30 Hearty Vegetarian Dinners (2024)

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Lisa Appleton

Lisa Appleton

Lisa is a recipe writer at Blue Apron. She was formerly an editor with Better Homes and Gardens branded food magazines. She is an alumna of The Culinary Institute of America and The University of Missouri. She lives in Brooklyn.

updated Nov 30, 2023

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30 Hearty Vegetarian Dinners (1)

When I first started getting a CSA box, I was overwhelmed by all the vegetables I was getting every week. There seemed to only be so many ways to make a side dish or add greens to a recipe. One day it finally clicked: I can cook a recipe built around the vegetables.

Vegetarian dinners can be just as satisfying and filling, if not more so, than dishes that contain meat. Whether you want quick-and-easy tacos, corn-filled mac and cheese, or breakfast for dinner, you’re sure to find a few new vegetarian recipes to add to your weekly rotation here.

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Slow Cooker Coconut Lentil Curry

This slow cooker coconut lentil curry is seasoned with garam masala & turmeric, laced with tomatoes, & finished with coconut milk for a touch of richness.

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5-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Baked Orzo

A one-pan, no-boil baked orzo casserole that requires just 5 ingredients.

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Stuffed Eggplant Parm

Everything you love about classic eggplant Parm, stuffed into a hollowed-out eggplant shell and topped with melted mozzarella.

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Easy 5-Ingredient Black Bean Veggie Burgers

Easy vegetarian black bean veggie burgers, made with pantry staples and ready in 30 minutes.

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Tofu Tikka Masala

This vegetarian tofu tikka masala has a luxe, creamy tomato sauce and is reminiscent of something from your favorite takeout joint, but better.

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5-Ingredient Enchilada Casserole

Easy weeknight enchiladas are within reach, thanks to a grocery store shortcut.

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Spinach and Feta Frittata

This classic spinach and feta frittata is made with fresh greens, cheese, and dill, and is just as delicious straight from the oven as it is chilled.

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Slow-Cooker Chana Masala

Use your slow cooker to make this spiced tomato and chickpea stew.

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Sweet Potato-Chickpea Patties with Sriracha-Yogurt Dip

Serve these nutrient-packed patties however you’d like. Make them into pita sandwiches or use them to top a chopped salad. You can even serve them for breakfast with a fried egg and toast.

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Green Pea and Chickpea Falafel

Weeknight-friendly falafel gets an upgrade in the form of peas. If fresh peas aren’t available, these are just as delicious made with frozen.

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Garlicky Chickpea and Fennel Salad with Baked Goat Cheese

Take that pantry can of chickpeas to new heights with the fast and fancy chickpea fennel salad. The real kicker is the fried goat cheese that goes on top.

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Tofu and Broccoli Salad with Peanut Butter Dressing

Store bought broccoli slaw serves as the convenient and delicious base for this salad. Crispy baked tofu, with its pillowy interior, soaks up the flavor of the peanut butter dressing and helps to keep you full.

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Vegan Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu and Eggplant

Crispy tofu is a nice contrast to the creamy texture of the cooked eggplant in this stir-fry. While both act as a bit of sponge for the sauce, it’s still nice to serve it over rice or noodles. A fresh sprinkle of basil is the perfect finishing touch.

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Vegan Stir-Fried Cabbage in Peanut Sauce

Essentially a quick braise, cabbage is cooked with coconut milk, peanut butter, and a little sambal oelek (chile-garlic paste) for heat.

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Vegetarian Phở (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

Pho (pronounced fuh) is Vietnamese comfort food at its finest. Fragrant broth and rice noodles are topped with a variety of garnishes, such as tofu, mushrooms, cabbage, scallions, chile peppers, bean sprouts, and herbs.

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Buffalo Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps

The Buffalo wing gets a makeover in these delicious wraps. Roasted until slightly crispy, the cauliflower florets are tossed with hot sauce and butter.

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10-Minute Black Bean Tacos

Canned black beans make these tacos possible to make in 10 minutes or less. Chili powder and cumin breathe new life into the drained and rinsed beans, while cabbage slaw and avocado provide a fresh element.

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Spinach and Refried Bean Quesadillas

Warm, crispy tortillas held together by melted cheese and refried beans – what’s not to love about this recipe? Straining the liquid out of the spinach keeps the filling from getting overly soggy while keeping the bitterness at bay.

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Rainbow Pizza

By far one of the most playful ways to use up all the produce showing up at the market is this kid-friendly rainbow pizza. Every veggie-packed bite will put a smile on your face.

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Vegetarian Biscuit and Gravy Sandwiches

There aren’t many meals heartier than biscuits and gravy. Dig in to breakfast for dinner with mushroom-filled gravy with Gruyère cheese and arugula sandwiched between flaky, warm biscuits.

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Easy Hatch Chile Egg Casserole

The distinct smoky flavor of New Mexico Hatch Chiles in a cheesy baked egg casserole.

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Fresh Corn Galette with Zucchini, Thyme, and Goat Cheese

The end of summer corn is approaching, so this is prime time to eat the last of this delicious and slightly sweet crop. A flaky crust is folded over a filling of corn, sautéed zucchini, and creamy goat cheese. Serve it alongside a salad for dinner.

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Baked Ziti

Here's how to make an all-star baked ziti — one that's never dry, made with a generous amount of cheese, & layered for the ultimate eating experience.

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Potato Risotto

The creamy texture of risotto typically comes from the constant stirring while it’s being made on the stovetop. The pressure cooker helps to release the starch from the grain, so you have the same result sans stirring.

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Creamy Gorgonzola Gnocchi

A creamy sauce and crisp-tender veggies make this gnocchi (potato dumplings) feel even more hearty. If gorgonzola isn’t for you, make this with goat or semi-soft herb and garlic cheese (think Boursin).

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Fettuccine Alfredo

Typical Alfredo can easily slide from hearty to heavy with nothing to cut the rich sauce and starchy pasta. The simple addition of lemon makes all the difference in this recipe. It’s what keeps you coming back for every forkful.

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Creamy Corn Mac and Cheese

A mix of basil and corn turn mac and cheese into a summer mainstay.

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Spicy Tomato-Mushroom Tortellini

Spruce up store-bought tortellini with a homemade tomato and mushroom sauce. We kept it simple with canned tomatoes, mushrooms, onion, garlic, and crushed red pepper flake. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve with a side salad.

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Classic Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is not a new vegetarian recipe, but it has stuck around for a reason: it’s delicious! Meat-eaters and vegetarians alike love the flavors of this dish. Pair it with a bowl of pasta or a side salad to complete the meal.

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Eggplant Rollatini

If lasagna and eggplant Parmesan had a baby, it would be eggplant rollatini. A creamy ricotta filling is rolled up into thin slices of eggplant baked with marinara sauce.

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30 Hearty Vegetarian Dinners (2024)

FAQs

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! However, the origin of these beloved patties is rather controversial.

What is the most nutritious vegetarian meal? ›

Our 10 Healthiest Vegetarian Dinners
  1. Vegetarian Kale and Cannellini Bean Stew. ...
  2. Vegetarian Paella with Red Peppers & Chickpeas. ...
  3. How To Make the Best Lentil Dal. ...
  4. Tofu Chickpea Stir-Fry with Tahini Sauce. ...
  5. Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Chickpeas, Feta, and Herbs. ...
  6. Roasted Broccoli & Cheddar Soup. ...
  7. Sweet Potato Fajitas.
May 1, 2019

What do most vegetarians lack? ›

The nutrients of concern in the diet of vegetarians include vitamin B(12), vitamin D, ω-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, and zinc. Although a vegetarian diet can meet current recommendations for all of these nutrients, the use of supplements and fortified foods provides a useful shield against deficiency.

What vegetable has the most protein? ›

And what are the best sources for protein?
  • Green peas. Green peas are at the top of the list of the most protein-filled vegetables. ...
  • Spinach. A big crisp spinach salad is certainly refreshing, especially on a hot day in the South. ...
  • Collard greens. ...
  • Sweet corn. ...
  • Mustard greens. ...
  • Lima beans. ...
  • Asparagus. ...
  • Broccoli.

What do vegetarian Americans eat for dinner? ›

American Vegetarian Food
  • Grilled Cheese Sandwich. A classic American sandwich made with melted cheese between two slices of bread, often grilled or toasted until crispy and golden brown.
  • Green Bean Casserole. ...
  • Hush Puppies. ...
  • Corn On The Cob. ...
  • Peach Cobbler. ...
  • Red Beans and Rice. ...
  • Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich. ...
  • Macaroni and Cheese.
Apr 28, 2023

Who is the number one vegetarian in the world? ›

1. India. According to the World Atlas, India has the highest rate of vegetarians in the world, with 38% of its population identifying as vegetarians. India also has one of the lowest meat consumption rates in the world.

Which is the No 1 vegetarian country in the world? ›

India is ranked top in the world with 38% of the total population being vegetarian. Vegetarianism in the region became popular after the introduction of Buddhism and Jainism, which was around the 6th Century BC.

What do vegetarians eat to replace meat? ›

How to get protein without the meat
  • Pulses. Pulses are an inexpensive protein choice, are high in fibre and a source of iron. ...
  • Soya beans. ...
  • Quinoa. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Seeds. ...
  • Cereals and grains. ...
  • Quorn™ ...
  • Dairy.

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.
Apr 16, 2024

How do vegetarians get protein? ›

Eat beans, pulses, eggs and other sources of protein

Pulses are particularly important for people who don't get protein by eating meat, fish or dairy products. Other non-dairy sources of protein include eggs and meat alternatives, such as tofu, mycoprotein (such as Quorn), textured vegetable protein and tempeh.

What are 5 healthy food vegetarian? ›

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 do vegetarians eat instead of seafood? ›

Tofu, banana blossom, and jackfruit are popular substitutes for fish due to their texture. In addition, seaweed, soy sauce, and mushrooms can help to give an authentic taste. Plant-based fish alternatives can provide essential nutrients such as protein and minerals to someone eating a vegan or plant-based diet.

Which vegetarian food has more protein than meat? ›

LENTILS.

Much like beans, lentils check some important boxes for herbivores. One cup of cooked lentils has nearly 18g of protein — more than the amount in a hamburger — and also contains a lot of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

How do vegetarians get full? ›

Following a vegetarian diet doesn't mean settling for unsatisfying meals. To feel more full while following a vegetarian diet, try incorporating more fiber and whole grains into your meals. Incorporating nuts, seeds, and beans into your diet can help you to feel more satisfied.

What food will fill you up the most? ›

Whole, unprocessed foods that are high in protein and fiber will generally leave you more sated, which means you feel full for a longer period of time. Some of the most filling foods include boiled potatoes, oatmeal, eggs, fish, Greek yogurt, and popcorn.

What is the most filling food ever? ›

In the original satiety index study, boiled or baked potatoes had the highest score of 323. Fried potatoes had a relatively low score of 116. Potatoes are highly dense foods and rich in starch, vitamin C, and several other healthful nutrients.

Is vegetarian food more filling? ›

A plant-based (i.e., vegan or vegetarian) meal will lead to better mood, higher satiety, and less stress compared to an omnivorous meal. Higher fiber content in the meals will mediate higher mood and satiety and lower stress, whereas higher unrefined sugar and fat content will mediate the opposite.

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