Looking for some delicious and easy meatless dinner recipes the whole family will love? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite meatless recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re looking for a hearty main dish, a flavorful side, or a tasty dessert, we’ve got you covered. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
Most of our meatless dinner recipes are main dishes since that’s where most people’s concerns about going meatless lie. After all, what’s a dinner without a main course?
Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to eat less meat, you can still enjoy a delicious and filling dinner. And with these recipes, there’s no need to worry about finding something that everyone will like. All of these dishes are tasty, filling, and satisfying. If you’d like to include more vegetarian options at dinner time, you can try incorporating one of these recipes into your meal plan one night per week.
Alternatively, you can also use these recipes to replace the meat in your family’s usual meals, like tacos and spaghetti, adding a meatless alternative to the meal in place of the meat.
One-Pot Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
This easy one-pot spaghetti dish is full of flavor and is a great meatless option for a family dinner. It’s a great recipe for kids to help out with, too, since it only requires one pot and can be made in about 15 minutes. It is vegan, but you can make it vegetarian by adding some Parmesan cheese or topping it with mozzarella cheese.
This dish uses crushed tomatoes in place of the usual tomato sauce to give it a rich, deep flavor. If you can’t find crushed tomatoes, you can substitute them with tomato sauce, but note that it’s a bit more watery than crushed tomatoes. Serve this dish with garlic bread and a side salad, and don’t forget the Parmesan cheese!
Creamy Potato Soup
Creamy potato soup is a hearty and delicious vegetarian dinner option that also doubles as a side dish. To make this dish vegan, simply leave out the heavy cream. If you have picky eaters in your family, you can also easily adapt this recipe to include a variety of different toppings, like bacon bits, croutons, and cheddar cheese.
This recipe calls for Yukon Gold potatoes, which produce a creamy texture when cooked. If you can’t find Yukon Gold potatoes at your local grocery store, you can use red potatoes instead; just be sure to cut them into smaller pieces so that they cook at the same time as the leeks. This recipe is both easy and inexpensive to make and is the perfect dish to enjoy on a cold, rainy day.
Veggie Burritos
Veggie burritos are a great vegetarian dinner option that your whole family will love. You can make them vegan by opting for vegan cheese and sour cream or for vegetarian by adding some black beans or cooked chicken. This recipe also makes a great lunch or dinner-for-two meal. This recipe is easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and simple steps. As a bonus, it’s also very affordable.
However, be sure to check the price of the tortillas before purchasing; gluten-free and whole wheat tortillas tend to be more expensive than regular white and yellow corn tortillas. You can make these burritos with vegetarian or vegan fillings. Feeling adventurous? Try adding some spicy pepper jack cheese and chipotle peppers for a Mexican-inspired burrito.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you’re craving some chocolate, these chocolate chip cookies are the perfect recipe. They’re delicious and easy to make and are great for when you’re craving a sweet treat but don’t feel like baking. This recipe can be made vegan by using margarine instead of butter.
These cookies are best when they’re warm and fresh out of the oven. Feel free to sprinkle them with nuts or other add-ins if you’d like. These are great desserts to share with friends if you want to make a big batch.
Fruit Pizza
Fruit pizza is a delicious dessert that’s perfect for summertime or any occasion that calls for something festive and colorful. You can make this recipe completely vegan by using vegan cream cheese, vegan whipped cream, and vegan toppings.
This recipe is super easy to make and can be made in advance, making it a great option for parties and gatherings. You can use almost any type of fruit for this recipe, but make sure to choose pieces that aren’t too big, as they may take a long time to bake or may not get cooked properly.
Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispie treats are a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, be it a birthday party or just a quiet evening at home. This recipe is quick and easy to make, and you can substitute whatever add-ins you like, making it a perfect recipe to adapt to your taste.
This recipe can be made vegan by using margarine instead of butter and by leaving out marshmallows. These treats are best when they’re warm and gooey. Feel free to drizzle them with chocolate once they’re out of the oven or sprinkle them with nuts or other toppings.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
If you’re nervous about trying to cook Brussels sprouts, this is the recipe to start with. These roasted Brussels sprouts are seasoned with garlic, thyme, and lemon juice, making them super tasty and simple to make! You can add them to a salad, serve them as a side dish, or just enjoy them on their own. It’s a great way to get your kids to eat their greens!
What You Need – 2 pounds Brussels sprouts – 2 tablespoons olive oil – 1 teaspoon garlic powder – 1 teaspoon dried thyme – 1/2 teaspoon salt – Freshly ground black pepper – 1 tablespoon lemon juice – 1 tablespoon water Preparation Preheat the oven to 425F.
Trim the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. In a large bowl, toss together the Brussels sprouts, olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined. Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a baking sheet and spread them out evenly. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Meanwhile, make the lemon-water mixture in a small bowl.
Once the Brussels sprouts are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle them with the lemon-water mixture. Stir to combine and serve warm.
Garlic Bread
What’s a meatless meal without some garlic bread? This recipe is super simple, and it can be made in just a few minutes. You can use store-bought bread for this recipe, or you can make your own bread from scratch. This garlic bread is best served warm or hot, so plan accordingly, and enjoy!
What You Need – 1 loaf sourdough bread or French bread – 1/4 cup butter, softened – 3 cloves garlic, minced – 1/4 teaspoon dried basil – 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano – 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley – 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme – 1/2 teaspoon salt Preparation Preheat the oven to 400F.
Cut the bread in half lengthwise. In a small bowl, mix the butter, garlic, and herbs until well combined. Spread the butter mixture on the bread, covering both sides. Place on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Caesar Salad
You can make this tasty Caesar salad recipe with lettuce or spinach, depending on your preference. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables that are sitting in the fridge since you can make it with any vegetables you like. This salad is best when made with homemade dressing, but if you’re in a rush, you can use store-bought dressing instead.
What You Need – 4 cups lettuce (iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, or spinach leaves) – 1 cup croutons – 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese – 3 tablespoons lemon juice – 1 teaspoon garlic powder – 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon salt – 1/4 teaspoon pepper – 1/4 cup olive oil Preparation Combine the lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl.
You can add any vegetables that you like, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, or beans. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking, until the mixture is smooth. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld.
Conclusion
These meatless dinner recipes are perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties. They’re easy to make, and they’re sure to please even the pickiest eaters! From roasted Brussels sprouts to citrus crème brûlée, these dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
