We all know that one kid who refuses anything that looks remotely healthy, right? If that sounds familiar, or if you just want some new additions for meatless Monday, it’s time to start hiding those veggies. It’s easier than you think! Be it nutrient-packed pizza sauce or tender veggie burgers; if you need vegetarian recipes for kids, you’ve come to the right place.
1. Trisha Yearwood Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Not only is this recipe the ultimate comfort food, it’s also naturally vegetarian. Filling, creamy, and loaded with gooey cheese, it’s always a safe bet for kids. But why settle for the boxed version when it’s this easy to make at home? This recipe provides an affordable way to recreate the staple, except it’s so much better.
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
I can’t think of a recipe that oozes nostalgia quite like the classic grilled cheese. In fact, I still make these when I get a salty craving late at night – though I tend to use better cheese these days! But this is so much more than a late-night snack. It’s also a delectable dish the kids will love as much as the adults. Make it a whole meal with one of these yummy grilled cheese sides.
3. Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
If you’ve never tried Panera Bread’s broccoli and cheddar soup, you need to stop what you’re doing and make this recipe. It’s filled with goodness and makes for one heck of a comforting soup. Bonus points if you can serve it in a bread bowl.
4. Air Fryer Quesadillas
Have you jumped on the Air Fryer bandwagon yet? I know it’s big and pricey, but it’s more than worth it. Seriously, you won’t believe how crispy the food becomes! There are plenty of tasty vegetarian Air Fryer recipes out there, but this one needs to be in your back pocket. It’s so simple to make – requiring only three ingredients – and better still, it needs just ten minutes of prep time.
5. Easy Vegetarian Tacos
This is one of the easiest vegetarian Mexican recipes you’ll ever find. Plus, these tacos are also super easy on the eyes. Filled with fun colors and healthy goodness, this meal should be a mainstay on your weekly menu. They take no time to whip up and are pleasing to picky eaters and foodies alike.
6. Vegetable Lasagna
If there’s one comfort food that always has a place in my heart, it’s lasagna. Unfortunately, veggie lasagna can often taste less like an Italian delicacy and more like a vegetable casserole. But this version is different. Instead of thick slices, you’ll dice and cook the veggies, then pulse them slightly, so they’re not as chunky.
7. Homemade Potato Soup
Looking for a vegetarian soup that’s easy, filling, and super affordable? Then, allow me to introduce you to this yummy, creamy potato dish. With its buttery, velvety texture and savory flavors, one bite of this will fill your soul with warmth. Make sure you don’t skimp on the cheese, and go ahead and make extra. It’s even better the day after for lunch.
8. Ultimate Veggie Pizza
Pizza is the perfect veggie-friendly meal the kids will love. And if you start with a whole-wheat base, you’re already on the right track for a healthy dinner. You might not think about including almonds on your next pizza, but the toasty flavor and crunch make an excellent swap for bacon bits. And if you hide veggies like red onion, bell pepper, olives, and cherry tomatoes under the cheese, I bet the kids won’t even know it’s there.
9. Veggie Calzones
Calzones are like pizza; only they take a little longer to make. Luckily, this recipe uses premade pizza dough to make this the perfect weeknight meal. Oozing with melted cheese, broccoli and tomatoes also add nutrients to the mix. Picky eaters will love this one.
10. One-Pot Veggie Pasta
We all buy vegetables with good intentions, but more often than not, they sit in the fridge, unused and unloved. If that’s familiar to you, why not try this one-pot veggie pasta? Use anything you have leftover to make something bright and filling. Keep it cheese-free for the vegans, or go ahead and add a thick layer on top. Everything’s better with cheese, don’t you think?
11. Vegetarian Baked Ziti
I have a serious weakness for meatless baked ziti. It’s rich, filling, and I just adore that glorious crusted cheese that forms on top. Ricotta is a must if you want this creamy, and be sure to get full-fat. Now isn’t the time to be cutting back!
12. Mac and Cheese Bites
Kids love finger food; that’s why this recipe is a must-try if you have little ones at home. They’re pretty easy to make, and you can even get the kids involved. Though I bet they’ll prefer to just devour them!
13. Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole
Vegatarian tater tot casserole? Yep, you read that right. This recipe is a real feast for the eyes. It features a delicious mixture of vegan ground meat, veggies, and gravy topped with crispy, golden tater tots. Can comfort food get any better than this?
14. Butternut Squash Soup
This thick, creamy soup is a godsend for picky eaters. The flavors and aromas are comforting and cozy, and it’s loaded with Vitamin A from the carrots and squash. Plus, it’s bright and sweet, which I know the kids will go nuts for. Serve with garlic bread on the side for one delectable dinner.
15. Old-Fashioned Pancakes
If there’s one vegetarian recipe every kid will beg for, it’s pancakes. The time-old breakfast food is so simple to whip up, and it’s great for picky eaters. Who doesn’t like pancakes, right? This recipe shows you how to make soft, buttery, fluffy pancakes to please the masses on Saturday morning. And the best part is, you can top them with fruit for added goodness.
16. Popcorn Cauliflower Bites
If you’re new to vegetarian and vegan cooking, you might not know that cauliflower is a powerhouse ingredient. Between the “rice,” pizza crusts, and even mac & cheese, cauliflower recipes are the ultimate in meat-free cooking. With that in mind, these finger-licking popcorn bites are sure to be a hit. All you have to do is coat the cauliflower in a breadcrumb mixture, then fry. The result is a crispy bite that melts in your mouth.
17. Spaghetti With Simple Marinara Sauce
This spaghetti with a simple marinara sauce recipe is the perfect dinner to throw together on a busy night. The marinara comes together with only a few ingredients, but the taste is out of this world. Pair with your favorite pasta, and voila! You have a gourmet dinner that comes together in no time.
18. Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo is my favorite thing to order when I want to indulge without the meat. But you don’t need to dine out to get your Fettuccine fix; this recipe recreates the Italian classic using only six ingredients! The sauce is creamy and mouth-watering, with buttery, garlicky flavors mingled in the dish. Yum!
19. Cast Iron Crust Pizza
If you’re a fan of a crispy, thin-crust pizza, then read on. As the title suggests, you’ll need a cast-iron pan to make this recipe, though a heavy bottom pan would do the trick. Either way, you need something hefty that will hold its heat. With two delicious options to choose from, you’ll want to save this recipe for later.
20. Best Veggie Burgers
Veggie burgers are a great way to hide some goodness in a delicious, familiar-looking meal. And with one cup of vegetables per pattie, these babies have a lot of goodness to go around – that’s not even including the toppings. While this recipe may be ingredient-heavy, it’s certainly worth spending the extra time preparing. In the end, you get a delicious, juicy burger stuffed with flavor in every bite.
21. Easy Veggie Enchiladas
Enchiladas might not look the prettiest, but they’re always a hit. Of course, they’re usually loaded with chicken or beef. This veggie version, though, is meat-free but still incredibly flavorful. It’s saucy and cheesy, and you can pack it with any roasted vegetables you want.
22. Bisquick Waffles
How great are waffles? They’re like crispy, sweet pancakes that hold toppings so well. These Bisquick Waffles are so easy, and they only take ten minutes to put together. This recipe creates the tastiest waffles that are fluffy-yet-crunchy.
23. Easy Vegetarian Fried Rice
Fried rice doesn’t get any easier than this. All you need to whip up this simple dish is some frozen veggies, a few items from the pantry, and some rice. Leftover rice, in particular, really pushes this recipe to shine and makes it super easy to assemble.
24. Vegan Sloppy Joes
Who knew this American classic could taste so good without beef? Vegan Sloppy Joes are just as filling and deliciously messy, only they use lentils in place of meat. Mixed with a yummy, smokey, and tangy sauce, I don’t think anyone will miss the meat in here.
25. Vegetable Casserole
At first glance, this vegetable casserole doesn’t look too exciting. But between the broccoli, cauliflower, water chestnuts, and bean sprouts, it’s bursting with yummy tastes and textures. Oh, and did I mention it’s topped with lots of gooey melted cheese? Best of all, the mild flavors make this an excellent dish for little mouths.
26. No-Bake Veggie Pizza Bites
If you need a fun way to sneak in some raw veggies into your kiddo’s diet, this recipe’s got you covered. These no-bake veggie pizza bites come together quickly and don’t require any heat. That means you can make a batch during the summer, even when the weather is scorching. All you have to do is slather some cream cheese on a piece of Naan, top with chopped veggies and shredded cheese, and you’re good to go!
27. Vegetarian Chili
What better way to warm up on a chilly Saturday afternoon than to cook some chili? The cozy dish is hearty, healthy, and warms you down to your toes. It’s also a great dish to meal prep! Serve it through the week with rice, potatoes, or some tender cornbread.
28. Vegetarian Burritos
Burritos are super affordable to make, and you can usually prep a lot of the fixings ahead of time. This vegetarian recipe is full of spiced and smoky flavors, sure to bring a little heat to your day in the best way possible. Of course, you can leave out the heat when feeding kids. It’s the perfect portable meal stuffed with refried beans, sauteed bell peppers, creamy guacamole, and fresh pico de gallo.
29. Easy Cream Cheese Pasta
Cream cheese has many unexpected uses, but combining it with pasta is one of my faves. This vegetarian pasta recipe only takes ten minutes to make but tastes like you spent hours toiling over a hot stove. It’s cheesy, creamy, buttery, and absolutely delicious.
30. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
Shepard’s Pie is comfort food at its best. It’s also full of ground beef or lamb. This recipe shows you how to recreate the comforting staple in vegetarian form, subbing the meat with mushrooms and veggies. This version is healthier than the traditional Shepard’s Pie but still packs that same level of tasty comfort.
31. Carrot Hot Dogs
Now here’s a recipe you didn’t know you needed. These carrot hot dogs almost fool the eye, but the taste is no joke. A smoky, sweet marinade brings the carrots to life and makes them super delicious. Top with your favorite hot dog toppings, and you’ve got the perfect vegan alternative to a BBQ staple.
32. 30-Minute Vegetarian Meatballs
Sometimes, pasta can be a little bland without meat. I mean, what’s better than a big bowl of sauce and juicy meatballs? That said, as yummy as they are, they’re also kind of greasy and full of fat. That’s why this 30-minute vegetarian recipe is so fantastic. Made using cauliflower, quinoa, brown rice, and garlic, they’re just as tender and maybe even tastier!
33. 20-Minute Bow Tie Pasta
All you need is twenty minutes and this recipe to create a beautiful dish the kids will love. Consisting of simple, hearty ingredients, such as broccoli, peas, lemon, olive oil, and garlic, this is super easy and crazy-quick.
34. Veggie Panini
This veggie panini proves that you can make a mouth-watering, savory sandwich without any meat. The simple filling consists of sliced tomatoes and avocados with melted cheese dripping over the top. Does it get any better?
35. Veggie Nuggets
As we already know, kids love finger foods, and nuggets are right at the top of the list. But did you know you can make veggie nuggets that are colorful, tasty, and healthy to boot? All you have to do is throw some ingredients in a food processer and let the machine do the work. After that, these bad boys are super easy to pan-fry and serve. This recipe recommends dolloping some honey mustard sauce on the side, but let the kids choose. It works well with ketchup, mayo, and even BBQ sauce. Click on a star to rate it!
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