18 Vegetarian Family Meals on a Budget

Finding nutritious and delicious meals that fit within a budget can be a challenge, especially for a busy family. Luckily, vegetarian dishes can offer an affordable and satisfying solution that everyone at the table will love. This list of vegetarian family meals is designed to be easy on the wallet and straightforward to prepare, ensuring you can whip up hearty dinners without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen.

Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry

For this dish, cook 1 cup of lentils until tender and set aside. In a large pan, sauté chopped onion, two minced garlic cloves, and a diced carrot in olive oil until soft. Add a chopped bell pepper, a cup of broccoli florets, and the cooked lentils. Stir in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, a teaspoon of ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook until the vegetables are tender, then serve over rice or noodles for a filling and nutritious meal.

Black Bean Tacos

Start by heating a can of black beans with a teaspoon of cumin, half a teaspoon of chili powder, and a pinch of salt in a small pot. Warm tortillas on a skillet and fill each with the seasoned beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese. Add a dollop of sour cream and a squeeze of lime for extra flavor. These tacos are quick, easy, and sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Vegetable Pasta Bake

Cook 12 ounces of pasta according to package instructions and set aside. In a large pan, sauté chopped onion, two minced garlic cloves, and a cup of sliced mushrooms in olive oil. Add a can of diced tomatoes, a cup of spinach, and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir in the cooked pasta and half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Chickpea Curry

In a large pot, sauté a diced onion, two minced garlic cloves, and a tablespoon of curry powder in olive oil until fragrant. Add two cans of chickpeas, a can of coconut milk, and a can of diced tomatoes. Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened, then stir in a handful of chopped cilantro. Serve over rice or with naan bread for a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy on the budget.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Cut the tops off four bell peppers and remove the seeds. Cook 1 cup of rice and mix it with a can of black beans, a cup of corn, and half a cup of salsa. Spoon the mixture into the peppers, top with shredded cheese, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. These stuffed peppers are colorful, filling, and packed with flavor.

Spinach and Feta Quesadillas

In a large pan, sauté a bunch of spinach in olive oil until wilted, then stir in half a cup of crumbled feta cheese. Place the spinach mixture on one half of a large tortilla, fold it over, and cook on a skillet until both sides are golden brown. Slice into wedges and serve with a side of salsa or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a simple and tasty meal.

Eggplant Parmesan

Slice an eggplant into rounds, dip each in beaten egg, and coat with breadcrumbs. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until crispy. Layer the eggplant slices in a baking dish with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with pasta or a side salad for a comforting and satisfying dinner.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Cook 2 cups of rice and set aside. In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil and sauté chopped onion, a diced carrot, and a cup of peas until soft. Add the cooked rice, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, and a teaspoon of sesame seeds. Stir-fry for a few minutes, then push the rice to one side of the pan and scramble two eggs in the empty space. Mix everything and serve hot.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

In a large pot, sauté a diced onion, two minced garlic cloves, and a diced bell pepper in olive oil. Add two diced sweet potatoes, a can of black beans, a can of diced tomatoes, a tablespoon of chili powder, and a teaspoon of cumin. Simmer for 30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender. This chili is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for feeding a hungry family on a budget.

Margherita Flatbread

Spread marinara sauce over a large flatbread or pizza dough. Top with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a handful of torn basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. This simple flatbread is a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with a side salad for a complete meal.

Veggie and Bean Enchiladas

In a large bowl, mix together a can of black beans, a cup of corn, a diced bell pepper, and half a cup of salsa. Spoon the mixture onto large tortillas, roll them up, and place them in a baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over the top, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These enchiladas are easy to make and full of flavor.

Mushroom Stroganoff

In a large pan, sauté a diced onion and 2 cups of sliced mushrooms in butter until softened. Stir in a tablespoon of flour and cook for 2 minutes, then add a cup of vegetable broth and a cup of sour cream. Simmer until thickened, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over egg noodles or rice for a rich and comforting meal.

Vegetable and Cheese Frittata

In a large ovenproof skillet, sauté chopped onion, a diced bell pepper, and a cup of spinach in olive oil until softened. Whisk together 6 eggs and half a cup of shredded cheese, then pour over the vegetables in the skillet. Cook on the stovetop until the edges are set, then transfer to the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes until the top is golden brown. Slice and serve with a side of toast or salad.

Zucchini and Tomato Pasta

Cook 12 ounces of pasta according to package instructions and set aside. In a large pan, sauté chopped onion, two minced garlic cloves, and a diced zucchini in olive oil until softened. Add a pint of cherry tomatoes, a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook until the tomatoes burst and form a sauce, then toss with the pasta and a handful of fresh basil. This simple pasta dish is light, fresh, and perfect for a quick dinner.

Cauliflower and Potato Curry

In a large pot, sauté a diced onion, two minced garlic cloves, and a tablespoon of curry powder in olive oil until fragrant. Add a chopped potato and a head of cauliflower cut into florets. Pour in a can of coconut milk and a can of diced tomatoes. Simmer for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Serve over rice with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a warming and flavorful meal.

Butternut Squash Soup

Peel and cube a butternut squash, then sauté it with a chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves in olive oil until softened. Add 4 cups of vegetable broth, a teaspoon of thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg. Simmer for 20 minutes until the squash is tender, then blend until smooth. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a slice of crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Ratatouille

In a large pan, sauté a chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves in olive oil. Add a diced eggplant, a diced zucchini, a diced bell pepper, and a can of diced tomatoes. Season with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together. This classic French dish is hearty and delicious on its own or served over pasta or rice.

Mushroom and Spinach Risotto

In a large pan, sauté a diced onion and two minced garlic cloves in olive oil until soft. Add 2 cups of sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their juices. Stir in a cup of arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add 4 cups of vegetable broth, one cup at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed. Stir in a cup of spinach and a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This creamy risotto is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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