Meatless Dinner Ideas
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Browse this collection of Meatless Dinner Ideas, whether you’re cooking for vegetarians, trimming your grocery bill, or just looking to vary your weeknight dinner routine. From pasta to tacos, casseroles to comfort food, there are plenty of ways to shift traditional favorites in a more plant-based direction.
My three favorites from this whole list – and it’s hard to choose just three – are sweet potato black bean chili, roasted tomato pasta, and Tuscan chickpea stew!
Inspired by national “meatless days” that were associated with conservation efforts during World War I and World War II, the meatless Monday campaign was revived in the early aughts under the premise that everyone could make an impact simply by eating meat-free one day a week. There are many potential reasons to do this: many people prioritize eating plants for health reasons; some are simply trying to reduce their grocery bills, and meat can be expensive; and of course some choose vegan or vegetarian eating for ethical reasons.
The good news is, whatever your personal reason or reasons for seeking out more meatless meals, any action counts. Whether you eat meatless occasionally or all of the time, the benefits can still flow your way.
What’s more, shelving the meat doesn’t mean skimping on flavor with these delicious vegetarian-friendly dinner offerings. Whip up a batch of chickpea tacos or black bean enchiladas, make a cozy pot of soup, or enjoy a veggie-loaded pasta. There’s something for everyone to love.
34+ Meatless Dinner Ideas
Simple Black Bean Tacos
So easy to make from pantry staples, and the filling cooks in no time. So flavorful and satisfying that you'll never miss the meat!
Mediterranean Frittata
Break this out for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal any time of the day. It’s got fluffy eggs, tender greens, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Feta cheese, all in one skillet.
Tuscan White Bean Skillet
A perpetual favorite across the site! Ready in under 30 minutes and dreamy with a crusty loaf of bread or garlic knots.
Cottage Cheese Pancakes
These super simple cottage cheese pancakes use just 4 ingredients. Our kids are so happy when I say these are on the menu as “breakfast for dinner.”
Italian Chickpea Soup
Filled with tender vegetables and cozy orzo, with a zip of Italian seasoning and fresh lemon, this 25-minute chickpea soup is comforting, nutritious, and supremely simple. Easily made vegan or gluten-free, as needed.
Roasted Tomato Pasta
This easy pasta dinner can be on your table in 20 minutes with cherry tomatoes, basil, Parmesan, and a luscious sauce that is flavorful but light.
Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Make your mac healthy-ish with this creamy, delicious version baked with broccoli and a crisp breadcrumb topping.
Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
This easy mushroom risotto with peas is so delicious! It might feel like cheating but pressure cooking is such a simple and hands-off way to make creamy, flavorful risotto at home.
Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup
So cozy, hearty, and packed with veggies and whole grains, this creamy wild rice soup is also so easy to make in your pressure cooker.
Mushroom Flatbread
These easy yet elevated flatbreads make a tasty dinner in about 20 minutes. Super satisfying with just a little side salad.
Penne Rosa
Tender pasta and plenty of veggies tucked into a creamy tomato sauce with just a little kick. It’s a delicious copycat of the popular Noodles & Company dish that is super easy to make at home for a quick dinner any night of the week.
Creamy Pesto Tortellini
A simple & delicious dish you can toss together in just about 20 minutes. It has a short list of ingredients and is a no-brainer to make, placing it forever among my favorite back-pocket recipes for busy weeknights.
Pinto Bean Tostadas with Tomato Corn Salsa
These have a little more going on than some everyday dinners, with crisp shells, creamy pinto beans, and the most vibrant corn-tomato salsa piled on top. Fun for the relatively adventurous!
Brothy Mediterranean Beans and Greens
Light and easy yet packed with flavor. Simmer with a Parmesan rind and serve with garlic toast or breadsticks for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Garden Veggie Marinara Pasta
This pasta’s from-scratch sauce comes together in a snap with tons of fresh produce and generous sprinkles of Parmesan cheese. The tastiest way to get your family eating their veggies!
Black Bean Quesadillas with Roasted Red Pepper
Quesadillas are always terrific on their own, but toss in hearty black beans, roasted red pepper, and a quick seasoning blend for a runaway hit. Easy & economical, too!
Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos
A delicious and super healthy dinner! Ready in about 30 minutes, naturally vegan, and easy to finish with your favorite toppings.
Ultra Fast Pesto Ravioli
So quick and easy to make, yet incredibly vibrant and full of flavor thanks to burst cherry tomatoes, tender peas, and plenty of Parmesan.
Brown Butter Ravioli with Butternut Squash
A rich sauce is rounded out with fresh sage, roasted butternut squash, and plenty of fresh Parmesan and cracked pepper. It adds up to a satisfying dish that feels elevated but can come together in just about 30 minutes.
Easy Broccoli Carrot Pasta
Super simple and yet delicious, this easy pasta is total comfort food mixed with the colorful veggies we all need. Lemon, garlic, and a hint of red pepper wake up the flavors for a dinner everyone can feel good about.
Chipotle Black Bean Tortilla Soup
Quick, easy, and full of bright Mexican flavors. Enjoy with all the toppings you love for a fun and flavor-packed meatless meal.
Black Bean and Corn Enchiladas
Quick, easy, and flavorful, these black bean and corn enchiladas will be a new family favorite. Use homemade or high-quality enchilada sauce for maximum flavor.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
One of my very favorite chilis, this is satisfying, cozy, and nutrient-dense. Easy to make on the stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker – all instructions included.
Black Bean Taco Salad
Tacos get a healthy upgrade with black beans, a rainbow of veggies, crushed tortilla chips, and a mouth-watering fresh cilantro lime salad dressing.
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
With tender veggies, a rich gravy-like sauce, and a generous layer of mashed potatoes on top, this is the best kind of meatless comfort food.
Lemon White Bean and Spinach Soup
Healthy, cozy, and comforting — packed with fresh spinach, carrots, orzo pasta, and hearty cannellini beans — and easy to make in less than 30 minutes.
Pasta with White Beans and Broccoli
One pot veggie pasta packed with Mediterranean-seasoned white beans, broccoli, and lemon flavor. An easy and complete meal in 30 minutes!
Braised White Beans and Tomatoes
A simple yet hearty and delicious meal. We love to serve it in shallow bowls with garlic knots or sourdough toast.
White Bean Tortellini Soup
We love this for something homemade, healthy, and satisfying on the busiest nights. It's got tender cheese-filled tortellini cooked right in the broth, the zip of Italian tomatoes and herbs, and creamy white beans for added protein. Best of all, it's no-fail and ready in just 20 minutes.
Slow Cooker White Bean Soup with Parmesan & Pearl Couscous
A totally delicious and easy Crockpot soup, full of creamy white beans, rich broth, tender vegetables and Pearl couscous. Healthy and cozy!
Crispy Chickpea Tacos with Sunset Slaw
Quick crisped and seasoned chickpeas are topped with a vibrant, crunchy slaw and creamy chipotle sauce for a vegetarian taco everyone enjoys.
Instant Pot Chickpea Curry (Chana Masala)
You’ll be amazed how simple it is to make this at home with a few basic veggies and pantry ingredients. Good for the body, good for the soul! Vegan and gluten-free.
Tuscan Chickpea Stew
A healthy and delicious meatless meal you can make in about 30 minutes. I love meal prepping this for lunches throughout the week!
Chickpea Noodle Soup
Move over, chicken – chickpea noodle soup has the same cozy vibes and tons of warm Italian flavors, plus the chickpeas keep you full and satisfied.
I am a meat lover. My day will never be complete without it. But you gave me an option to enjoy my favorite food without meat like the Pad Thai.
So many inspiring posts!! Thanks for including my Tofu Bowl and my Enchilada Quinoa!! I can’t wait to check out each recipe.
Hi Samantha – thank YOU for such great contributions! Your tofu bowl is on my menu for later this week – so excited!
These all look amazing!!! Thanks for including mine 😀
Thanks, Sarah, and the joy was all mine – that ratatouille looks fantastic!
A bunch of deliciousness in one frame. Thanks for sharing Monica! Pinning it right now.
Thanks, Ruchi! I loved your recipe so much!
Thanks for the inspiration because I too always make pasta recipes mostly! 🙂
This is a fantastic round-up for meat free meals. I can eat pasta until the cows come home but when guests come over it’s nice to put something new and exciting onto the table for them. Enjoy your summer visit from your family.
Such a wonderful collection of recipes! I can’t wait to try that Saag Paneer.
What a great round up – I’m always looking for new vegetarian dinners so will bookmark this
Great listicles for meatless meals. I would like to try first the Brocolli crescent wrap. this looks so yum, Thanks for sharing.
Hi Monica!! Thanks so much for featuring my pumpkin soup recipe! All of the recipes in your roundup look great!! 🙂
Absolutely – thank you! It looks so delicious, and perfect for fall!
Aw thank you for your kind words Monica! Have a great week!! 🙂