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Home » Vegetarian

These 19 Vegetarian Mains Will Steal the Show

Published: Jun 9, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

These vegetarian mains are proof that meatless meals can absolutely hold their own. They're bold, crave-worthy, and built to impress—whether you're cooking for a crowd or just want something great for dinner. Each one brings big flavor and serious staying power, without trying too hard. If you’ve ever thought vegetarian food couldn’t be the star of the table, these recipes are here to change your mind.

Vegan Turkey Roast in a glass baking dish on a countertop, garnished with herbs.
Vegan Turkey Roast. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Vegetable Pot Pie

An image of vegetable pot pie in a baking dish, with a portion missing.
Vegetable Pot Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegetable pot pie combines tender vegetables in a savory sauce under a crisp, golden crust. It’s a hearty vegetarian main that works especially well for holiday meals like Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pot Pie

Mushroom Ragù

An image of mushroom ragu in a white bowl with a garnish of basil on top.
Mushroom Ragù. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mushroom ragù is simple to cook and holds up well when served over pasta, rice, or polenta. It’s a hearty vegetarian main that doesn’t take much effort but still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Ragù

Stuffed Acorn Squash

A close up view of three stuffed acorn squash placed in a serving plate.
Stuffed Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stuffed acorn squash with quinoa is simple to assemble and combines sweet and savory flavors. It’s a dependable vegetarian main that fits well into holiday meals or seasonal gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash

Vegan Turkey Roast

Vegan Turkey Roast in a glass baking dish on a countertop, garnished with herbs.
Vegan Turkey Roast. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Made with chickpeas and seitan, this vegan turkey roast is straightforward and cost-effective. It’s a reliable vegetarian main that fits well on a holiday table or any time you want something homemade.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast

Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower

A close up view of whole roasted cauliflower.
Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Gochujang cauliflower brings heat and umami with its Korean-inspired sauce. It cooks quickly and works well as a vegetarian main over rice, in tacos, or served family-style.
Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower

Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

An image of cooked tater tot casserole.
Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tater tot casserole combines creamy vegetables with crisp potato tots in a dish that’s easy to put together. It’s a solid vegetarian main whether for a weeknight or holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

Penne Pomodoro

An close up photo of cooked penne pomodoro in a pot.
Penne Pomodoro. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Penne Pomodoro is a budget-friendly option made with a quick tomato sauce that comes together in under half an hour. It’s a solid vegetarian main when you need something light and easy.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro

Vegan Ham

Overhead photo of vegan ham with pineapple slices placed on a white serving dish. 
Vegan Ham. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan ham, made with vital wheat gluten, delivers a firm texture and bold seasoning without meat. It’s a strong vegetarian main for holiday meals or any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ham

Vegan Shepherd's Pie

Close up view of vegan shepherd's pie in a white baking dish.
Vegan Shepherd's Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie layers lentils and mushrooms under mashed potatoes for a comforting, complete dish. It takes about an hour to prepare and works well as a hearty vegetarian main.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Shepherd's Pie

Aloo Gobi Masala

An overhead image of aloo gobi in a white plate.
Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Aloo gobi with roasted cauliflower and potatoes takes less than 15 minutes to prep and uses just one pan. It’s a fast, reliable vegetarian main that fits into any weekday dinner plan.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Mushroom Masala

An image of cooked mushroom masala in a skillet.
Mushroom Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

In this mushroom masala, mushrooms are cooked in a creamy tomato and coconut sauce. It’s a 30-minute dish that pairs easily with rice or naan, making it a dependable vegetarian main for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Masala

Nigerian Fried Rice

An overhead image of Nigerian fried rice in a serving bowl.
Nigerian Fried Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Nigerian fried rice comes together quickly with colorful vegetables and bold seasoning. It’s a quick and satisfying vegetarian main that works for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice

Easy Veggie Lasagna

An image of a slice of vegetable lasagna on a white serving plate.
Easy Veggie Lasagna. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegetable lasagna features layers of ricotta and roasted vegetables for a filling, meat-free meal. It’s a solid vegetarian main for holiday tables or weekend dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

An angled shot of savory sweet potato casserole served in a baking dish.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sweet potato casserole topped with garlic and honey-glazed walnuts brings together both savory and sweet notes. It’s an easy vegetarian main for fall meals or Thanksgiving spreads.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Spicy Vodka Pasta

An overhead view of a cooked spicy vodka pasta in a white plate.
Spicy Vodka Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spicy vodka pasta, whether made vegan or vegetarian, is full of bold flavor and comes together quickly. It’s a practical choice for a weeknight meal or a casual dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vodka Pasta

Easy Mushroom Wellington

An overhead image of mushroom wellington in a serving plate.
Easy Mushroom Wellington. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This mushroom Wellington wraps mushrooms and herbs in a flaky crust for a balanced, meat-free dish. It holds up well as a vegetarian main for gatherings or weeknight dinners alike.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Wellington

Vegetable Korma

An overhead image of vegetable korma in a bowl, garnished with cilantro and with a spoon on the side.
Vegetable Korma. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This mixed vegetable korma uses potatoes and peas in a coconut-based sauce with ginger and garlic. It’s a simple, well-rounded vegetarian main that works well for busy evenings, especially when served with flatbreads.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Korma

Vegan Bolognese

An image of bolognese in a bowl with basil on top.
Vegan Bolognese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lentils and mushrooms simmered in a tomato-based sauce make this vegan bolognese a strong choice for weeknight dinners. It’s ready in under an hour and makes a filling vegetarian main without relying on meat.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Bolognese

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

A bowl of vegan rasta pasta.
Vegan Rasta Pasta. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Vegan rasta pasta uses mild spices and straightforward ingredients for a fast, comforting meal. It’s ready in 30 minutes and stands as a convenient vegetarian main for any weekday.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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