For something as simple as meat, my relationship with it is surprisingly volatile. Some days, I experience an instantaneous disgust toward meat. It’s similar to how some people feel about eggs, where you suddenly become overly aware of the texture and can no longer finish your meal. You might think, “If you don’t like meat, don’t eat it,” but just as quickly as I turn away from meat, it draws me back in. Every few weeks, I have a truly phenomenal meal that convinces me I was overanalyzing the whole meat thing, and I declare it a friend, not a foe. Then, the cycle repeats. While I wouldn’t declare myself a full-on vegetarian (I could never give up bacon), during my anti-meat phases, I rely heavily on vegetarian meals. And let me tell you, a lack of meat does not mean a lack of a tasty meal. Read on for some of my favorite easy vegetarian dinner ideas, plus a bunch of meatless recipes that are worth trying this week.
Easy Vegetarian Dinner Ideas
- Plant-Based Protein Options: The key to a hearty vegetarian meal is including plenty of protein, which is easy to get with plant-based options like beans and lentils.
- Tasty Meat Alternatives: Meatless swaps like cauliflower wings and tempeh tacos are perfect for when you’re craving those classic flavors but want to stick to a vegetarian diet.
- Veggie-Packed Pasta Dishes: Pasta made with fresh, seasonal ingredients delivers enough flavor, texture, and nutrients that you won’t even miss the meat.
- Cheesy Comfort Foods: Yes, cheese absolutely counts as a protein source in meatless recipes. Consider this your excuse to load up an extra heaping of cheese onto dishes like pizza, enchiladas, sandwiches, and more.
Need more inspo? Keep scrolling for 30 meatless recipes that are so good, even carnivores will devour every last bite.
1. Sheet Pan Roasted Veggie Tacos
Vegetarian tacos don’t mean flavorless tacos, and this recipe proves it. Roast up your veggies on a sheet pan, then load up tortillas with your toppings and sauces of choice.
2. Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Although I love boxed mac and cheese, nothing beats freshly made mac and cheese. This recipe is extra creamy and delicious thanks to the additions of butternut squash and Greek yogurt to the cheese sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort meal and totally worth the extra effort for something homemade.
3. Korean BBQ Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps
You’re missing out if you haven’t jumped on the cauliflower-as-meat-replacement bandwagon. This recipe calls for roasted cauliflower coated in a sweet and sticky sauce, topped with chives, peanuts, and spicy mayo, all wrapped up in lettuce.
4. Crockpot Lentil Curry
Lentils are a fantastic source of vegetarian protein, and this curry recipe is one of the best ways to put them to use. Toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, let the mixture cook for a few hours as the flavors meld, then serve it over rice for a delicious, (almost) effortless meal.
5. Spinach and Mushroom Enchiladas
Enchiladas are a great go-to dinner because they’re so versatile. Fill your tortillas with sautéed spinach and mushrooms, then slather everything in cheese and enchilada sauce for a delicious meatless recipe for busy weeknights.
6. Creamy Miso Ramen
We all love a good Cup Noodles, but trust me when I say that ramen can be so much better than the ones you find in a styrofoam cup. Plus, this recipe only takes about 20 minutes longer than instant ramen.
7. Slow Cooker Mexican Rice Bowl
This meatless Mexican rice bowl recipe is cheap, easy, and full of flavorful veggies. It’s also super customizable, so you can add your favorite veggies and spices to make the dish your own.
8. Chickpea Curry
Considering its bold flavor, you might expect this dish to require hours in the kitchen, but it only takes 30 minutes. Thanks to a generous source of protein from the chickpeas, this meal will not only taste good but also keep you full for hours.
9. 15 Minute Greek Pasta
I eat an embarrassing amount of pasta when I’m in my aforementioned meat-hater state, and this Greek-inspired vegetarian pasta recipe will have you doing the same. It’s a mouthwatering combination of tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and olives tossed in a delicious, creamy feta sauce.
10. Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
Roasted bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and melty cheese create the ultimate weeknight dinner. They’re great for meal prepping, so cook them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.
11. Stir Fry Sesame Noodles with Chickpeas & Basil
This meatless recipe—featuring an array of vegetables, plant-based protein from chickpeas, and a delectable sesame stir-fry sauce—will surely be a repeat. The roasted cashews and fresh herbs make the perfect finishing touches, so don’t skip those!
12. Skillet Cheesy Chickpeas
Any recipe with “cheesy” in the title immediately piques my interest, and these skillet cheesy chickpeas are no exception. The recipe notes that this dish is reminiscent of chicken parmesan without the meat (or parm). Trust me, it’s just as good, though.
13. Loaded Veggie Nachos
I don’t think anyone has ever regretted making nachos, and don’t worry, they’re not out of the question if you’re cutting out meat. Add beans for protein instead of meat, and finish with your favorite toppings for an easy, satisfying meal or late-night snack.
14. Zucchini Cacio e Pepe
This recipe takes cacio e pepe to another level with the addition of garlic, zucchini, and brown butter. It’s super simple to whip up and produces an incredible bowl every time.
15. Vegan Crunchwrap Supreme
Taco Bell fans, listen up. This recipe recreates the famous Crunch Wrap Supreme in vegan-friendly form, so you can enjoy it even if you don’t eat meat. You can stuff the wrap with your favorite toppings, but this recipe uses a tasty medley of sofritas tofu, black beans, cashew queso, tomatoes, avocado, and more.
16. Cheesy Crispy Cauliflower Gratin
This recipe checks two of my previously mentioned boxes: the word cheesy in the title and a cauliflower feature. It uses thyme, bay leaves, nutmeg, and lots of cheese to create the cheesy, crispy side dish of our dreams.
17. Greek Orzo Salad
Salads are an easy recipe to make meatless, but let’s be honest, sometimes they’re just a snooze fest. Thankfully, we have recipes like this one to save salads’ reputation. This Greek orzo salad is far from boring, with fresh herbs, bright veggies, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
18. Three Cheese Pizza
Ah, pizza… a classic for good reason. With this three-cheese pizza, you won’t miss pepperoni or sausage toppings; the delicious combo of mozzarella, burrata, and goat cheese is all you need.
19. Eggplant Lasagna
This lasagna recipe swaps the typical noodles for roasted eggplant, which is layered with ricotta, spinach, parmesan, and mushrooms. It’s so good that the vegetarian alternative might replace your old recipe.
20. Baked Gnocchi with Vodka Sauce
Vodka pasta is my death-row meal. I could literally drink the sauce on its own; that’s how much I love it. So, trust me when I say that, as a vodka sauce expert, I wholeheartedly approve of this baked gnocchi recipe.
21. Vegetarian Chili
Everyone needs a fabulous chili recipe, and if you want a vegetarian version, this is for you. It includes two different kinds of beans, veggies, sweet potatoes, and sweet corn, creating a hearty, tasty dinner.
22. Baked Veggie Egg Rolls
When I see egg rolls on a menu when dining out, it’s an immediate order every time. Surprisingly, they’re not that hard to cook at home. This recipe breaks it down step by step so you can enjoy fresh ones at home whenever you want.
23. Caprese Sandwich
If you think sandwiches are off-limits without deli meat, think again. Caprese salad sandwiches are the perfect vegetarian option to satisfy your sandwich cravings.
24. Sweet Potato Kale Caesar Salad
I don’t need to convince you that Caesar salads are delish. I think it’s probably one of about three things the whole world can agree on. However, if you want to mix things up for a new take on an old classic, this recipe uses kale in place of the traditional romaine and adds sweet potato and crispy chickpeas for extra yummy toppings.
25. Cheesy Pasta Alla Vodka
I’ve already ranted about my passion for vodka sauce, so I will save you another lecture. If you’re more of a shells girl than a gnocchi girl, try this recipe, or if you’re as obsessed as I am, sample both.
26. Tempeh Tacos
If you’ve written off tempeh as bland, you aren’t trying the right recipes. Packed with sweet and smoky flavors, these tempeh tacos will convince you of how good this meat alternative can be.
27. Peach, Tomato, and Corn Arugula Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is full of fresh summer fruits and vegetables and is the perfect lunch or dinner during the warmer months. But I won’t judge if you’re so hooked you eat it all year long.
28. Broccoli Cheese Soup
If there’s one thing that can turn a rainy day around, it’s a bowl of broccoli cheese soup. Previously, I’ve driven to the nearest Panera to indulge, but after finding this recipe, I’m making it even better from home.
29. Crispy Quinoa Burgers
If you’re craving a burger without the meat, these quinoa burgers taste much fresher than the meat alternatives you would find in the frozen aisle of the grocery store. The sweet potato fries and beer caramelized onions are excellent final touches for a scrumptious meal.
30. Spinach Strawberry Salad
Strawberry salads are a quintessential summer dinner, and this recipe is one of the best. Combining pecans, red onion, feta cheese, and a balsamic poppy seed dressing, it’s a perfect balance of bright summery flavors.
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.
