20 Easy And Hearty Meatless Recipes You'll Actually Want To Eat (2024)

    These meatless meals are still filling and flavorful.

    by Hannah LoewentheilBuzzFeed Staff

    Whether you're giving up meat entirely or just trying to cut back, these filling and satisfying recipes will help. (P.S.: Even meat lovers will love these vegetarian meals.)

    Choosing Chia / Via choosingchia.com

    Cauliflower florets get battered in almond milk and flour, baked in the oven, and tossed in a sauce made of sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic. Get the recipe for bang bang cauliflower here.

    2. Meatless Chickpea Meatloaf

    20 Easy And Hearty Meatless Recipes You'll Actually Want To Eat (2)

    Keeping the Peas / Via keepingthepeas.com

    This meatless loaf is made with chickpeas, pepper, onion, breadcrumbs, and lots of herbs and spices. It's baked in the oven and then topped with a sweet and tangy tomato maple glaze. Get the recipe for meatless chickpea meatloaf here.

    Choosing Chia / Via choosingchia.com

    Roasted cauliflower gets coated in a sauce made with onion, garlic, chipotle peppers in adobo, and spices so that it's a little sweet, a little spicy, and super tender. Get the recipe for roasted cauliflower tinga tacos here.

    Went There 8 This / Via wenthere8this.com

    Thanks to a sauce of gochujang, soy sauce, and honey, these cauliflower wings turn out spicy and crispy on the outside but melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside. Get the recipe for oven baked spicy Korean cauliflower wings here.

    Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Via crunchycreamysweet.com

    Veggies are covered in a decadent mushroom gravy and served with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes in this vegetarian take on a class comfort food. Get the recipe for vegetarian shepherd's pie here.

    Nora Cooks / Via noracooks.com

    Once cooked, jackfruit has a consistency that is very similar to pulled meat. Make it with barbecue sauce and throw it on a bun, and you've got the perfect meatless alternative for a pulled pork sandwich. Get the recipe for Instant Pot pulled BBQ jackfruit here.

    7. Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna

    20 Easy And Hearty Meatless Recipes You'll Actually Want To Eat (3)

    Simply Recipes / Via simplyrecipes.com

    Loaded with shiitake and cremini mushrooms, spinach, ricotta and mozzarella, you certainly won't miss the meat when you bite into this rich lasagna. Get the recipe for mushroom and spinach lasagna here.

    Build Your Bite / Via buildyourbite.com

    The best thing about this crowd-pleasing recipe is that it comes together in one pot. Toss garlic, onions, beans, noodles, stewed tomatoes, and spices into a Dutch oven and let everything simmer until it's ready to serve. Get the recipe for one pot vegetarian chili mac here.

    Lexi's Clean Kitchen / Via lexiscleankitchen.com

    Looking for a way to get the kids excited about eating vegetables? This cheesy and indulgent spaghetti squash recipe is a no-brainer. Get the recipe for spinach artichoke spaghetti squash here.

    10. Mushroom Alfredo Pasta Bake

    20 Easy And Hearty Meatless Recipes You'll Actually Want To Eat (4)

    Pinch of Yum / Via pinchofyum.com

    You don't need any meat to whip up a seriously satisfying and comforting pasta bake. Case in point: This cheesy, creamy mushroom and penne dish. Get the recipe for mushroom alfredo pasta bake here.

    Cookie and Kate / Via cookieandkate.com

    Making restaurant-style enchiladas at home is way simpler than it sounds. Just prepare the black bean filling on the stove, wrap it up in tortillas, drizzle the enchiladas with cheese and sauce, and bake them in the oven. Get the recipe for vegetarian black bean enchiladas here.

    Love and Good Stuff / Via loveandgoodstuff.com

    You can get creative and add any of your favorite vegetables or ramen toppings to this miso-based soup. We love adding nori, shiitake mushrooms, and even rice cakes. Get the recipe for 15-minute miso ramen here.

    Love and Good Stuff / Via loveandgoodstuff.com, Love and Good Stuff / Via loveandgoodstuff.com

    This beefless take on a quintessential winter comfort food is made with mushrooms and other veggies cooked in butter, tomato paste, red wine, and vegetable stock. Serve it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or polenta for a filling meal. Get the recipe for mushroom Bourguignon here.

    14. Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha)

    20 Easy And Hearty Meatless Recipes You'll Actually Want To Eat (5)

    A Sassy Spoon / Via asassyspoon.com

    This Thai-inspired soup gets its creamy and rich flavor from coconut milk, ground ginger, and cilantro. You can always add tofu if you want more protein. Get the recipe for Thai coconut soup here.

    15. Sheet Pan Eggplant Parmesan

    20 Easy And Hearty Meatless Recipes You'll Actually Want To Eat (6)

    The Two Bite Club / Via thetwobiteclub.com

    If you like chicken Parmesan, you'll love this veggie-based version that still boasts all the same flavors. This recipe comes together on a sheet pan, so you can forget about cleaning all those pots and pans. Get the recipe for sheet pan eggplant Parmesan here.

    Simply Delicious Food / Via simply-delicious-food.com

    This vegetarian pot pie is loaded with veggies like cauliflower, potato, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, leeks, and spinach. It still tastes seriously satisfying and filling, even without the chicken. Get the recipe for creamy vegetarian pot pie here.

    17. Vegetarian Stuffed Shells

    20 Easy And Hearty Meatless Recipes You'll Actually Want To Eat (7)

    Strawberry Blondie Kitchen / Via strawberryblondiekitchen.com

    These stuffed shells have a secret: Hidden in this pasta dish are tons of vegetables, including carrots, zucchini, onion, and spinach. Get the recipe for vegetarian stuffed shells here.

    Midwest Foodie Blog / Via midwestfoodieblog.com

    You could order takeout tonight, or you could whip up this homemade take on the Chinese favorite, which comes together in no time. Get the recipe for 15-minute veggie lo mein here.

    Cooktoria / Via cooktoria.com

    These meatless balls are made with sautéed mushrooms, onion, quick cook oats, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a whole bunch of spices. Bake them until golden brown in the oven, then serve with your favorite pasta and sauce. Get the recipe for mushroom meatballs here.

    20. Shiitake Bok Choy Soba Noodle Bowl

    20 Easy And Hearty Meatless Recipes You'll Actually Want To Eat (8)

    A House in the Hills / Via ahouseinthehills.com

    You can adjust this recipe to include whatever vegetables you like best, from broccoli and baby corn to pea shoots and sweet potato. Just toss the veggies in a wok with cooked soba noodles and the garlic ginger sauce and stir it all together. Get the recipe for shiitake and bok choy soba noodle bowls here.

    20 Easy And Hearty Meatless Recipes You'll Actually Want To Eat (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the best food for non meat eaters? ›

    To get the most out of a vegetarian diet, choose a variety of healthy plant-based foods. These include whole fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Nuts and legumes, such as lentils, beans and peanuts, also are considered healthy plant-based foods. At the same time, cut back on less healthy choices.

    What to eat when you can't have meat? ›

    Cereals and grains. Wholegrain breads, rice and pasta have more protein, fibre and iron than white versions. Brown rice with beans, or bread with hummus or nut butter, can give you as much protein as a piece of meat.

    What should I eat for dinner in vegetarian? ›

    Easy Vegetarian Dinner Ideas
    • Coconut Curry Ramen. ...
    • Crock-Pot Vegetable Lasagna. ...
    • Roasted Cauliflower Tacos. ...
    • Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta. ...
    • Three-Ingredient Tomato Sauce.

    What are the benefits of no longer eating meat? ›

    7 Things That Happen When You Stop Eating Meat
    • You'll reduce inflammation in your body. ...
    • Your blood cholesterol levels will plummet. ...
    • You'll give your microbiome a makeover. ...
    • You'll change how your genes work. ...
    • You'll dramatically reduce your chances of getting Type 2 diabetes.
    Jan 12, 2016

    What is the most famous vegetarian dish? ›

    Originating in the Middle East, falafel is one the most popular vegetarian foods in the world! As one of the most popular vegetarian foods in the world, falafel needs no introduction!

    What can vegetarians replace meat with? ›

    Vegetarian Meat Alternatives Ranked From Best to Worst
    • Texturized Soy Protein. This is a no-brainer – texturized vegetable protein, also known as texturized soy protein, wins in overall meat-like texture and taste. ...
    • Tofu. ...
    • King Oyster Mushrooms. ...
    • Seitan. ...
    • Jackfruit. ...
    • Tempeh. ...
    • Cauliflower. ...
    • Beans and legumes.
    Apr 21, 2022

    What are three foods that can be eaten without cooking? ›

    What can I eat?
    • raw fruits and raw vegetables.
    • dried fruits and vegetables.
    • freshly made fruit and vegetable juices.
    • soaked and sprouted beans, other legumes, and grains.
    • raw nuts and seeds.
    • raw nut butters, such as peanut butter and almond butter.
    • nut milks, including almond milk.
    • coconut milk.

    What is the 21 days no meat diet? ›

    It involves a 21 day ad libitum food intake period, devoid of animal products and preservatives, and inclusive of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. The purpose of the present study was to determine the efficacy of the Daniel Fast to improve markers of metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk.

    What is the healthiest protein? ›

    Generally, poultry (chicken, turkey, duck) and a variety of seafood (fish, crustaceans, mollusks) are your best bet. Eggs can be a good choice, too.

    What is the healthiest vegetarian food? ›

    A few healthy foods to eat on a vegetarian diet are:
    • Fruits: apples, bananas, berries, oranges, melons, pears, peaches.
    • Vegetables: leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots.
    • Grains: quinoa, barley, buckwheat, rice, oats.
    • Legumes: lentils, beans, peas, chickpeas.
    • Nuts: almonds, walnuts, cashews, chestnuts.
    Oct 17, 2018

    What is a typical vegetarian menu like? ›

    What to Eat on a Vegetarian Diet
    • Beans and lentils.
    • Nuts, nut butters and seeds (including chia and flax)
    • Whole grains (quinoa, bulgur, freekeh, whole-wheat, oats, brown rice and more)
    • Soy (tofu, edamame, tempeh)
    • Fruits.
    • Vegetables.
    • Dairy (yogurt, kefir, cheese and milk)
    • Eggs.
    May 15, 2023

    How can I eat healthy if I don't like meat? ›

    Choose high protein foods.

    Great vegan protein sources include legumes (beans, lentils and peas), seeds and nuts. Learn about protein-packed meatless meals. If you have certain health conditions like a history of breast cancer or kidney disease, talk to your doctor about which protein sources are right for you.

    What are 4 alternatives to meat? ›

    Meat alternatives are growing in popularity
    • Tofu. Tofu is the classic meat alternative and has been one of the basic sources of nutrition in Asia for centuries. ...
    • Soy protein. ...
    • Tempeh. ...
    • Seitan/wheat protein. ...
    • Lupin protein. ...
    • Green spelt. ...
    • Oat flakes. ...
    • Black beans.
    Nov 11, 2019

    What nutrients do you lack if you don't eat meat? ›

    Intake and status of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and bone turnover markers were generally lower in plant-based dietary patterns compared to meat-eaters. Vegans had the lowest vitamin B12, calcium and iodine intake, and also lower iodine status and lower bone mineral density.

    What are the highest non meat protein foods? ›

    The 18 Best Protein Sources for Vegans and Vegetarians
    • Seitan.
    • Tofu.
    • Lentils.
    • Beans.
    • Nutritional yeast.
    • Spelt and teff.
    • Hemp seeds.
    • Peas.

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