Eating well doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune — especially when you go meatless! These 14 Easy Meatless Meal Recipes for When You’re on a Budget are proof that you can enjoy delicious, satisfying meals without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a vegetarian, looking to eat more plant-based, or simply trying to stretch your grocery budget, these recipes deliver flavor, nutrition, and affordability in every bite.
Each dish in this collection is built around pantry staples, seasonal vegetables, and protein-rich ingredients like beans, lentils, eggs, tofu, and whole grains. From hearty veggie stir-fries and creamy chickpea curries to comforting pasta bakes and black bean tacos, you’ll discover how easy it is to whip up a budget-friendly meal that everyone will love.
These recipes are designed to be simple, quick, and stress-free — perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a family without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re highly versatile and customizable, allowing you to swap in whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Eating meatless a few times a week can significantly cut grocery costs while benefiting your health and the planet. With bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and easy prep steps, these recipes make plant-based eating both practical and enjoyable.
14 Easy Meatless Meal Recipes for When You’re on a Budget
Instant Pot Mushroom Tetrazzini
Simple Creamy Comforting Pasta dinner with simple pantry ingredients. Ready within minutes! The sauce is like bechamel sauce with a roux.
Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Tacos with Creamy Chipotle Sauce
You’re going to love this vegetarian lentil tacos recipe. Roasted cauliflower, seasoned lentils and creamy chipotle sauce combine to make a delicious taco!
Vegetarian Fried Rice
Everybody should know how to make veggie fried rice. Hands down one of the most delicious and easiest ways to use up leftovers. Ready in max. 12 minutes!
Spinach Artichoke Lasagna
This healthy vegetarian spinach lasagna includes lots of fresh spinach, jarred artichokes and the simplest homemade tomato sauce. This lasagna tastes even better the next day!
Slow Cooker Potato And Corn Chowder
The easiest chowder you will ever make. Throw everything in the crockpot and you’re set! Easy peasy!
One Pan Mexican Quinoa
Wonderfully light, healthy and nutritious. And it’s so easy to make – even the quinoa is cooked right in the pan!
Vegetable Stir Fry With Noodles
This colorful vegetable stir fry with noodles is packed with vegetables and drenched in a salty sweet sauce. Fast, easy, and customizable.
Tofu Parmigiana
Instead of having a greasy, battered coating, the tofu “steaks” in this revamped Parmigiana are breaded and lightly pan-fried in just a small amount of oil then topped with part-skim mozzarella, fresh basil and your favorite marinara sauce.
Easy Lo Mein
The easiest lo mein you will ever make in 15 minutes from start to finish. It is so much quicker, tastier and healthier than take-out!
5 Ingredient Spanish Rice
This quick and easy restaurant-style Spanish Rice is made with only 5 ingredients, and it’s quick, simple and delicious.
Grilled Squash Garlic Bread
Ricotta, garlic, and grilled veggies give this garlic bread a summer refresh.
Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Panini
This lovely medley of flavors makes a perfect summer meal, especially when garden-fresh tomatoes are at their peak.
Black Bean Croquettes
Staples like canned black beans and frozen corn transform into spicy croquettes in mere minutes. Serve with warm corn tortillas, coleslaw and lime wedges.
Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Thai-style sweet and spicy pineapple fried rice with red bell pepper, cashews and cilantro. This is a healthy and quick vegetarian meal!
