17 Meatless Dinner Ideas To Satisfy Every Appetite (2024)

Brown Rice Buddha Bowl

Grain bowls are easy to customize with your favorite veggies and proteins, and this Asian-inspired version is no different. Tofu, chickpeas, veggies, and rice all stack together before getting a drizzle of tangy sesame dressing.

• 21 Simple, Healthy Meals in a Bowl

Homemade Black Bean Veggie Burgers

Forget frozen veggie burgers. All you need are a handful of ingredients to create these crave-worthy black bean burgers. If you like your patties extra firm, many reviewers suggest using two eggs instead of one.

• 10 Unbeatable Bean Burgers

Loaded Vegetarian Quiche

A hearty, meat-free quiche of this caliber works equally well for any meal of the day. Serve it with a light green salad for a lovely dinner.

Crazy Creamy Chickpea Curry

Heavy spices are balanced out with rich coconut milk in this vegan-friendly dish. "The recipe is great," says Feleesa. "I made double the recipe so that my family of four adults could have it for the workweek. They loved it!"

• 21 Indian Vegetarian Curry Recipes

Tomato Basil Penne Pasta

This savory, cheesy, and saucy pasta is a guaranteed weeknight winner. If you plan to serve this dish to anyone following a vegetarian diet, opt for a vegetarian-friendly Parmesan cheese (one that's made without using rennet) or you can skip the Parmesan altogether.

Chef John's Shakshuka

This one-pot dinner packs in plenty of veggies and protein thanks to the eggs. If you're serving heat-sensitive palates, dial back on the jalapeno and cayenne.

Pad Thai with Tofu

Recreate your takeout favorite at home with this easy pad Thai recipe. Don't skip the tamarind concentrate; it's worth searching for in Asian or Indian grocery stores because of its distinct tangy flavor.

• How to Cook with Tofu

Artichoke Spinach Lasagna

"I have made this recipe now several times, and it always comes out perfect," says LauraKKH. "Even people who hate spinach love this recipe."

• 22 Recipes That Start With Frozen Spinach

Addictive Sweet Potato Burritos

Dress up your basic bean burrito with the addition of roasted sweet potatoes. This recipe makes a big batch of 12, but leftovers are perfect for freezing and reheating in the microwave.

Vegetarian Chickpea Sandwich Filling

Great for lunch or dinner, this sandwich filling features mashed chickpeas with mayo, herbs, and chopped veggies. Serve on a hearty slice of sourdough or stuff into a pita.

Spinach Enchiladas

Two types of cheese — ricotta and Monterey Jack — are featured in this ultra-creamy recipe. Even spinach haters will be tempted to try a bite.

Stuffed Peppers My Way

"I love these, and make them about three times each month," says Post-It Poet. "My vegetarian husband loves these as well."

California Grilled Veggie Sandwich

This isn't your average veggie sandwich. Zucchini, squash, bell peppers, and onions are all grilled to perfection, before being tucked into focaccia bread with a tangy garlic mayo.

• A Dozen Delicious Vegan Sandwich Recipes

Vegan Potato Soup

For when you just need an easy and comforting dish for dinner, this vegan potato soup will check all the boxes. If you like a chunky soup, set aside a few scoops of vegetables before the puréeing step.

Red Lentil Curry

"This is a rich and hearty lentil curry, great as a main meal rather than as a side dish like the more traditional Indian dhal," says recipe creator Emma Maher. "Don't let the ingredient list faze you, this really is an easy dish to make."

• 20 Vegan Indian Recipes

Mujadarrah (Lentils and Rice with Fried Onions)

"This may sound like a plain recipe, but believe me, it's wonderful," says recipe creator Melissa Mueller. "It is an easy-to-make Middle Eastern comfort food that combines lentils, rice, and delicious fried onions."

Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili

Black and kidney beans pair up with chickpeas for this hearty plant-based chili. Set up a toppings bars — with favorites like cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa — to everyone in the family can dress up their bowl of chili.

More Inspiration

• 15 Vegetarian Meals with 5 Ingredients (or Fewer)
• 15 Beginner Vegetarian Recipes
• 10 Ways to Make Going Meatless Almost Too Easy
• 13 Top-Rated Recipes for a Plant Based Diet