eggplant pasta has got it all! It’s packed with savory and zesty flavor: tender roasted eggplant, zesty marinara sauce, and peppery basil. It’s 100% plant-based, but lacking nothing in the flavor department. Even better, this vegetarian dinner is incredibly versatile: it works for weeknights and for serving to company!
Here’s a quick dinner idea that’s always satisfying and works for nearly every diet. Throw rice, veggies, and burrito fillings in a bowl and call it meal! Here’s the thing: a good burrito bowl can actually take a while to make at home with all the components: but this one is lightening fast to put together.
Here’s a vegetarian dinner idea that marries basic Italian flavors into a mess of garlicky, gooey goodness: Baked Rigatoni! It’s a pasta bake that’s got all the comfort of tomato sauce and cheese, but has intrigue and uniqueness in the flavors. The tomato sauce is full of garlic and a little fennel for meatiness, and it’s got lots of fresh peppery basil for a herbaceous kick.
What better to please a crowd than Sloppy Joes? These vegetarian Sloppy Joes have a zingy lentil filling that tastes just as good as the meaty version. Put it on a toasted bun with some bread and butter pickles.
Here’s a tasty pasta recipe that’s comfort food with a healthy spin: creamy cavatappi pasta! It’s one of Alex and my favorite pasta shapes, paired with a creamy cauliflower sauce that coats the noodles perfectly. It’s cheesy but not too rich, made with a secret ingredient to infuse nutrients.
Last up...a vegetarian dinner recipe that's a hands down fan favorite: my Creamy Wild Rice Soup! This one is impossibly creamy, packed with flavor and full of tender veggies and hearty rice. Everyone asks for the recipe—it’s that good.
Tips for Meal Planning with Vegetarian Dinners
Here are a few tips I’ve found helpful for planning vegetarian dinners:
- Keep a well-stocked pantry. Canned beans, dried pasta and legumes, and spices make it easy to throw together meals without a trip to the store. I always keep things like coconut milk, vegetable broth, and fire-roasted tomatoes on hand: they’re the building blocks of many of my quick dinners.
- Batch cook components if you can. You can make a batch of roasted vegetables on the weekend, cook a pot of grains, or make extra sauce that you can use throughout the week (like a tzatziki sauce).
- Don’t be afraid to double recipes and freeze portions for later. Most of these vegetarian dinners freeze well, so you can build up a stash of meals for those nights when cooking isn’t possible.
Vegetarian Rice Bowls (& More Recipes!)
Pin RecipeThis easy rice bowl comes together in a flash! This fast dinner stars black beans and veggies with zingy cilantro lime ranch sauce.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 to 8 1x
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the black beans*
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained but not rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Scant 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the rice bowl
- 1 ½ cups dry white rice or brown rice
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels, defrosted (or canned corn)
- 1/4 red onion
- Cilantro Lime Sauce or Chipotle Ranch (or for vegan, Spicy Chipotle Sauce or Cashew Cilantro Sauce)
- Cilantro, to serve
Instructions
- Cook the rice, according to How to Cook Rice. (Or try Cilantro Lime Rice!)
- Cook the black beans: Mince the garlic. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not yet browned. Add the beans (drained but not rinsed), cumin, kosher salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Cook 2 minutes until warmed through. Taste and add additional salt if desired.
- Make the sauce (see above).
- Slice the tomatoes in half. Slice the avocado. Defrost the corn. Thinly slice the red onion.
- To serve, place rice in the bowl and top with black beans and vegetables. Drizzle with the sauce and top with torn cilantro. The components for the rice bowl store up to 3 days refrigerated.
Notes
*If you’re cooking for 1 or 2, make half this recipe and cook 1 cup dry rice.
from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/tzlSp5j
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