This list contains many things that vegetarians assume they’ll never be able to eat again – burgers, sloppy joes, burritos, tacos, and even pulled pork. None of the recipes contain meat; instead, you’ll use fruits, veggies, and grains as meat substitutes. When the food is cooked correctly, many people can’t tell the difference. Whether you’re looking for main courses, breads, or something else, you should be able to find something tasty and meat-free on this list.
25 Easy Meatless Monday Dinner Recipes
1. Lentil Burgers
A frequent problem among vegetarians is that they don’t always get enough iron. However, plenty of veggies are high in iron and make excellent meat substitutes. Lentils are one of those, and these lentil burgers are tasty and have plenty of iron and protein. They’re perfectly seasoned and have a dense texture that’s almost just like the real thing. Slap them on a bun and pile on the veggies and condiments, and most people will like them almost as much as beef burgers.
2. Vegetable Lasagna
The ingredients list for veggie lasagna may be a little long, but good lasagna of any kind requires several ingredients. This one has everything you could want in a lasagna. Aside from the obvious things like noodles, cheese, and tomato sauce, there’s also fresh zucchini, onions, peppers, garlic, carrots, spinach, and so much more. It’s so delicious; you won’t even miss the meat.
3. Lentil Tacos
Thanks to the homemade seasoning mix, these lentil tacos taste just as wonderful as any other taco you’ve had and probably a lot better than some. The only things this recipe is missing are sour cream, tomatoes, salsa, and shredded cheese for toppings.
4. Meatless Sloppy Joes
If it looks like a sloppy joe, smells like a sloppy joe, and tastes like a sloppy joe, it’s obviously a sloppy joe, right? Well, yes and no. These meatless sloppy joes are sloppy joes, but you’ll make them using a base of portobello mushrooms and other ingredients instead of meat. They’re tender, saucy, and very yummy.
5. Bean and Veggie Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers are cheesy, garlicky, and just a little bit spicy. Stuffed with onions, tomatoes, rice, beans, and lots of seasonings, they’re also nutritious and filling.
6. Lentil Loaf
People looking at this lentil loaf would have no idea that it’s not meatloaf. It has a similar appearance and texture, but in my opinion, it actually tastes better. I can eat meatloaf; don’t get me wrong. However, sometimes it’s too heavy and greasy. It leaves me feeling uncomfortably full. Lentil loaf, on the other hand, is fresh and filling but not overly so.
7. Jackfruit “Pulled Pork” Sandwich
Jackfruit is an interesting fruit. When fully ripe, it tastes sweet, even overwhelmingly so. However, if you pick it early and cook it, it takes on the appearance and texture of meat, and the taste is so mild that it absorbs the flavors of whatever you add to it. As a result, it makes the perfect BBQ substitute. It feels like real pork, and the taste comes mainly from the seasonings and sauce. It’s delicious. Without the avocado slaw, this recipe only requires three ingredients. I encourage you to take the extra time and make the slaw, though. It really sets off the flavor of the barbeque.
8. Bean and Veggie Chili
Unlike most people, I firmly believe that chili is all about the beans. I know; I know! For most people, it’s all about the meat. To me, though, bean-free chili is a travesty. Perhaps that’s why I love this bean and veggie chili recipe so much. It’s thick and dense, spicy, and delicious. (Of course, I add some extra paprika and red pepper flakes to mine because I love heat.)
9. Broccoli Potato Soup
Broccoli potato soup is one of my favorite comfort foods in the winter months, and this vegan version of the recipe isn’t bad. It’s not quite as thick as the original recipe, but what it lacks in creaminess, it makes up for in taste.
10. Black Bean Burrito Bowl
Looking for an easy, convenient, and meatless lunch? Try this black bean burrito bowl. At first glance, the ingredients list seems super long, but much of it is seasonings. Furthermore, you can make much of this ahead of time, such as the homemade guacamole and pico de gallo. Chipotle’s got nothing on this protein-packed bowl.
11. Potato Soup
This surprisingly simple soup is rich, creamy, and filling. It’s also full of chunky goodness that gives you the satisfaction of a good meal, even if it is “just soup.”
12. General Tso’s Cauliflower
If you or a loved one is missing your Asian takeout, this recipe for General Tso’s cauliflower will be your new favorite thing. The texture is a little different from that of General Tso’s chicken, but the taste is spot-on. Like many veggie-friendly recipes, this version is lighter and less greasy than the original.
13. Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas
These bold enchiladas take some time to fix properly, but they’re worth every minute you spend on them. They are delicious. I could easily eat them two or three times a week! I’m not joking about that either. They are that good.
14. Tofu Noodle Soup
There’s nothing better than chicken noodle soup when you’re feeling under the weather. By substituting tofu for chicken, vegans and vegetarians can enjoy it, too. If you want a little extra flavor, you can marinate the tofu before adding it and throw in a few of your favorite veggies.
15. Chickpea Rice Soup
Although denser and containing more ingredients, this soup is very similar to the tofu noodle soup. However, for it, you’ll use chickpeas and rice rather than tofu. I suppose that makes this “chicken noodle” soup more of a “chicken and rice” soup, but either way, it’s gluten-free as well as vegan-friendly.
16. Black Bean Soup
This flavorful black bean soup requires minimal ingredients and only 10 minutes of preparation. You can serve it as a standalone meal, as part of a larger Mexican spread, or poured over a bed of rice.
17. Roasted Tomato Mushroom Soup
Aside from seasonings and oil, all you need to make this simple soup are tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, and tomato paste. It’s creamy and tomatoey, but thanks to the mushrooms and various seasonings, there’s also a complexity to the flavor that’s wonderful but hard to define.
18. Tofu and Spinach Stuffed Shells
I don’t have a good flavor comparison for these stuffed shells, but they’re incredibly tasty. They’re similar to mozzarella and spinach ravioli, but the flavor is slightly different. In short, they’re yummy, and each serving has a whopping 20 grams of protein!
19. Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti
Other than salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, you only need five ingredients to make this incredible pasta. The noodles are delightfully buttery, and the parmesan and garlic give it the best taste. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to pasta dish, especially since it only takes 20 minutes to make.
20. Condensed Milk Bread
You likely already have everything you need to make this warm, soft, buttery bread. The “rarest” ingredient is condensed milk, and who doesn’t have a can or two of that? These rolls are so light and fluffy that you’ll think you’re eating clouds. Even better, they taste fantastic!
21. Sweet Potato Chickpea Buddha Bowl
Wonderfully seasoned chickpeas, onions, sweet potatoes, broccolini, and kale make up the majority of this colorful, healthy bowl, and the homemade tahini sauce adds a sweet earthiness. Best of all, it’s a healthy lunch option that only takes 30 minutes to make.
22. Falafel
I’m not sure why more people don’t make falafel! Once you’ve tried this recipe, though, you’ll make it all the time. It’s just so good, not to mention easy to make. In less than 30 minutes, you can be biting into a crunchy, savory pattie of yumminess. Of course, you can play around with the seasonings to find the perfect flavor for you, but this recipe is pretty great as-is.
23. Cauliflower Soup
Is there anything people can’t do with cauliflower these days? This creamy, eight-ingredient cauliflower soup is a compelling example of its numerous uses. Be precise with how much vegetable broth you use, though. The more you add, the thinner your soup will be.
24. Honey Beer Bread
When it comes to homemade bread, this is one of my all-time favorite recipes. You’ll only need four ingredients to make it, and there’s no kneading or rolling involved. Plus, it takes less than an hour to cook! Oh, and did I mention it’s delicious?! It has a crispy crust but is soft and tender on the inside, with a delicate sweetness that’s simply heavenly. It smells great, too!
25. Veggie Chickpea Salad Sandwich
I love things I can make in 15 minutes or less with no actual cooking involved. That’s why I love this recipe for chickpea salad sandwiches so much. They’re a cool, tasty treat and perfect for hot summer days. Of course, it doesn’t taste like actual chicken salad, but if, like me, you love vegetables and green onions, you might like it even more. There’s just so much flavor in it. I love to eat it on toasted bread, but honestly, it’s so good, sometimes I stand at the fridge and eat it with a spoon.
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