If you’re looking for a simple step to improve the health of your body, grocery budget, and the planet in the new year, occasionally eating plant-based ingredients is a smart move. Cutting down on animal-derived products doesn’t have to mean going cold turkey (or tofu), but simply enjoying meals focused on plant-based proteins a few times a week while still enjoying meat-based meals other days. Plus, this simple swap can be cost-effective, and plant-based ingredients like tofu, beans, nuts, seeds, and vegetables can also help you keep more green in your wallet. If you’re concerned cutting meat a few times a week will mean boring meals that are bland or unsatisfying, we’ve got 17 easy meatless dinner ideas you must try. These quick and easy dishes are full of protein and other essential nutrients to stay full and fueled. They’re also so delicious, that even carnivorous eaters will approve.
Easy Meatless Dinner Ideas
Chili Tostada Eggs
This BLD (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) recipe makes a delicious star at weekend brunch or an unexpected addition to Taco Tuesday. Corn tostadas are the crunchy canvass for eggs cooked in mild enchilada sauce with Mexican cheese blend layered over creamy avocado and refried beans.
Get the recipe: Chili Tostada Eggs
Crispy Tofu Cutlets with Coconut Creamed Swiss Chard
Sticking to a New Year’s resolution is a lot easier when it feels like a vacation. Creamy coconut milk and a finish of coconut chips turn slow-simmered Swiss chard into a tropical-inspired side dish. Fans of chicken cutlets will love the main course, crispy cutlets of seasoned, breaded tofu that are pan-fried until golden brown.
Get the recipe: Crispy Tofu Cutlets with Coconut Creamed Swiss Chard
Ramen Noodle Salad with Baked Tofu
The intrigue factor of this Asian-inspired salad made with ramen is sure to entice even reluctant meatless eaters. A drizzle of bottled Thai peanut dressing and chill time in the fridge softens chunks of uncooked noodles tossed with crunchy rainbow slaw. The salad is topped with tender cubes of baked tofu, juicy mandarin oranges, and toasted almonds for a satisfying medley of textures in every bite.
Get the recipe: Ramen Noodle Salad with Baked Tofu
Cheesy Vegetable and Bean Casserole
Kids will devour this veggie-loaded casserole, thanks to a crunchy breadcrumb topping and plenty of gooey cheese. Canned white beans and two kinds of frozen veggies make it an easy, weeknight go-to that comes together with 10 minutes of prep.
Get the recipe: Cheesy Vegetable and Bean Casserole
Black Bean Soup with Cornmeal Dumplings
Jumpstart your way to a belly-warming meal on chilly nights with our easiest-ever take on black bean soup. Fresh spinach bumps up the nutrient content of store-bought soup finished with cheesy, homemade corn dumplings that come together in minutes using self-rising flour.
Get the recipe: Black Bean Soup with Cornmeal Dumplings
Black Bean and Corn Enchilada Stuffed Shells
This recipe showcases the versatility of budget-friendly canned beans, which are always a useful pantry standby for meatless meals. Jumbo pasta shells stand in for tortillas in this hearty bake featuring all your favorite enchilada flavors, like black beans, corn, scallions, and cheese.
Get the recipe: Black Bean and Corn Enchilada Stuffed Shells
Soy Sauce Marinated Silken Tofu with Rice
Mild-mannered tofu is one of the most versatile ingredients at the grocery store, in part because it comes in a variety of textures. Here, lusciously soft silken tofu is “cooked” in an overnight marinade of soy and chili sauces amped up with sesame seeds and scallions. The final meal comes together in minutes served over broccoli and brown rice cooked in the microwave.
Get the recipe: Soy Sauce Marinated Silken Tofu with Rice
Creamy Pasta with Peas
Even picky eaters can’t refuse this warm and comforting pasta dish that comes together in snap with six ingredients. Cottage cheese is the shortcut to creamy texture and cheesy flavor stirred into ruffly radiatore noodles studded with frozen peas.
Get the recipe: Creamy Pasta with Peas
Spicy Butternut Squash and Kale Stew with Peanuts
This African-inspired stew bursting with spicy-savory-sweet flavor will convert anyone who thinks of vegetarian food as bland. Butternut squash creates a velvety smooth texture blended with coconut milk and kale in a hearty stew seasoned with garlic, ginger, and fiery cayenne. It’s rounded out with a double dose of nutty flavor from creamy peanut butter and a garnish of roasted peanuts on top.
Get the recipe: Spicy Butternut Squash and Kale Stew with Peanuts
Spicy Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Bowl
The air fryer is another handy way to add toothsome texture to shape-shifting tofu. Just 15 minutes of cooking time gives planks of extra firm tofu an irresistible, crispy crust. Serve over broccoli and brown rice with a homemade sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar sauce that kicks up the flavor to the next level.
Get the recipe: Spicy Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Bowl
Garlicky Beans and Greens Over Toast
The next time you think: “I have no idea what I want for dinner tonight,” this colorful and nutritious, 20-minute meal is the answer. Garlic and crushed red pepper dial up the flavor of kale and canned white beans poached in vegetable broth. Pair with a thick slice of Italian toast for a simple but satisfying, plant-powered meal.
Get the recipe: Garlicky Beans and Greens Over Toast
Creamed Spinach Linguine
No one will miss the meat with this mashup recipe inspired by a classic steakhouse side. A duo of fresh and frozen creamed spinach creates a luscious, creamy sauce in just one minute for linguine finished with fresh basil and Parmesan.
Get the recipe: Creamed Spinach Linguine
Vegetable Curry with Lentils
Canned lentils and a combo of frozen and pre-chopped fresh vegetables are the time-saving keys to this vegan-friendly curry. The flavors and textures are so complex and satisfying, no one would guess it only requires five minutes of prep. Curry powder, ginger, and cayenne spice up a combo of lentils, tomatoes, and four different veggies simmered in coconut milk and served over rice.
Get the recipe: Vegetable Curry with Lentils
Creamed Spinach Gnocchi Bake
When cold weather has you craving serious comfort food, this easy, cheesy bake has you covered with just five ingredients. Cream cheese, half and half, and mozzarella make up the decadently creamy sauce for pillows of frozen gnocchi and chopped spinach that bake together until golden brown and bubbly.
Get the recipe: Creamed Spinach Gnocchi Bake
Instant Pot® Walnut Lentil Tacos
Tacos get a plant-powered makeover in this protein-rich meal that cooks in the Instant Pot®. Brown lentils and chopped walnuts form the base of a hearty, vegan-friendly filling with onions, tomatoes, and a rich blend of spices. Enjoy with all your favorite fixings inside warm flour tortillas or spooned over rice for Tex-Mex bowls.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot® Walnut Lentil Tacos
Slow Cooker Veggie Lasagna
Family-favorite lasagna gets even better in this “set it and forget it” slow cooker recipe brimming with fresh vegetables. Summer squash and zucchini replace half of the noodles in this lighter take that still packs tons of satisfying flavor with tomato sauce and two kinds of cheese.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Veggie Lasagna
Roasted Vegetable Winter Bliss Bowl
Using a rainbow of fresh produce is a great way to ensure your family’s meals are packed with an array of nutrients. This recipe makes it easy with a single sheet pan and 10 minutes of prep. Chickpeas, tomatoes, and three kinds of vegetables combine with nutty tahini, Greek yogurt, and za’atar seasoning for eat-with-your-eyes bliss bowls that live up to their name.
Get the recipe: Roasted Vegetable Winter Bliss Bowl
