20 Weeknight Vegetarian Dinners

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Once it’s time to head home after a tiring day of work, it’s tempting to pick something up from the nearest fast-food restaurant for dinner.

Pretty convenient, right?

You don’t have to do any cooking at all! But do you notice your expenses getting higher because of how many times you opted to eat out?

Or maybe you find yourself feeling a bit unhealthy after living off more junk than veggies?

That’s where healthy vegetarian recipes save your evening! But why prepare vegetarian dinners?

For starters, you’ll spend less time preparing your dinners as you won’t deal with raw meat.

Moreover, meat is pricier than veggies and plant-based protein, making it more budget-friendly as you search for cheap vegetarian meals. The list of benefits goes on!

 

20 Weeknight Vegetarian Dinners

Whether you need vegetarian freezer meals as a meal prepper or something quick to make after arriving home, read on!

I’ll be sharing crave-worthy weeknight vegetarian dinners everyone will love.

Make sure to pin this image to your favorite Pinterest board so you can come back for updates on the best weeknight vegetarian dinners.

 

1. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

Is it a cold night?

Warm up with a freshly-cooked plate of Shepherd’s Pie, a classic comfort food!

While we’re so used to adding ground lamb, this recipe uses lentils and mushrooms. It tastes similar to its original dish, making it one of the best Meatless Monday recipes.

 

2. Crunchy Veggie Rainbow Salad

You might be thinking, “Salads? It’s just greens mixed with whatever store-bought dressing you’re craving!”

But what if I told you salads are cheap, healthy meals that can taste as delicious.

My favorite part is the Asian salad dressing, which has a tangy taste with a hint of umami to go well with every veggie.

 

3. Vegan Lemon “Chicken”

Move over, Panda Express!

Here’s your sign to fulfill your cravings by following healthier Chinese recipes like vegan lemon “chicken!”

While it uses vegan mock “chicken,” you can use other plant-based protein sources like tofu.

Either way, you get deliciously sweet, tangy flavors from the lemon glaze. It’s perfect on a bed of hot rice!

 

4. Veggie Burrito Bowl

Are your cravings for Mexican food intensifying by the minute? Create healthy burrito bowls instead of ordering takeout!

You’re going to become addicted to packed burrito bowls, made with grilled veggies and black beans.

Where’s the avocado, you ask? It’s mixed in with your rice to make it creamier!

 

5. Veggie Pizza

Pizzas are easy weeknight vegetarian dinners anyone will say yes to, including kids!

Skip pizza deliveries (along with their high fees) by making your own, where you can load it with all the veggies you want.

 

6. Vegan Japchae

I’m obsessed with Japchae, which are Korean stir-fried glass noodles that feature a blend of contrasting flavors.

This is one of my favorite healthy noodle recipes because it isn’t only vegan-friendly, but gluten-free!

 

7. Cauliflower Parmigiana

I use cauliflower to put a twist on a well-known comfort dish: Chicken parmigiana.

Next time you’re searching for the best weeknight vegetarian dinners, don’t forget to try cooking an extra-cheesy pan of cauliflower parmigiana!

 

8. Veggie Vegan Tacos

I love me some Meatless Mondays but my favorite day has got to be Taco Tuesdays!

I recommend these tacos when you want quick vegetarian meals because of how stuffed each tortilla is.

 

9. Vegan Carbonara

As you scour through countless vegetarian recipes for dinner, there’s one that you can’t skip – Creamy carbonara.

I wouldn’t have guessed that it was vegan unless I saw the recipe myself!

Tofu is key to vegan carbonara’s creaminess. You won’t taste any tofu but will get a rich texture AND protein, making your bowl of pasta even healthier.

 

10. Vegetarian Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

Are you only two people at home?

Create meals for two that are both affordable and quick to make, starting with a vegetarian sheet pan dinner.

The creamy sauce will make your roasted veggies so much more enjoyable.

 

11. Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles

I understand if you’re too tired to whip anything up for dinner after a day’s work.

Sometimes, I end up making instant ramen and then calling it a night!

But if you plan on making instant ramen as a main meal, elevate its flavors to give it more of a sweet, umami taste with a spicy kick.

 

12. Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

I’m obsessed with stuffed peppers because you’ll be surprised by how something so simple can be a complete meal!

Sure, stuffed peppers look “small,” but you can load them up with a ton of healthy ingredients like black beans and quinoa to feel satisfied after dinner.

 

13. Vegan Baked Potato

Vegan baked potatoes are nothing short of amazing, with such a smooth, creamy consistency.

Eat a loaded baked potato fresh out of your oven after stuffing it with cheese, with each bite warming your soul!

 

14. Chickpea Burger

If hamburgers are your favorite dinner, you won’t need to worry about the calorie overload anymore!

You can make your own vegetarian-friendly burgers with chickpeas and your chosen fillings.

 

15. Vegan Chili

There’s nothing like coming home to a warm bowl of chili paired with cornbread.

Fortunately, you won’t be missing meat from this chili recipe, because you’ll still get a thick, filling dish with tofu crumbles.

Tofu won’t only add protein to your chili but it also has a similar texture to ground beef!

 

16. Tofu Tikka Masala

I have never appreciated tofu more since I started making vegetarian dishes. It’s a perfect meat alternative to almost everything, including chicken in tikka masala!

Just the smell of tofu tikka masala alone will have your mouth water in excitement.

 

17. Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

If you’re looking for something light and delish, you can still enjoy a delectable grilled cheese sandwich with a golden crust.

Paired with a rich tomato soup, the comfort food combo will take you back to your childhood!

 

18. Vegetarian Meatballs

Meatballs are another best-loved dinner, especially when you have little ones!

You can start incorporating more non-meat into their diet with vegan meatballs, which taste almost exactly like the original version.

Your kids won’t need to know (wink, wink).

 

19. Tex-Mex Cheesesteak Sandwich

Cheesesteak sandwich without steak? It’s possible with mushrooms!

I would make a vegetarian cheesesteak sandwich whenever I’m in the mood for something extra cheesy.

What makes it even more delicious is when you add avocados and sour cream, giving it an even richer texture.

 

20. Tofu Chicken Nuggets

No matter how old we get, we’ll always enjoy a plate of chicken nuggets paired with a delicious barbecue sauce.

Don’t worry, you can make chicken nuggets healthier so you can enjoy more without guilt, using silken tofu!