15 Meatless Dinners Even Meat Eaters Will Eat
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With the cost of groceries continuing to rise, many families are stretching beyond meatless Mondays and incorporating more meatless meals into their weekly menus on a regular basis. But if you’ve got a family full of carnivores, getting them onboard with meatless meals can be a challenge. That is unless you make the right recipes. Here are fifteen meatless dinners that even the most hardcore carnivores will love.
1. Vegan Pasta Puttanesca
This vegan pasta puttanesca is made with common ingredients that most people usually have on hand, so you can make it anytime for unexpected guests or for a quick and easy dinner. It might be meatless, but it’s it’s hearty, full of flavor, and sure to be a hit.
2. Mushroom Tacos
Tacos without meat? You bet. Put these mushroom tacos on your menu for Taco Tuesdays. Just fill it with your usual toppings like refried beans, salsa, and avocados for a delicious Mexican meal. The mushrooms are so meatlike, that it’s possible nobody will even notice the switch.
3. Margherita Pizza
You won’t be able to resist the classic combo of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese in this margherita pizza. And if you’re feeling adventurous, add some olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. This one is so good, that not even the pickiest of your kids will turn their nose up at it.
4. Avocado Pasta
Everyone loves pasta, and this avocado pasta is about as delicious, and healthy as an alternative to a meat-based pasta can get. It has healthy fats that will fill you up and keep you satisfied thanks to those ripe and delicious avocados. Just don’t forget the parmesan cheese.
5. Nacho Fries
Everyone will love these nacho fries. Easily made from scratch, it has all-natural ingredients, and nobody will argue about what’s for dinner when this is set in front of them. You can make individual trays so that each person has their own just the way they like it, or make a huge community pan for everyone to dive into.
6. Four Bean Chili
If you go plant-based, you better love your beans. Beans and legumes are a major part of a plant-based eating plan thanks to their protein and fiber content. This 4 bean chili is a delicious way to incorporate them into your eating plan, and it pairs wonderfully with some plant-based cornbread or garlic bread.
7. Cucumber Sandwich
This simple cucumber sandwich is quick and easy to assemble, has amazing flavor, and plenty of good-for-you nutrition. Make two or three because they are so good, you may want more than just one sandwich. These pair well with a side salad or a steaming bowl of vegetable soup.
8. Green Bean Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is actually a seed that has all nine essential amino acids. So those who go plant-based will still get all the important nutrients as if they were eating meat. This green bean quinoa salad is a delicious way to ensure you are getting a balanced meal while enjoying fantastic flavor.
9. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
If you need dinner to cook itself while you are at work, then this is the recipe you want. This slow cooker lentil soup cooks most of the day while you are at work so you can come home to a hot dinner just waiting for you to dig into it. Serve with a salad and a dinner roll.
10. Refried Bean Soup
This refried bean soup is possibly one of the fastest meals you’ll ever make. It only takes enough time to heat it on the stove. Whisk everything together and serve with some garlic bread, tortillas, or tostadas. But make plenty because everyone will want a second helping.
11. Broccoli Salad
Plant-based eating requires plants and plenty of them. This broccoli salad is a fantastic way to work some greens and other good ingredients into your eating plan. It’s hearty, full of fiber and healthy fats, and it will keep you full for hours after you’ve eaten. It’s great for lunch or dinner.
12. Pita Bread Pizza
For an easy dinner, try this pita bread pizza. It’s quick to put together, and you can change the toppings to your liking. It’s a really great meal for mid-week when things are hectic and you just want to get something that’s both healthy and tasty onto the dinner table.
13. Butternut Squash Casserole
While it’s best to pair this butternut squash casserole with other things, it’s a delicious option for a vegetarian meal. Try serving it with a green salad or other green veggies and maybe some beans. It’s hearty, smooth, and creamy, and a fantastic side dish even on a holiday table.
14. Indian-Style Couscous
Indian flavors really come through in this simple Indian-style couscous dish that is fast and easy to make. All you have to do is cook the couscous, and everything else just gets stirred in. Serve with a salad and a side of naan to round out the meal.
15. Greek Couscous Salad
Greek flavors are a wonderful way to kick things up a notch. This Greek Couscous Salad is a filling and tasty meal or side dish. You can even round it out a bit with additional ingredients mentioned in the recipe.
More From The Gracious Pantry
Trying to get even more fruits and veggies into your eating plan? Try going plant-based. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming to start a plant-based diet. Here is a guide to get you started as well as some breakfast recipes you can try.
If you’re curious about starting a vegan eating plan but don’t know where to start, this handy getting-started guide will help you make the transition seamlessly.
