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Looking for meatless meals? Here are over 60 meatless recipes that are packed with flavor to help you save money and eat fantastically well.
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Are you trying to stretch your budget? Do you get sticker shock just strolling through the meat department? Do you wish there was a way to lower your grocery costs while still enjoying great meals?
Going meatless even just once or twice a week can make a difference in your budget’s bottom line. Stretching proteins throughout the week can do even more so.
The trick, of course, is finding the best meatless meals that you all enjoy without sacrificing flavor.
Enjoy some of the best meatless meals and save money.
Meatless meals have come to my rescue many times over the years. When I hadn’t thawed any meat, when I forgot to get to the store, when I just couldn’t squeeze meat in the budget, meatless has been my friend.
A meatless meal comes together quickly without a lot of fuss. Like my Greek Eggs. Mmmm. Those are some of my favorites. I think I could probably eat that every day.
Or the swoon-worthy Quinoa Salad. Or Quick Seasoned Rice for Stovetop or Instant Pot.
Bryan and I have agreed that we like Peanut Butter Chicken without the chicken.
Yep, I could almost eat vegetarian all the time.
Why eat meatless meals?
There are plenty of reasons for enjoying meatless meals more often:
- save money overall
- offset spending so you can buy better quality meats
- avoid the hassle of locating difficult to find meats in your area
- avoid possible health concerns that may arise from too much meat
- be more conscious of ethical issues re: animal husbandry
How do you make meatless meals?
You may be surprised to find out that some of your favorite meals are easy to convert to meatless meals. In many cases it’s just a question of swapping one thing for another.
- Swap the chicken stock for water or vegetable broth.
- Swap in beans, mushrooms, eggs, cheese, tofu, or tempeh for the meat protein in the dish.
- Omit the meat all together and see how you like it. You may surprise yourself! (It helps to increase the veggies.)
Bookmark your favorite meatless meals.
No matter your reason for going meatless, even if it’s once a week, you’ll find that eating meatless is a great way to save money.Meatless meals can be more economical while just as flavorful as meat-filled meals, but it may take some trial and error to find the right ones for your table.
Scroll down to find some of the best meatless meals on Good Cheap Eats. Be sure to rate them once you try them so we know what you like best.
Best Meatless Meals
Opting out of meat doesn't mean opting out of flavor. Check out these 60+ delicious, meatless recipes.
Asian-inspired Meals
Any of your favorite Asian-inspired meals can be made meatless! Replace the protein with eggs or tofu for a tasty, affordable alternative.
Vegetable Fried Rice
Vegetable Fried Rice is a quick and easy meal that you can make with just a handful of simple ingredients. It’s a great way to use leftover rice.
Homemade Vegetable Chow Mein
Have a hankering for Chinese take-out tonight? Mix up a batch of this Homemade Vegetable Chow Mein. You’ll enjoy a great dish ready in under 30 minutes and save some money, too!
Pull together a quick and easy dish of Cauliflower Fried Rice in just minutes. Made with just a handful of kitchen staples, this meal is delicious and packed with veggies.
Quick Sunflower Seed Butter Noodle Stirfry
Sunbutter acts as a great replacement for peanut in this quick noodle stirfry. Quick, easy, and oh-so good! This recipe is by far one of the quickest to pull together and deliciously meatless.
Asian Bowls
Pile rice or rice noodles in a bowl and top it with an assortment of veggies. Laden it with Ginger Carrot Dressing and you've got a feast! (Omit the chicken in the recipe to go meatless, or substitute with eggs or tofu.)
mexican-inspired meals
Mexican cuisine, full of flavors from tomatoes, chiles, and fresh cilantro, doesn't need meat to be delicious.
Pinto beans and rice are a good cheap eat, especially when you top them with chips, salsa, and some other goodies. They make a filling meal to help you save money and eat well.
Easiest Cheese Enchiladas Recipe
Cheese Enchiladas are quick and easy to prepare, but they taste like something special. They are a delicious, meatless meal you can make in a snap, freezer-friendly and even worthy of packing for work or vacation.
These "cheater" tamales contain the filling in the masa, making for super quick and easy assembly. Enjoy your favorite holiday treat all year long with these Cheesy Corn & Chile Tamales.
Chile And Cheese Enchilada Casserole
Looking for a quick alternative to traditional, rolled enchiladas, something perfect for meatless Mondays? This Chile and Cheese Enchilada Casserole comes together simply for a quick and delicious meal.
Green Chile Burritos
Burritos are the spice of life, especially when they're stuffed with melted cheese and green chiles. Make up a batch of these Green Chile Burritos for supper or to stash in the freezer at a later date. Either way, you’ll eat good and cheap.
Black Bean and Bell Pepper Wraps
Make-ahead meals are a boon to busy homes. Make up a batch of these Black Bean and Bell Pepper Wraps for a quick and easy dinner.
Easy Black Bean Pot Pie
Black Bean Pot Pie is an interesting twist on your standard savory pie. Meatless yet packed with flavor, the flaky crust is filled with beans, peppers, onions, and cilantro.
Poblano Chile Enchiladas
Poblano Chile Enchiladas – rich and spicy enchiladas filled with roasted poblano chiles and topped with a salsa verde-sour cream sauce – are a must-make for your meal plan this week!
Black Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadilla
Quesadillas are a quick, easy, and delicious dinner. Try this Black Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadilla recipe for a meatless version with plenty of flavor.
Fajita Omelet
Try this Fajita Omelet for a nice switch to your omelet repertoire. Full of veggies and topped with avocado, it’s a great start to the day.
Vegetarian Pizzas
Who can say no to pizza?! Check out these vegetarian versions that will have you coming back for more.
Quick and Easy Three Cheese Pizza
Make Pizza Night something to write home about with this easy recipe for Cheese Pizza with Homemade Sauce. Part of the secret is the blend of cheeses.
Pesto and Tomato French Bread Pizza Recipe
Make delicious homemade french bread pizza recipe in minutes! It’s easy and fun to layer on pesto, chopped tomatoes, and a handful of cheese for a quick meatless meal that tastes fabulous.
Pizza Margherita
The classic Margherita pizza is easy to prepare and a delicious meatless main dish.
Kale Pizza with Mushrooms and Tomatoes
The idea of Kale Pizza may surprise you, but in a good way. This kale pizza is loaded with leafy greens, mushrooms, two kinds of tomatoes, onions, and cheese. What a great way to get your vegetables!
Burrito Pizza to Spice Up Your Pizza Nights
Looking for something out of the ordinary for Pizza Night? This Burrito Pizza is full of south-of-the-border flavors: hearty beans, spicy jalapenos, and a mix of cheeses. You definitely won't miss the meat.
My Big Fat Greek Pizza Recipe
Take pizza night to new heights with my Big Fat Greek Pizza which is full of flavor and just a little out of the ordinary. Loaded with spinach, feta, and an assortment of vegetables, it will have you shouting, "Opa!" in no time.
pasta dishes
Pasta is filling and fun. No meat required.
Alfredo Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food, particularly for these cold winter months. Try this version that has a garlicky, Alfredo twist.
Easiest Mac and Cheese Recipe
This is the easiest mac and cheese you’ll ever make. Seriously. With just five ingredients (macaroni, sour cream, cheddar, salt, and pepper) it rivals the box in both taste and simplicity.
Herbed Lemon Linguine with Tomatoes
Enjoy a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s good enough for guests with this Herbed Lemon Linguine. It’s light and flavorful, a perfect meatless main.
One of the easiest pasta dishes to make, this Sundried Tomato & Brie Pasta is super rich and delicious. Toss hot cooked noodles with cubed brie for an instant sauce. Add tomatoes and basil to offset the richness of the cheese. So good!
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Ditch the boxed mac and cheese, you can make your own tastier and better version at home. Use this Stovetop Mac and Cheese and free yourself from mixes!
meatless soups
Soup is good food. Especially when you make it yourself and load it with veggies and beans.
Vegetable Cheddar Cheese Soup
This recipe for Cheddar Cheese Soup is creamy and comforting. Filled with bits of zucchini, broccoli, and carrots, it’s veggie-packed comfort food.
Super Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup
Enjoy your favorite cafe-style easy Broccoli Cheese Soup at home for less money. I'll show you how easy it is to make with both stovetop and Instant Pot directions!
Alphabet Soup with Vegetables
Have a hankering for that Vegetable Alphabet Soup from your childhood? You can make it yourself, without the help of a can. Just good food.
Smoky Bean Soup
Reminiscent of canned bean with bacon soup — without the bacon or the can! — this Smoky Bean Soup is an economical and filling, without much fuss.
Easy Vegetable Soup
Save money and enjoy a hearty meatless meal with this Easy Vegetable Soup. It comes together quickly, tastes amazing, and reheats beautifully. You’ll want to eat meatless just to make this soup!
Spring Vegetable Soup Recipe
Spring has arrived! With it comes a variety of spring vegetables to toss into the soup pot. Enjoy this Spring Vegetable Soup for a delicious meatless meal.
Roasted Vegetable Soup with Fresh Oregano
Roasting vegetables in the oven caramelizes their flavors. Blend them with herbs and seasonings into this Roasted Vegetable Soup for a lovely meatless meal.
Velvety Creamy Vegetable Soup
Homemade blended soups can be a delicious and economical way to get enough vegetables in your diet. They are also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. This creamy vegetable soup is blended so it’s creamy without adding any cream!
Creamy Dairy-Free Asparagus Soup (Stovetop and Pressure Cooker Instructions)
Enjoy the asparagus harvest in this deliciously creamy, dairy-free Asparagus Soup. It comes together quickly in the pressure cooker or stovetop and freezes beautifully. So tasty, you’ll be going back for seconds.
Easy Homemade Broccoli Cauliflower Soup
Doesn't Broccoli Cauliflower Soup sound delicious? This easy homemade version is full of vegetables and cheese for ultimate comfort in a bowl.
Quinoa Chili with Three Chiles
Enjoy a chili supper that’s full of flavor and a good dose of protein. This Quinoa Chili comes together quickly and easily for a super supper.
filling salads without meat
Real men do eat salad - even salads without meat! These hearty salads will fill you up without weighing you down.
Quinoa Salad to Make You Swoon
Want a Quinoa Salad that will make you swoon? This would be it. It’s one of my favorites to make for a hearty, protein-packed lunch. Reluctant converts to quinoa will quickly become super fans.
Italian Salad Recipe
An Italian Salad is almost a meal in itself. Romaine lettuce loaded with hearty chick peas, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, spicy onions and pepperoncini, it’s a delightful refreshing side dish or light main.
The Go To Salad
Make this easy, go-to salad that is packed with flavor as well as healthy vegetables, beans, and greens.
Enjoy an easy supper or side dish with this make-ahead Pesto Pasta Salad with Cranberries & Feta Cheese. It’s packed with flavor and makes a colorful addition to your buffet.
Vegetable Pasta Salad with Pesto
Looking for quick dinners that will bring comfort and nourishment without a lot of hassle? This meatless Vegetable Pesto Pasta is hearty without being heavy. Bonus: It comes together in minutes!
Southwest Pasta Salad
Liven up your next pasta dinner with this Southwest Pasta Salad. It’s got all the fun south-of-the-border flavors with the ease of a noodle salad.
Quinoa Vegetable Salad
This Quinoa Vegetable Salad is packed with protein and flavor and full of all the colors of the rainbow. It’s perfect for packing or just staying home.
Easy Greek Pasta Salad
Cool off tonight with a delicious make-ahead easy Greek pasta salad with feta, tomatoes, and kalamata olives. It’s hearty without feeling heavy.
Rice and Black Bean Salad
Eat good and cheap with this easy, make ahead Rice and Black Bean Salad, packed full of fiber, protein, and great taste. Jazz up a simple combo of rice and beans with chopped peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, and green onion.
Quick and Easy Caesar Salad Recipe
This Caesar Salad recipe can be quick, delicious, and economical. It's also packed with flavor making it a meal in itself.
Grilled Vegetable Couscous Salad
Enjoy all the flavors of the season with this easy-to-prep, low-cook meal that’s perfect for those nights when you want something light yet nourishing. This Grilled Vegetable Couscous Salad is just the ticket.
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Enjoy a quick and delicious Tortellini Pasta Salad full of fresh veggies and a vibrant dressing. It’s perfect as a packable lunch, a fast main dish, or an easy side.
Black Bean Taco Salad
Brown bagging it will taste amazing when you pack up a Black Bean Taco Salad. These stay good for several days in the fridge, so make a bulk batch!
vegetarian sandwiches
Sandwiches are practically perfect meals-in-themselves. Check out these vegetarian sandwiches that are loaded with flavor.
Picnic Sandwich Recipe
Enjoy eating in the great outdoors with this easy, make-ahead picnic sandwich. Meatless and packed with lots of fresh veggies, it’ll do your summer good.
The Veggie Pesto Sandwich That's Perfect for Packing
Looking for lots of flavor at lunchtime? This Veggie Pesto Sandwich packs a punch, all while being meatless, portable, and budget-friendly.
Avocado Salsa Sandwich
Layer buttery avocado with salsa ingredients on toasted bread for a sandwich that’s light, yet packed with flavor.
Egg Plus Salad Sandwiches
Go beyond the egg salad sandwich with this egg + salad sandwich. Hard cooked eggs, vinaigrette, and abundant veggies make a delicious and economical meal for Sandwich Night.
Cheese and Pickle Baguette Sandwich Recipe
Enjoy the classic English sandwich with a twist when you make this Cheese and Pickle Baguette. It’s delicious and packed with flavor!
Pesto, tomatoes, and cheese were just made for one another. This grilled cheese is proof positive.
breakfast for dinner
Breakfast is dual purpose: it can start and end the day beautifully, no need for a big meat dish.
Whole Wheat Blueberry Pancakes
Good morning, Sunshine! Start the day right with a short stack of delicious, whole wheat blueberry pancakes. They’ll come together quickly and easily with a homemade mix.
Easy Homemade Crepes
Enjoy homemade crepes, save money, and enjoy la belle vie. This easy recipe will get you hooked on making crepes yourself at home.
Buttermilk Corn Waffles
Celebrate a bright new day with these tangy buttermilk corn waffles. Gild the lily with a little honey butter.
Eggs and Sweet Potato Hash with Brussels Sprouts and Mushrooms
Stir up a hearty sweet potato hash with brussels sprouts and mushrooms. Eggs nestled in the vegetables bring protein to a tasty, power-packed meal, perfect for any meal of the day.
Eat Your Spinach (Recipe: Skillet-Poached Eggs with Spinach, Pea Tendrils, and Leeks)
Eggs and greens are perfect partners, especially in these skillet-poached eggs. Hearty yet not heavy, this egg dish makes a great breakfast for dinner.
Southwestern Oven Omelet
Make your mornings extra special with this easy oven omelet with a southwestern flair. Flavorful chiles and peppers and sharp cheddar cheese make this meatless egg dish something worth waking up to.
bistro boxes
Snack boxes don't need meat. Not when you load them with plenty of eggs, cheese, and plant protein.
Bagel Box (DIY Adult Lunchables)
Enjoy an adult lunchable with this simple Bagel Box. Supplement the humble bagel with homemade flavored cream cheese and plenty of fruits and veggies.
Protein Box (aka DIY Bistro Box)
Make lunch time super simple and totally delicious with this Protein Box, aka DIY Bistro Box. Packed with good stuff, it won’t break the bank.
What are your favorite meatless meals?
This post was originally published on October 13, 2016. It has been updated for content and clarity.
