You have the kitchen prepped and cleaned, but you’re out of ideas. I got you. I have an idea for you. Actually, I have 11 easy plant-based dinner ideas for you.
Bonus: all of these dinner recipes ideas are healthy and balanced.
And, hey, I get it – after a long, exhausting day, the last thing you want to do is think about what you need to whip up for dinner. You just want something that’s easy, affordable, with easy-to-find ingredients.
Nearly all of the recipes listed are affordable, approachable, using everyday cooking equipment. If you have a few pots and pans lying around in your kitchen, you already have everything you need to make dinner delicious.
Recipes include easy-to-find ingredients including rice, lentils, pasta, canned goods, and tofu.
As much as I love to create new dishes, sometimes it’s the easy and fast staples that just make sense during over a regular weekday evening. My favorite? A bowl of “meaty” chili or a few sides of roasted vegetables accompanied by Puerto Rican rice, beans, and stew.
If you ever need or want sides for the listed recipes, some of my favorites include yellow rice, garlicky mashed potatoes, potato salad, and black beans.
Vegan Butter Chicken Recipe
This dish is incredibly creamy, savory, and with the perfect amount of heat (optional). It yields about 4-6 servings, but if you eat the whole thing – I won’t judge. 😉
Best to use extra-firm tofu that has been previously frozen then thawed block of tofu for a chewier texture along creating spores that will make it easier for the tofu to absorb the flavor from the vegan butter “chicken” gravy.
Sin Carne Guisada (Vegan “Beef” Stew) Recipe
If you ever had Puerto Rican carne guisada, you’re in for a treat with this plant-based version, using mushrooms as a replacement for the meat.
Complement this dish with a side of yellow Puerto Rican rice, sweet plantains (maduros), and sliced ripe avocado.
Oil-Free Vegan Fried Rice Recipe
Let’s be real – oil makes food tastes better. But, if you’re holding back on the oil, here’s an oil-free vegan fried rice recipe with scrambled tofu. You won’t miss the animal-based version with this recipe.
This dish is versatile and flexible. Feel free to make adjustments and more of your favorite vegetables and ingredients.
Meatless Bolognese Sauce Recipe
This plant-based recipe is dead easy. It’s perfect to pair with a bowl of fresh pasta, or you can even switch things up and throw it into a burrito, a rice bowl, or tacos. And now you have dinner. You’re welcome.
Stewed Mushrooms And Onion
Packed with Puerto Rican flavors and spices, you’ll feel like you’re laying on a beach in Puerto Rico. Have it with a side of white rice and ripe avocado for a complete, affordable, easy dinner dish.
Vegan Smoke Mac And Cheese Recipe
Heck yeah, it’s vegan! It’s made with just cashews, seasonings, and water. That’s it. And it’s SO creamy and reminds me of the real deal. Perfect dish for the kids! In addition to being a great dinner meal, you can have it for lunch.
10-Ingredient Vegan Broccoli Curry
Easy, affordable, and very delicious. This broccoli coconut curry recipe was done with mostly pantry stuff. An affordable and approachable recipe that brings flavor to the kitchen table.
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
You’re in for a treat with these cauliflower wings. They are baked in the oven, minimizing the use of oil. Additionally, they are a great treat for those who may not like vegetables on their own.
Smoky, Vegan Bean Chili Recipe
Oooooh this one is smoky and savory! Definitely don’t hold back on the spices with this dish. Have a side of brown rice with this dish and dinner’s ready.
Simple Tofu Nugget Recipe
This tofu recipe cannot get any easier. Not only do they taste amazing, but they are also healthy too. You’re only using a handful of ingredients for this recipe. Pro-tip: for a meatier tofu texture, freeze the block beforehand.
Easy Puerto Rican Stew (Habichuelas Guisadas Recipe)
This dish brings back to my childhood – which included a lot of soups and stews for dinner. This dish is one of my favorites to make. All you need are potatoes, olives, beans, and spices.
There you have it – 11 plant-based dinner ideas that’ll make everyone at home asking for seconds!
While you’re here, check out our most popular recipes on the website:
How To Make Tofu Taste Like Chicken
Oil-Free Vegetable “Fried” Rice
Did you try any of the recipes on the list?
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Being half Black and half Puerto Rican, you know I’m hoping to have to try the “Sin Carne Guisada”! I’m so intrigued!!
Yessssssss you need to! It’s so freaking good and it reminds me of the good old days when my abuela would cook for me! <3
These recipes look so yummy. I can’t wait to try some in the kitchen. Those tofu nuggets tho’
Let me know when you do try them! I hope they turn out great! 🙂
All of these recipes looks so good! I’m excited to try out the crispy cauliflower buffalo “wings.”
Yesssss you need to try them! So good
I’m obsessed with beans and lentils, so this list speaks to my soul!!!!! LOL That lentil soup, girl… delicious!!!
Sammeeee! Haha. I didn’t grow up with lentils, but it’s definitely made its way to my diet in the last couple of years ^_^
They all look so good!! I M definitely loving the cauliflower!!
These all look like amazing dishes! With fall almost here, I look forward to trying the smoky vegan bean chili. It looks flavorful and filling.
That oil-free vegan fried rice is calling my name!