Food Recipe Collections & Favorites Plant Powered 18 Meatless Dinner Ideas to Make Tonight It’s never been easier to eat your veggies. By Ariel Klein Ariel Klein Ariel Klein is a freelance writer specializing in lifestyle, fashion, beauty, technology, home, cooking, and gardening topics. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, Well+Good, Travel+Leisure, Better Homes and Gardens, and Food & Wine magazine. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 18, 2024 Close Photo: GREG DUPREE You don’t have to be a vegetarian to enjoy meatless dishes. In fact, the concept of “meatless Mondays” has gained popularity over the years so people can be mindful about eating more plants. If you need some inspiration for easy-to-make veggie-loaded dishes, here’s a variety of meatless dinner ideas that your whole family is sure to love. From eggplant and mushroom meatballs, to hearty soups and chilis, you won’t miss the meat, even for a minute. 35 High Protein Vegetarian Meals Your Whole Family Will Love 01 of 18 Grilled Halloumi Salad Greg DuPree If you’re looking to freshen up your classic Greek salad, try this recipe with grilled halloumi. You won’t even miss the feta! GET THE RECIPE 02 of 18 Sweet-and-Spicy Black Bean Burgers Christopher Testani There's nothing quite like a juicy burger to get you through the mid-week slump. And just because this one has an acorn squash base does not mean it loses its tender interior. The squash is mixed with mayo, panko, and eggs, which bind it together. Cumin and black beans make it even tastier. GET THE RECIPE 03 of 18 Lemony Lentil Soup Greg DuPree Packed with vegetables and spices, this hearty lentil soup is perfect to make in any season, but especially cold and flu-season. Turmeric helps give this soup a rich and beautiful golden color. GET THE RECIPE 04 of 18 Eggplant-and-Tomato Masala With Chickpeas Antonis Achilleos This Indian-inspired dish will warm you up on the coldest of days. The best part is it’s inexpensive to make, comes together in 20 minutes, and feeds a crowd. GET THE RECIPE 05 of 18 Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pasta Caitlin Bensel It’s never been easier to get your greens than with this veggie-loaded pasta. And who knew you could make pesto out of broccoli? GET THE RECIPE 06 of 18 Mushroom and Burrata Orzotto Greg DuPree Savory mushrooms pair perfectly with creamy burrata, especially in risotto. If you’re on the hunt for something decadent, look no further. GET THE RECIPE 07 of 18 Cauliflower Tartine With Romesco Sauce Caitlin Bensel This tartine is as beautiful when prepared as it is delicious. Homemade romesco sauce is the star of this meal, but the pickled shallots and golden raisin are incredible additions as well. GET THE RECIPE 08 of 18 Meatless Meatball Subs Caitlin Bensel Who knew mushrooms and eggplant could make the perfect meatball? This veggie-loaded twist on an Italian classic is sure to be loved by the whole family. GET THE RECIPE 09 of 18 Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili With Sweet Potatoes Con Poulos Contrary to popular belief, chili can be eaten all year round. If you want a hearty meal to feed the whole family for a few days, this aromatic dish is just the thing. GET THE RECIPE 21 Healthiest Vegetables to Incorporate Into Your Diet, According to RDs 10 of 18 Red Lentil Curry José Picayo Skip the takeout and make a classic Indian dish, with red lentils, carrots, and potatoes, right at home. Make sure to buy some naan for dunking. GET THE RECIPE 11 of 18 Vegetarian Tacos With Goat Cheese Con Poulos Make it taco night any night with these convenient tacos consisting of frozen corn, spinach, tofu, canned salsa, and goat cheese. GET THE RECIPE 12 of 18 Eggplant Shepherd's Pie Caitlin Bensel A meatless shepherd’s pie made with eggplant, potatoes, and cheese is just as rich and flavorful as one made with meat (perhaps even more so!) GET THE RECIPE 13 of 18 Butternut Squash Bake With Wild Rice Victor Protasio You’re going to want to add this dish to your Thanksgiving table since it’s perfect as a side or gluten-free stuffing option. GET THE RECIPE 14 of 18 Skillet Polenta in Creamy Tomato Sauce CAITLIN BENSEL Not sure what to cook tonight? Grab a few pantry staples, like canned tomatoes, polenta, and navy beans, and have dinner on the table in less than an hour. GET THE RECIPE 15 of 18 Mole-Spiced Black Bean and Quinoa Bowl Jen Causey Homemade mole is a true labor of love, but jarred mole sauce can also do the trick. Make this nutritious dish for a filling dinner, and then enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day. GET THE RECIPE 15 Food Bowls Packed With Protein, Fiber, and More 16 of 18 Spinach and Ricotta-Stuffed Shells Greg DuPree Stuffed shells are so simple and fun to make, and are the perfect weeknight dish. Serve them alongside some garlic bread and a Caesar salad to make it a meal. GET THE RECIPE 17 of 18 Za'atar Tofu Skewers With Tomato Salad & Hummus Jennifer Causey Meatless Monday doesn't have to be boring or bland thanks to this spicy skewer recipe that is light but filling. Hummus, pita, cucumbers, tomatoes, and za'atar spices with firm tofu offer a tasty meat alternative. Grilling tofu gives it a nice char on the outside while remaining fork-tender on the inside. GET THE RECIPE 18 of 18 Cauliflower Piccata Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen An Italian classic gets turned on its head with this easy vegetarian dish that subs cauliflower steaks for meat. The steaks brown to perfection in a hot skillet, surrounded by salty capers, creamy butter, and zingy lemons. Pro tip—don't cut the cauliflower steaks thinner than half an inch so they remain firm. GET THE RECIPE Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit