In our family, we’re definitely meat eaters, and that includes the kids.
They’d happily choose chicken or beef every night if it were up to them. But I also know they need to eat vegetables, and I don’t want every dinner to revolve around meat.
I’m also a frugal person, and I love finding ways to save money without making dinner feel like a sacrifice. Meatless dinner ideas help with both.
They give me a chance to work more vegetables into our meals and keep grocery costs in check, all while still serving food that everyone will actually eat.
Traditionally, meat has been the main part of meals around the world. Even vegetable stews often had meat patties or sausages added. Nowadays, people are realizing that too much meat isn’t healthy, and many are choosing vegetarian or vegan diets.
Even if you usually eat meat, try making a meatless meal once in a while. You’ll be surprised at how tasty and filling it can be!
If you need ideas, here are some simple recipes for meatless dishes you can make today. Some are vegan, others include fish, cheese, or eggs, but none have any meat!
How Meatless Dinners Can Lower Your Grocery Bill
Skipping meat at dinner can make a real difference to your grocery budget, especially with current U.S. food prices.
A typical pound of ground beef now costs around $6, and chicken breast often runs $4–$5 per pound.
In comparison, meatless staples like dried beans, lentils, rice, pasta, eggs, or potatoes usually cost $1–$2 to build a full meal.
When you swap one meat-based dinner for a meatless one, you’re often saving $3–$5 per meal just on the main ingredients.
Do that once a week, and you’re looking at roughly $150–$250 in savings over a year without changing how much you eat or how filling your meals are.
It’s a simple shift that reduces grocery costs while still letting you cook familiar, tasty dinners.
Mushroom Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
If you want a simple dinner idea for Meatless Monday, this Mushroom Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is an easy win.
Lentils and mushrooms cook together with onions, garlic, and herbs to create a rich, savory base, then everything is topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until lightly golden.
It’s a comforting, no-meat meal that still feels hearty and satisfying at the end of the day.
Simple Meatless Lasagna by Marley’s Menu
If you want a hearty vegetarian dinner that always hits the spot, look no further than this Simple Meatless Lasagna. It’s filling and feeds the whole family, requiring no meat or eggs.
Edamame and Green Pea Pasta by 2 Sisters Mix It Up
Linguine is tossed in a light, white wine cheese sauce with protein-packed peas and edamame. It uses simple ingredients and only takes 30 minutes of prep time!
Sheet Pan Eggplant Parmesan by Two Kids and a Coupon
You can make the best eggplant parm on a sheet pan. This recipe is rather easy, but delivers the best flavor with crispy breaded eggplant, comforting tomato sauce and plenty of cheese for a meatless meal the whole family will enjoy.
Burrito Bowl by Cinnamon Snail
This vegan burrito bowl recipe offers a well-rounded, healthy, protein-packed meal that’s incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Serve it with tortilla chips, and you’ll want to eat it several times a week!
Pumpkin Chickpea Curry by Two Pink Peonies
This pumpkin chickpea curry is perfect for your next meatless meal. It can easily be made in your slow cooker and tastes great with rice or toasted naan bread.
Mandarin Orange Salad by Small Town Woman
This easy Mandarin Orange Salad combines spring mix, mandarin oranges, toasted walnuts for texture and crunch, dried cranberries, and feta cheese, all tossed with a tangy six-ingredient orange vinaigrette.
Creamy Basil Lemon Pasta by The Savory Cipolla
This lemon basil pasta combines fresh summer flavors with a rich and luxurious sauce. A smooth lemon basil cream sauce coats each strand of pasta, while tangy lemon juice and fresh basil leaves adds a burst of bright flavor to every bite.
Caesar Pasta Salad by Chew Out Loud
This Caesar Pasta Salad recipe is satisfying and boasts classic Caesar salad flavors in every bite. It’s a simple, easy, and incredibly delish meal that’s great for weeknights!
Pasta Filled Eggplant Boats by The Pasta Project
These delicious Italian pasta stuffed eggplant boats are not only super simple to make and really delicious, but your family and friends will love this unusual way to serve pasta.
Lentil Bolognese by My Pure Plants
This lentil bolognese is so hearty and flavorful! It’s made with brown lentils, savory tomato sauce, veggies, and aromatic herbs that’s sure to tickle your tastebuds.
Tofu Lettuce Wraps by Craving Something Healthy
These tofu lettuce wraps are a tasty, meatless dinner that even meat-eaters will love. They’re full of color, crunch, and flavor.
Tortellini Alfredo by The Cooking Duo
Tortellini Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring cheese-filled tortellini tossed in a velvety Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
One Pot Pappardelle Pasta Primavera by Craving Something Healthy
This easy pappardelle primavera is full of vegetables and a light lemony cream sauce. It’s an easy meatless dinner that cooks in one pan in about 30 minutes.
Fajita Pasta by Piping Pot Curry
Delicious pasta shells with lots of fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, colorful bell peppers, sour cream and cheese, made as a one-pot dish in the Instant Pot or Stovetop. Enjoy topped with cilantro and avocado.
Leek and Mushroom Quiche by Ambitious Foodie
This Leek and mushroom quiche is cooked with homemade flakey shortcrust pastry that is incredibly creamy, cheesy, and flavorful. The vegetarian quiche is ideal for a light dinner, brunch, lunch, or breakfast.
Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese by Healthy Foodie Girl
Make your net batch of mac and cheese a protein packed event, without adding any meat. This recipe uses cottage cheese for added protein, great flavor and an ultra creamy texture.
Instant Pot White Chili by Make It Skinny Please
Pop this hearty vegetarian take on white chili into the pressure cooker for fuss free food, that is filling, budget friendly and so filling. This recipe needs only about 45 minutes from start to finish but delivers a hearty flavor that tastes like it cooked low and slow all day.
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta by Whole New Mom
Skip the red sauce and offer your family a creamy, dreamy pumpkin pasta for dinner tonight. This recipe starts with a can of pumpkin puree and adds walnuts and garlic, with parmesan cheese and coconut milk for a flavorful family style dinner that delivers the flavors of fall in each bite.
Cabbage Pie by Food Nutters
This unique savory pie starts with phyllo dough and cabbage. With corn, onion and sour cream mixed into the filling, each bite is a creamy delight. You can enjoy this meatless dish hot from the oven, but it tastes even better the next day!
Baked Ziti by Cinnamon Snail
With tender noodles, meatless tomato sauce and plenty of cheese, this easy baked ziti makes a great family style meal. Serve with a salad or garlic bread for a budget friendly meal that is cozy, comforting and best of all, tasty!