If you're cutting back on meat or just looking for something different, these recipes are packed with flavor and perfect for busy nights. You need these satisfying meatless mains—they're hearty, simple to make, and don’t leave you wishing there was something else on your plate. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, these meals get the job done and then some.
Easy Mushroom Wellington. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.
Squash Casserole with Stuffing
This squash casserole with stuffing and hatch chiles is a hearty, meatless choice that fits well in holiday spreads. It keeps things simple while bringing plant-based flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Stuffing
Instant Pot Jollof
Nigerian Jollof Rice cooked with tomatoes and peppers delivers bold flavor in a familiar dish. It’s a solid option when you want to keep meals meat-free and easy.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jollof
Shiro Wat (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew)
Chickpea stew comes together in 45 minutes using basic spices and pantry ingredients. It’s a practical meatless dinner that makes plant-based cooking straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Shiro Wat (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew)
Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Rigatoni arrabbiata cooks up in 30 minutes with a punchy tomato sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal for when you want a meatless dinner without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Sun-dried tomato pasta with ricotta and parmesan is a one-pot dish ready in 30 minutes. It’s a simple, no-fuss dinner that fits well in a meatless meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Vegan Bolognese
Lentil and mushroom bolognese is ready in under an hour with a rich tomato base. It’s a reliable weeknight dinner that shows meatless meals can be easy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Bolognese
Nigerian Fried Rice
Nigerian fried rice takes just 15 minutes and includes colorful vegetables and long-grain rice. It’s a fast, plant-based choice when you need a solid meal quickly.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice
Mushroom Ragù
Mushroom ragù is quick to prepare and works great over pasta or rice. It’s a hearty option for a plant-based dinner without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Ragù
Eggplant Casserole
Eggplant casserole layers cheese and vegetables for one filling bake. It’s a practical no-meat meal that still feels complete and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Easy Mushroom Wellington
Vegan mushroom Wellington wrapped in flaky pastry delivers plenty of flavor. It’s a festive plant-based main dish when you want something special.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Wellington
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Broccoli cheese casserole uses only three ingredients and takes 30 minutes to make. It’s a low-stress side dish that fits into any plant-based occasion.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Mumbai Pav Bhaji
Curried vegetable mash served with a buttered roll makes a filling street-style meal. It’s a great way to enjoy a complete plant-based dinner without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Mumbai Pav Bhaji
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Cheesy green bean casserole bakes in 30 minutes with a crispy topping. It’s an easy addition to holiday meals while keeping things meatless.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Stuffed spaghetti squash with vegetables and cheese is straightforward to prepare. It’s a reliable meat-free option for any meal of the day.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Vegan Ham
Vegan ham made from vital wheat gluten is a hearty choice for special meals. It’s an easy swap to keep traditional dishes plant-based and simple.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ham
Baked Cauliflower with Cheese
Baked cauliflower cheese with creamy sauce is ready in an hour. It’s a solid choice when you want a filling meal without meat.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower with Cheese
Aloo Gobi Masala
Roasted aloo gobi comes together fast with just 15 minutes of prep. It’s a low-effort dinner that fits easily into plant-based plans.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala
Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms
Spring pasta with pea shoot pesto and mushrooms cooks in 30 minutes. It’s a quick and straightforward option for plant-based eating.
Get the Recipe: Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms
Paccheri al Forno
Paccheri al Forno is baked pasta ready in under an hour. It’s a filling no-meat meal that’s simple to prepare and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Paccheri al Forno
Vegetable Korma
Vegetable korma with potatoes and peas is creamy and pairs well with flatbread. It’s a solid plant-based dinner choice that’s easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Korma
Jamaican Rasta Pasta
Vegan rasta pasta with fresh vegetables and spices is ready in 30 minutes. It’s an easy meal for anyone cooking more plant-based dishes on a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta
Vegan Fajitas
Vegan fajita wrap packed with sautéed veggies and dairy-free yogurt is quick to make. It’s a fast meatless meal that works when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Fajitas
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Spaghetti squash lasagna is ready in 45 minutes and layered with cheese. It’s a reliable meat-free main dish that doesn’t require much planning.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari
Kitchari, a rice and lentil dish, cooks in 45 minutes. It’s a comforting and easy plant-based meal that fits well with Earth Day cooking.
Get the Recipe: Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari
Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)
Vegan efo riro is full of flavor and pairs well with rice. It’s a bold no-meat option that keeps plant-based meals simple and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)
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