Are you tired of always reaching for the same expensive meat options at the grocery store?
Or maybe you’re looking to try some new meatless meals without breaking your budget?
Whatever your reason, we’ve got you covered with this list of 10 budget-friendly and easy meals without meat.
From hearty soups to flavorful burgers, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and your wallet.
So, let’s dive in and talk about these delicious and affordable meals.
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Curried Lentil Soup
If you’re a fan of spicy, flavorful soups, then you’ll love this recipe for Curried Lentil Soup.
It’s packed with protein and fiber from the lentils, making it a filling and nutritious meal. Plus, it’s easy on your wallet, using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
To make this soup, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in a large pot.
Add in your spices – curry powder, cumin, and coriander – and let them toast for a minute or two to release their aromas.
Then, add in your lentils and vegetable broth, and let everything simmer until the lentils are tender.
Finally, stir in some coconut milk for creaminess and a touch of sweetness.
This soup is great on its own, but you could also serve it over rice or with some crusty bread for dipping.
It’s a versatile recipe that you can customize to your taste – add more spices if you like things extra spicy, or throw in some chopped vegetables for extra nutrition.
Vegetarian Chili
Vegetarian Chili is a classic recipe that’s both filling and flavorful. It’s especially perfect for those chilly nights when you’re craving something warm and comforting.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile – you can use whatever beans and vegetables you have on hand, and adjust the spice level to your liking.
To make this Vegetarian Chili, start by sautéing onion and garlic in a large pot until softened. Add in your choice of beans (we recommend a mix of black beans and kidney beans), diced tomatoes, and a can of corn.
Season with chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. Let the chili simmer for about 20 minutes, until all the flavors have melded together.
Serve in bowls topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and some chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Pasta with Chickpeas
Pasta with Chickpeas is another easy and tasty dish. It’s a one-pot meal which makes it perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
This recipe is a great way to incorporate more plant-based protein into your diet and it’s also budget-friendly.
To make this dish, start by cooking some pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta is cooking, sauté some garlic and onions in a large pot until they’re soft.
Add in some chickpeas, canned tomatoes, and a little bit of vegetable broth or water. Season the mixture with some Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
Let everything simmer together for a few minutes until the flavors come together.
Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the pot with the chickpea mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce. You can serve this dish as is or top it with some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Mushroom Stroganoff
Mushroom Stroganoff is a classic and comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy any cravings for a hearty meal.
Made with tender mushrooms and a creamy sauce, this recipe is easy to make and budget-friendly.
There are many ways to make this recipe, but here is one of our favorites.
To start, you’ll need to sauté sliced mushrooms in a pan until they’re softened and browned. Then, add some diced onions and garlic to the pan and cook until they’re fragrant.
Next, add a can of cream of mushroom soup, some sour cream, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the pan and stir it all together.
Let everything simmer for a few minutes until the sauce is thick and bubbly. Serve the stroganoff over egg noodles or rice for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meat tacos.
Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also packed with nutrients thanks to sweet potatoes and black beans.
To start, peel and dice a sweet potato into small cubes and sauté them in a pan with some olive oil until they’re cooked through and lightly browned.
Then, add in a can of black beans, some diced onions and bell peppers, and a few spices like cumin and chili powder.
Let everything cook together for a few minutes until the flavors meld. To assemble the tacos, warm up some tortillas and fill them with the sweet potato and black bean mixture. Top with some fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime for added flavor.
For a lighter option, try our Quinoa and Black Bean Salad. This refreshing salad is perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish to any meal.
Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
Another great option for a meatless meal is a Quinoa and Black Bean Salad. Quinoa is a versatile grain that is high in protein and fiber, making it a great addition to any vegetarian diet.
When combined with black beans, which are also a great source of protein and fiber, this salad becomes a filling and nutritious meal.
To make the salad, start by cooking one cup of quinoa according to the package instructions. While the quinoa is cooking, rinse and drain a can of black beans and chop up some fresh vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions.
Once the quinoa is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes before mixing it with the black beans and veggies. Add in some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added flavor.
This Quinoa and Black Bean Salad is not only delicious but also budget-friendly, as both quinoa and black beans are relatively inexpensive ingredients.
Plus, it can be made in advance and enjoyed as a quick and healthy lunch throughout the week.
If you’re looking for a heartier option, try our Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for brunch or dinner.
Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche
Another delicious and budget-friendly option is Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche.
Made with simple ingredients like eggs, broccoli, and cheddar cheese, this quiche is easy to customize to your taste preference by adding in other vegetables, herbs, or spices that you have on hand.
Not only is it a satisfying meal that’s perfect for brunch or dinner, but it’s also a great way to use up any extra vegetables that are about to go bad.
Plus, it can be made in advance and enjoyed throughout the week for a quick and filling breakfast or lunch.
Garlic Mushroom Risotto
If you’re looking for a meatless meal that’s both filling and satisfying, give this Garlic Mushroom Risotto a try.
Not only is it a great way to use up any extra vegetables, but it’s also perfect for meal prep, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
If you’re a fan of bell peppers, you’ll love this Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe. It’s a filling and nutritious meal that won’t break the bank.
The recipe includes a variety of colorful bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of rice, beans, and vegetables, making it a great way to use up any leftover ingredients.
Plus, it’s a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy option for any mealtime.
Black Bean Burgers
These burgers are packed with flavor from the combination of black beans, onions, garlic, and spices. Plus, they are easy to make and perfect for meal prepping – simply make a big batch and freeze them for later.
Not only are Black Bean Burgers a delicious option, but they are also a healthy one. Black beans are loaded with protein and fiber, making them a great substitute for meat.
They are also low in fat and cholesterol, making them a heart-healthy option. Serve your Black Bean Burgers on a whole wheat bun with some avocado and salsa for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Incorporating meatless meals into your diet doesn’t have to be boring or expensive. With recipes like Stuffed Bell Peppers and Black Bean Burgers, you can save money while enjoying a variety of delicious and nutritious meals.
These 10 budget-friendly meatless recipes are a game-changer for anyone who wants to save money while still enjoying delicious meals.
From curried lentil soup to black bean burgers, these dishes are filling, healthy, and easy to make.
So why not give them a try and see for yourself? As the saying goes, “you are what you eat,” so choose wisely and make your wallet (and your taste buds) happy.
Remember, going meatless doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, and it definitely doesn’t have to break the bank. Bon appétit!
