20 Savory Meatless Meals That Will Satisfy Any Appetite

Craving something hearty and delicious, but want to skip the meat? You’re in for a treat! There are so many satisfying meatless meals out there that are packed with flavor, texture, and variety. From cheesy pastas and rich curries to crunchy tacos and savory stir-fries, you won’t even miss the meat. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to mix up your meal routine, these dishes will fill you up and keep your taste buds happy.

Black Bean Burgers

For these black bean burgers, you’ll need one can of black beans, breadcrumbs, one egg, garlic, onion, and your favorite spices like cumin and paprika. Mash the black beans in a bowl, then mix in the breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, and spices. Form into patties and cook in a skillet until crispy on both sides. Serve on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and your choice of condiments. These burgers are hearty and satisfying, packed with protein from the beans. A great option for a quick weeknight dinner.

Spinach Lasagna

This spinach lasagna requires lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, spinach, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Start by boiling the lasagna noodles and sautéing the spinach until wilted. Mix the spinach with the ricotta and layer it between lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, and cheese in a baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. The ricotta and spinach create a creamy, rich filling, while the marinara adds a savory tang. This dish is perfect for family gatherings and leaves everyone feeling satisfied.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

You’ll need sweet potatoes, black beans, tortillas, enchilada sauce, cumin, garlic, and cheese for these enchiladas. Roast the sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them and mix with black beans and spices. Fill tortillas with the mixture, roll them up, and place them in a baking dish. Cover with enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake until golden and bubbling. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs wonderfully with the smoky beans and spicy sauce. A great way to enjoy a flavorful, meatless Mexican meal.

Tofu Stir-Fry

For tofu stir-fry, gather firm tofu, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, mixed vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers, and sesame oil. Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess water, then cut into cubes and fry in sesame oil until golden. Set the tofu aside, then stir-fry the vegetables with garlic and ginger. Add the tofu back into the pan and drizzle with soy sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for a filling and healthy dinner. The tofu absorbs all the savory flavors, making it a great meat substitute.

Lentil Soup

This simple lentil soup calls for green lentils, carrots, onions, celery, garlic, vegetable broth, and bay leaves. Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot, then add the garlic and lentils. Pour in the vegetable broth, add bay leaves, and let simmer for about 30 minutes until the lentils are tender. The result is a warm, hearty soup that’s perfect for a cold day. Full of protein and fiber, lentils make this dish filling and nutritious without needing any meat.

Eggplant Parmesan

You’ll need eggplants, marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Slice the eggplant, dip each piece in flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs, then fry until crispy. Layer the fried eggplant with marinara sauce and cheese in a baking dish, then bake until bubbly and golden. The crispy eggplant combined with the melted cheese and rich tomato sauce is satisfying and indulgent. This Italian classic is a great option for a cozy, meatless meal.

Chickpea Curry

For a chickpea curry, you’ll need canned chickpeas, coconut milk, curry powder, garlic, onion, and tomatoes. Sauté the onion and garlic in a large pot, then add the curry powder and chickpeas. Pour in the coconut milk and tomatoes, and let simmer for 20 minutes until the sauce thickens. The creamy coconut milk balances the heat from the curry, and the chickpeas add a hearty texture. Serve with rice or naan for a complete, satisfying meal.

Vegetable Frittata

You’ll need eggs, milk, mixed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, and cheese. Whisk the eggs with milk and season with salt and pepper. Sauté the vegetables in a skillet, then pour the egg mixture over them and cook until the eggs are set. Sprinkle with cheese and finish under the broiler for a golden, bubbly top. This frittata is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and makes for a hearty, protein-packed breakfast or dinner.

Cauliflower Tacos

For cauliflower tacos, you’ll need a head of cauliflower, taco seasoning, olive oil, tortillas, avocado, and salsa. Toss the cauliflower florets in olive oil and taco seasoning, then roast in the oven until crispy. Fill tortillas with the roasted cauliflower, avocado slices, and a spoonful of salsa. The roasted cauliflower has a deliciously smoky flavor, making these tacos a satisfying and flavorful meal that even meat-lovers will enjoy.

Butternut Squash Risotto

Prepare arborio rice, butternut squash, vegetable broth, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Roast the butternut squash until tender, then mash it into a puree. In a separate pot, sauté garlic and toast the arborio rice before slowly adding vegetable broth, stirring constantly. Once the rice is cooked and creamy, stir in the squash puree and Parmesan. The result is a rich, creamy risotto with the sweet, earthy flavor of butternut squash. Perfect for a cozy fall dinner.

Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers

For this dish, you’ll need bell peppers, quinoa, black beans, corn, salsa, and cheese. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions, then mix with black beans, corn, and salsa. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds, then stuff them with the quinoa mixture. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. The quinoa and beans provide plenty of protein, while the peppers add a sweet, smoky flavor.

Mushroom Stroganoff

This mushroom stroganoff requires mushrooms, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, sour cream, and egg noodles. Sauté the mushrooms, onions, and garlic until golden, then add the vegetable broth and let simmer. Stir in the sour cream and serve over cooked egg noodles. The mushrooms provide a hearty, meaty texture, while the creamy sauce makes this dish rich and comforting. A satisfying meal for any pasta lover.

Vegan Pad Thai

Prepare rice noodles, tofu, tamarind paste, peanuts, soy sauce, lime juice, and a variety of vegetables like carrots and bean sprouts for this flavorful dish. Cook the rice noodles according to the package, then stir-fry the tofu until golden. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for a few more minutes before mixing in the tamarind, soy sauce, and lime juice. Toss the cooked noodles in the sauce and top with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro. The result is a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet meal that’s packed with textures and flavors.

Ratatouille

For this classic French dish, you’ll need eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Slice the vegetables thinly and layer them in a baking dish, drizzling with olive oil and seasoning with garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. The combination of roasted vegetables creates a naturally sweet and savory flavor, and the dish can be served as a main course or a side. Ratatouille is visually stunning and perfect for serving at a dinner party.

Falafel with Tahini Sauce

You’ll need chickpeas, garlic, cumin, parsley, flour, and oil for frying to make these crispy falafels. Blend the chickpeas with garlic, cumin, and parsley, then form into small balls and coat with flour. Fry the falafel balls until golden brown, and serve with a homemade tahini sauce made from tahini, lemon juice, and water. The falafel is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a savory, herbaceous flavor. Serve in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a complete meal.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Get your large pasta shells, ricotta cheese, spinach, marinara sauce, and mozzarella. Cook the pasta shells and set them aside while you prepare the filling. Mix the ricotta cheese with sautéed spinach and spoon the mixture into each shell. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish with marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden. The creamy ricotta and spinach filling is rich and satisfying, making this dish a comforting and indulgent dinner.

Black Bean Soup

For this simple black bean soup, you’ll need canned black beans, onions, garlic, cumin, vegetable broth, and lime juice. Sauté the onions and garlic, then add the black beans and cumin. Pour in the vegetable broth and let the soup simmer until the beans are tender. Blend part of the soup for a creamy texture while leaving some beans whole for added bite. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the flavors, making this a comforting yet refreshing meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

You’ll need elbow pasta, cauliflower, cheddar cheese, milk, and butter for this twist on a classic dish. Cook the pasta and steam the cauliflower until tender, then blend the cauliflower with milk and butter to create a creamy sauce. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Toss the pasta in the sauce, and serve topped with extra cheese or breadcrumbs. The cauliflower adds a nutritious boost to this comforting dish while maintaining its rich, cheesy flavor.

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

For this dish, you’ll need zucchini, quinoa, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and basil. Cut the zucchini in half and scoop out the seeds to create boats. Cook the quinoa and mix it with marinara sauce, then spoon the mixture into the zucchini boats. Top with mozzarella and bake until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly. The zucchini boats are light yet filling, with the quinoa providing plenty of protein and texture. Garnish with fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.

Mushroom and Spinach Quesadillas

Get your tortillas, mushrooms, spinach, cheese, and olive oil for these savory quesadillas. Sauté the mushrooms and spinach until wilted, then layer them with cheese between two tortillas. Cook in a skillet until the tortillas are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted. The combination of earthy mushrooms, tender spinach, and melted cheese makes these quesadillas a filling and flavorful meal. Serve with salsa or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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