18 Vegetarian Meals That Easily Rival Meat-Based Dishes

Vegetarian food is not all about bland salads and boring tofu. These days, veggie-based meals can be just as tasty and satisfying as dishes with meat. For this article, I’ll talk about 18 vegetarian meals that are so good you won’t even miss the meat.

Veggie Lasagna

“Veggie Lasagna at Red Lentil” by madprime is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse.

This lasagna is packed with layers of veggies, cheese, and tomato sauce. It’s just as filling as meat lasagna but healthier. The vegetables give it lots of flavor and different textures. You can use whatever veggies you like best, making it easy to customize.

Portobello Mushroom Burgers

“portobello mushroom burger” by Stacy Spensley is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

These burgers use big mushrooms instead of meat patties. Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture and can be grilled just like regular burgers. You can add all your favorite toppings, like cheese, lettuce, and tomato. They’re juicy and satisfying, just like beef burgers.

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

“Lentil Shepherd’s Pie” by mellowfood is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/?ref=openverse.

This twist on shepherd’s pie uses lentils instead of ground meat. Lentils are full of protein and have a nice, hearty texture. The dish is topped with creamy mashed potatoes, just like the original. It’s the perfect comfort food for cold days.

Eggplant Parmesan

“Eggplant Parmesan” by BarelyFitz is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

Slices of eggplant are breaded and fried until crispy, then layered with cheese and tomato sauce. It’s baked until bubbly and golden. This dish is just as satisfying as chicken parmesan. It’s great with pasta or on its own.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

“vegetarian stir fry” by Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

A mix of colorful veggies is cooked quickly in a hot pan with a tasty sauce. You can add tofu or nuts for extra protein. It’s ready in minutes and full of different flavors and textures. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.

Black Bean Tacos

“Black Bean, Brown Rice Taco” by bobjudge is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

These tacos are filled with spicy black beans instead of meat. You can add lots of toppings like cheese, lettuce, and salsa. They’re just as fun to eat as regular tacos. Black beans are full of protein and fiber, making these tacos very filling.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

“Mmm… cheese st■ shells” by jeffreyw is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

Big pasta shells are filled with a creamy mix of spinach and cheese. They’re covered in tomato sauce and more cheese, then baked. This dish is cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s an excellent choice for pasta lovers.

Vegetable Curry

“Vegetable curry” by pelican is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse.

A mix of veggies is cooked in a rich, spicy curry sauce. You can make it as spicy or mild as you like. Serve it over rice to soak up all the tasty sauce. It’s warming, filling, and packed with different flavors.

Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

“Black bean, quinoa and mushrooms st■ bell peppers” by rusvaplauke is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

Bell peppers are filled with a mix of quinoa, vegetables, and cheese. Quinoa provides lots of protein, making this dish very filling. When baked, the peppers become soft and sweet. It’s a colorful and tasty meal that looks great on the plate.

Vegetable Pot Pie

“Homemade Organic Vegetable Pot Pie” by Growing a Green Family is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse.

This cozy dish is filled with veggies in a creamy sauce topped with flaky pastry. It’s just as comforting as chicken pot pie. The vegetables give different textures and flavors in every bite. It’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Cauliflower Steaks

“Cauliflower Steak, crispy garlic, chili” by T.Tseng is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

Thick slices of cauliflower are seasoned and roasted until golden. They have a meaty texture that’s surprisingly satisfying. You can add different sauces or toppings to change up the flavor. These “steaks” are a fun and tasty way to eat more vegetables.

Mushroom Risotto

“Mushroom Risotto” by davegammon.media is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse.

This creamy rice dish is full of savory mushroom flavor. It takes some time to make, but it’s worth the effort. The rice gets creamy, while the mushrooms add a meaty texture. It’s a fancy-feeling meal that’s actually pretty simple to make.

Falafel Wrap

“Falafel wrap” by SaucyGlo is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

Crispy falafel balls are wrapped up with veggies and sauce in a soft pita. Falafel is made from chickpeas and is full of protein. You can add lots of different toppings to make it your own. It’s a tasty, filling meal that you can eat with your hands.

Vegetable Paella

“Paella Vegetables” by garryknight is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

This Spanish rice dish is loaded with colorful vegetables and bold flavors. It’s cooked in one pan, making cleanup easy. The rice gets crispy on the bottom, which is the best part. It’s a fun dish to share with family or friends.

Chickpea Curry

“Chickpeas curry” by pelican is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse.

Chickpeas are cooked in a creamy, spicy sauce with many Indian spices. It’s full of protein and fiber, making it very filling. Serve it with rice or naan bread to soak up the sauce. It’s a warming, comforting meal that’s easy to make.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

“Zucchini ‘Noodle’ & Pesto Salad” by jules:stonesoup is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

Zucchini is cut into noodle shapes and tossed with fresh pesto sauce. It’s a light but tasty alternative to pasta. You can add cherry tomatoes or pine nuts for extra flavor and crunch. It’s a great way to eat more veggies while feeling like you’re having pasta.

Lentil Loaf

“File:Lentil loaf and sides.jpg” by Lahti213 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=openverse.

This is a vegetarian version of meatloaf, made with lentils and vegetables. It has a similar texture to meatloaf and is just as filling. You can top it with ketchup or gravy, just like the classic dish. It’s perfect with mashed potatoes and veggies on the side.

Mushroom Bourguignon

“homemade boeuf bourguignon mushrooms” by snowpea&bokchoi is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

This French stew usually has beef, but this version uses mushrooms instead. The mushrooms are cooked in red wine with carrots and onions. It’s rich and flavorful, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes. It’s a fancy-feeling meal that’s actually pretty easy to make.

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Diana Tablan

Diana Tablan is a freelance content writer who loves to explore fun topics, but she’s particularly keen on writing travel and food blogs. During her free time, she enjoys reading and painting. While on other days, she spends them on learning other skills like cooking.

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