• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Plant Based And Broke logo

Plant Based And Broke

Cheap and Easy Plant-Based Recipes

  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
Home » Dinner

31 Plant-Based Dinner Recipes

We'll do the thinking for you - we have a full list of easy, plant-based recipes that both the kids and the adults (or the solo folks) will enjoy. From vegan nuggets to cozy stews! These are the meatless meals you need to have in rotation.

Tofu butter chicken or murgh makhani topped with chop cilantro. With a side of rice.
by Aly Michell Dated: April 20, 2022 Last Modified: September 21, 2023 17 Comments
820 shares
(This post may have affiliate links. Please see my disclosure.)
Jump to:
  • What is a Plant-Based Diet? 
  • The Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
  • Plant-Based Dinner Recipes
  • Plant-Based Sides to Try
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Plant-Based Dinner Recipes 

Switching to a plant-based diet has been a game-changer for me, helping me keep meals healthy, simple, and incredibly satisfying. Gone are the days of repetitive meals—now, I enjoy a variety of flavors and ingredients that keep dinner exciting every night. Whether it's a hearty lentil loaf, or a vegetable fried rice, there's always something new to discover. 

Learn more about how to eat a cheap plant-based diet.

What is a Plant-Based Diet? 

A plant-based diet can mean different things to different people, but at its core, it emphasizes foods derived from plants, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. 

For some, it aligns with a strict vegan lifestyle that excludes all animal products, while others might include small amounts of meat, dairy, or eggs but still focus primarily on plant foods. Some follow a whole-food, plant-based approach that prioritizes unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods, while others aim simply to reduce their intake of animal products. 

Regardless of the specific approach, the goal is to promote health, sustainability, and ethical eating through a plant-focused diet.

The Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

  1. Improves heart health: Reduces the risk of heart disease.
  2. Supports weight management: Helps maintain a healthy weight.
  3. Boosts digestion: High in fiber for better digestion.
  4. Lowers chronic disease risk: Reduces the risk of diabetes and certain cancers.
  5. Enhances energy levels: Provides sustained energy from whole foods.
  6. Promotes sustainability: Reduces environmental impact.
  7. Ethical eating: Minimizes animal cruelty and promotes animal welfare.

Check out our full list of plant-based recipes! 

Collage with different plant-based recipe ideas for dinner.

Plant-Based Dinner Recipes

Vegan Butter Chicken (Tofu Makhani)

Here's an easy-peasy vegan butter chicken recipe that's a crowd-pleaser for sure. It's vegan, but it definitely doesn't lack flavor, creaminess, and ease.
Vegan butter chicken topped with cilantro and served with rice.

Vegan Puerto Rican Spaghetti

Load up your plates with Puerto Rican spaghetti made with adobo, sazon, sofrito, tomato, sauce, and meatless ground beef. This recipe is 100% vegan and EASY to make!
Meatless Puerto Rican spaghetti topped with chopped cilantro.

Habichuelas Guisadas From Scratch

A savory, Puerto Rican stew called "habichuelas guisadas" also known as a pink/red bean stew. Made from dry beans and from scratch. Served with rice, sliced avocado, and a protein.
Puerto Rican habichuelas guisadas with a side of rice

Black Bean Tofu Burger Recipe

Protein-packed, healthy plant-based burgers made with tofu, black beans, and mushrooms. A kid-friendly burger that's great for a weekday dinner meal. Gluten-free, vegan, and healthy.

Puerto Rican Tofu Guisado

Go plant-based and enjoy your cozy bowl of Puerto Rican Tofu Guisado. Completely meat-free made with "meaty" tofu, tender potatoes, carrots chunks, and a variety of Puerto Rican spices.
Cooked tofu guisado or tofu stew made with tofu, carrots, potatoes, and olives. Topped with chopped cilantro.

Mushroom Lentil Loaf

Let’s crank on the oven for an umami-blasted Mushroom Lentil Loaf made with plant-based ingredients! Made with juicy mushrooms, protein-packed lentils, spices, and topped with a sweet-and-savory glaze
Sliced mushroom lentil loaf with glaze and topped with parsley.

20-Minute Easy Copycat Chipotle Sofritas

A flavor-packed sofritas recipe that's inspired by Chipotle's version of the dish. Made with adobo sauce, fresh homemade sofrito, and "meaty" firm tofu. A great dish to add with rice, tacos, burritos or a salad.
Vegan chipotles sofritas in a cast-iron skillet served with black beans, cilantro-lime rice, and tortillas.

Cannellini Bean Burgers (with Pantry-Friendly Ingredients)

Need a QUICK and EASY burger? These Cannellini Bean Burgers are made with pantry-friendly ingredients! No need to chop or shred! These burgers are also 100% vegan, gluten-free, eggless, and dairy-free.
Cannellini bean burger with sirarcha mayo sauce, spinach, and sliced onions.

Creamy Rigatoni With Sofrito Avocado Sauce

Quick and easy, creamy rigatoni pasta gently tossed in avocado and fragrant sofrito sauce. Made with a Puerto Rican twist, using adobo. A delicious dinner recipe that’s perfect for a busy weekday summer night.
Rigatoni pasta in a creamy avocado sauce in a gray bowl. Topped with chili flakes.

Beefless "Beef" Stew (Puerto Rican Style)

Try our mouthwatering Puerto Rican-style vegan beef stew! Enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean in this cruelty-free twist on a classic favorite.
Vegetarian beef stew with chunks of potatoes, carrots, vegan beef, green olives in a gray bowl

Oil-Free Vegan Fried Rice

A delicious, oil-free healthy vegan fried rice recipe loaded with your favorite veggies along with tofu scramble!
Oil-free "fried" rice with veggies served on a platter

Vegan Creamy Chickpea Pasta with Spinach

Whip up a creamy, velvety chickpea pasta for your next weekday dinner! Made with linguine, pan-roasted chickpeas, garlic, and creamy coconut milk. This recipe is 100% dairy-free, vegan, and can be made gluten-free.
Linguine pasta with chickpeas, spinach, and coconut milk in a wok.

Easy Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese

Grab your bowls - we’re making the ultimate comfort food: easy Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese! Made with just 10 ingredients and incredibly easy to make.
Bowl of vegan macaroni and cheese.

How To Cook Dry Black Beans (No Soak)

Time to put those dry black beans to work! Here's an easy way on how to cook dry beans from scratch - no soaking needed. These beans are packed with plant-based fiber, protein and they're EASY to make.
No soak, cooked black beans in a gray bowl.

Vegan Palak “Paneer” With Tofu

Flavor-packed vegan palak "paneer" made with tofu, spinach, and Indian spices. A healthy dish that is best served with naan, roti, or a side of rice.
Vegan palak paneer in a large white bowl with a side of sliced onions and white rice.

Vegetarian Tofu Bean Chili

The BEST vegetarian tofu bean chili. This classic, comfort dish is made with tender tofu, creamy beans, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of pantry-friendly spices. 
Vegetarian tofu bean chili in a gray bowl topped with chopped cilantro

Vegan Puerto Rican Picadillo

Bring big flavor to the table with Vegan Puerto Rican Picadillo—spiced vegan “ground beef” with potatoes, tomato sauce, and Spanish green olives.
Vegan picadillo with Spanish green olives and potatoes in a serving bowl.

Spring Vegetable Fried Rice

Easy, 10-minute, vegan spring vegetable fried rice! A healthy, springtime recipe loaded with seasonal vegetables. Serve as a side dish or as the main meal.
Spring fried rice with vegetables in a bowl.

Stovetop Vegan Tofu Meatballs

Sometimes, a classic, cozy dinner recipe is everything we need at the end of a long day. We’re going plant-based for our homemade vegan tofu meatballs recipe to accompany our piled-up spaghetti. 
Stovetop tofu meatballs with pasta.

20-Minute Thai-Style Vegetable Red Curry

Flavor-packed, Thai-style vegetable red curry made with sweet red bell pepper, broccoli, and tender potatoes. Cooked in just 20 minutes! Serve with a side of jasmin rice or roti.
Thai-style vegetable curry in a bowl made with red bell peppers, potatoes, and broccoli.

Arroz Con Gandules (Puerto Rican Yellow Rice)

Arroz con gandules or Puerto Rican yellow rice with gandules is a Puerto Rican staple made with pigeon peas, long-grain rice, sofrito, sazon, adobo, tomato sauce, and sometimes Spanish green olives. It's a Puerto Rican dinner staple that is served with most meals.
Puerto Rican yellow rice in dutch oven.

Puerto Rican Chickpea Stew (Garbanzos Guisados)

This is the BEST Puerto Rican chickpea stew! Made with authentic Puerto Rican flavors, spices, and ingredients. Serve with rice or fresh bread.
Bowl of Puerto Rican chickpea stew with toasted bread.

Vegetable Spaghetti with Zucchini and Carrots

Get ready for a past with vegetables recipe that's flavorful, saucy, and delicious! This vegetable spaghetti is the perfect dinnertime meal when you have plenty of veggies you want to cook up!

One-Pot Chickpeas and Sweet Potato Curry

Time for one-pot chickpeas and sweet potato curry! It’s the perfect family-friendly dinner recipe, packed with fiber, protein, and flavor.

Vegan “Chicken” Noodle Soup with Tofu

Go for a Tofu Noodle Soup (Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup) the next time you’re craving something comforting and warm! Ready in just 40 minutes and made with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Bowl of tofu noodle soup with vegetables and a slice of lemon.

Healthy Zucchini Soup with Potatoes

Enjoy this low-calorie, healthy zucchini soup, made with vibrant ingredients including zucchini, parsley, freshly-squeezed lemon juice, garlic, and onion.
Zucchini soup in a bowl topped with lemon slices and homemade croutons.

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Air fryer tofu has never been easier! If you’re looking for a crunch, you’re in for a treat. With just SEVEN ingredients and air-fried in 20 minutes.
Air fryer tofu nuggets in a white bowl.

Vegan Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Fire-blasted vegan Roasted Tomato Basil Soup made with plant-based, healthy ingredients! The perfect, cozy, homemade soup, perfect for a chilly night.
Vegan roasted tomato basil soup topped with chopped basil and a side of toasted bread.

Spring Vegetable Soup With Asparagus

Zesty spring vegetable soup made with asparagus, peas, carrots, and juicy mushrooms. This recipe is vegan and done in just 15 minutes.
Springtime soup with mushrooms, asparagus, peas, and carrots

Vegan Pastelón (Puerto Rican Plantain "Lasagna")

This sweet and savory Puerto Rican plantain lasagna has turned VEGAN and it’s just as good! This vegan pastelón is made with sweet plantains, flavor-packed lentils, and Puerto Rican spices.
Slice of vegan lentil pastelon topped with chopped cilantro

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Crispy, tender, and packed with flavor. These crispy buffalo cualiflower wings are a great party snack, or as a kid-friendly meal. Pile up those plate with these spicy and savory wings that'll satisfy vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Cauliflower buffalo wing dipped in vegan ranch dressing

There you have it - plant-based dinner recipes that'll make everyone at home asking for seconds!

Plant-Based Sides to Try

  • Fluffy mashed potatoes topped with garlic butter, garlic salt, butter, and parsley.
    Fluffy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (with Skin-On)
  • Air fryer red potatoes with herbs and sideof sauce
    Tender Air Fryer Red Potatoes
  • Zucchini stuffing casserole with carrots, corn, and stale bread in a casserole dish.
    Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing
  • Vegan macaroni pasta salad with bell pepper, onion, and carrots. In a serving bowl.
    Creamy Vegan Macaroni Salad

Frequently Asked Questions About Plant-Based Dinner Recipes 

What are examples of plant-based meals?

Plant-based meals include dishes like quinoa and black bean bowls, vegetable stir-fries, lentil soups, chickpea curries, and salads loaded with greens, nuts, and seeds. These meals focus on whole, minimally processed ingredients that come from plants.

Can you eat spaghetti on a plant-based diet?

Yes, you can eat spaghetti on a plant-based diet. Simply pair it with plant-based sauces, like marinara, pesto, or a creamy cashew sauce, and add vegetables, beans, or lentils for extra nutrition.

How to eat 30 plant-based foods a week?

To eat 30 plant-based foods a week, include a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and herbs in your meals. Mix and match different ingredients in salads, stir-fries, soups, and snacks to reach the goal of 30 unique plant-based foods.

Can I eat eggs on a plant-based diet?

Whether you can eat eggs on a plant-based diet depends on your definition. Some plant-based eaters include eggs, while others, especially those following a vegan diet, do not. The focus is on eating primarily plants, so it's up to you to decide if eggs fit into your version of a plant-based diet.

What 5 foods do you eat that are plant-based?

Five plant-based foods that are staples include quinoa, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, spinach, and almonds. These are versatile, nutrient-dense, and can be incorporated into various meals.

Can you eat potatoes on a plant-based diet?

Yes, potatoes are a great plant-based food. They can be prepared in numerous ways, such as roasted, mashed, or baked, and can be part of a balanced plant-based meal.

What is the downside of a plant-based diet?

One potential downside of a plant-based diet is the risk of nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are more commonly found in animal products. However, these can be managed with careful planning, fortified foods, or supplements.

What is the healthiest plant-based food?

One of the healthiest plant-based foods is leafy greens like spinach or kale, which are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, all essential for good health.


Did you try any of the recipes on the list?

Please leave a comment below, share it, rate it, or tag a picture @plantbasedandbroke on Instagram and hashtag it #plantbasedandbroke. Show off that creation with us

820 shares
Category: All, Dinner, Recipe Roundups

About Aly Michell

Over 10+ years of plant-based eating and cooking on a budget!

Previous Post:Two pieces of toast topped with fruit jam and chia seeds.10 Butter Alternatives For Your Breakfast Toast
Next Post:Healthy Zucchini Soup with PotatoesZucchini soup in a bowl topped with lemon slices and homemade croutons.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Aman Sharma

    August 07, 2022 at 6:38 pm

    This is a great list of plant-based dinner ideas! I'm excited to try some of them!

    Reply
  2. Nancy

    August 02, 2022 at 4:48 am

    Weeepa! I love all your Puerto Rican recipes. Thank you soooo much!

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      August 02, 2022 at 6:55 am

      Wepaaaa! Enjoy! 🙂

      Reply
  3. John Carston

    May 03, 2022 at 6:25 am

    It's interesting when you said that some recipes require creativity because of their unit plant-based recipes. Yesterday, my cousin told me that he was planning to start his career in food blogging using plant-based recipes because of his fitness journey and medical practice, and he asked if I had any idea what would be the best option for him to begin. Thanks to this helpful article, I'll be sure to tell her that they can acquire more information and ideas from vegan recipes and vegan cooking tips blog.

    Reply
    • Wilthric Marshall

      November 15, 2024 at 4:58 pm

      Hi Aly, had the privilege of reading your story on why you started eating plant base foods, couldn't delete the blog, because it sounded a lot like my story, I encounter the same problems after I had my children was on so many different diets and changes in my eating habits, one diet after another, And now I'm older and still fall off the wagon so I love your quote Do The Best You Can, Whenever You Can!!! Thank You for all your easy recipes that don't come with a trunk load of ingredients, God Bless You and keep doing You.

      Reply
      • Aly Michell

        November 18, 2024 at 7:43 am

        Hi Wilthric! Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your journey. It’s amazing how our stories can connect and inspire each other!I’m so glad my recipes and motto resonate with you.

        Reply
  4. Jazz

    August 24, 2019 at 8:29 pm

    That oil-free vegan fried rice is calling my name!

    Reply
  5. Brittany Fiero

    August 23, 2019 at 7:42 pm

    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.

    Reply
  6. Katrina Adams

    August 23, 2019 at 6:46 pm

    They all look so good!! I M definitely loving the cauliflower!!

    Reply
  7. Aline

    August 22, 2019 at 5:15 pm

    I'm obsessed with beans and lentils, so this list speaks to my soul!!!!! LOL That lentil soup, girl... delicious!!!

    Reply
    • plantbasedandbroke

      August 23, 2019 at 10:15 am

      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 ^_^

      Reply
  8. Tamara J.

    August 21, 2019 at 6:36 pm

    All of these recipes looks so good! I’m excited to try out the crispy cauliflower buffalo “wings.”

    Reply
    • plantbasedandbroke

      August 23, 2019 at 10:14 am

      Yesssss you need to try them! So good

      Reply
  9. Renia Butler

    August 21, 2019 at 2:06 pm

    These recipes look so yummy. I can't wait to try some in the kitchen. Those tofu nuggets tho'

    Reply
    • plantbasedandbroke

      August 21, 2019 at 5:50 pm

      Let me know when you do try them! I hope they turn out great! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Marta

    August 21, 2019 at 1:47 pm

    Being half Black and half Puerto Rican, you know I'm hoping to have to try the "Sin Carne Guisada"! I'm so intrigued!!

    Reply
    • plantbasedandbroke

      August 21, 2019 at 5:51 pm

      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

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Sidebar

Hi, My name is Aly Michell! I create plant-based recipes that are easy, accessible, using everyday cookware.

More about me →

Vegan Spring Recipes🌸🌷🌼

  • Bowl of chickpea sweet potato curry over white rice.
    One-Pot Chickpeas and Sweet Potato Curry
  • Spring fried rice with vegetables in a bowl.
    Spring Vegetable Fried Rice with Asparagus
  • Springtime soup with mushrooms, asparagus, peas, and carrots
    Spring Vegetable Soup With Asparagus
  • Springtime spaghetti pasta with asparagus and tomatoes
    Spring Lemon Garlic Spaghetti With Asparagus
  • Vegetable Spaghetti with Zucchini and Carrots
  • Zucchini soup in a bowl topped with lemon slices and homemade croutons.
    Healthy Zucchini Soup with Potatoes
  • Linguine pasta with chickpeas, spinach, and coconut milk in a wok.
    Vegan Creamy Chickpea Pasta with Spinach
  • Homemade apple cider vinaigrette salad dressing in a mason jar with a spoon.
    Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing

Popular Posts

  • Noor dates in a bowl
    How To Soften Dates (3 Easy Ways)
  • Tofu Chicken chunks on a white platter
    How To Make Tofu Taste Like Chicken
  • Cream of rice topped with walnuts, cinnamon, maple syrup, and shredded carrots
    Easy Cream of Rice Recipe with Cinnamon Brown Sugar
  • Puerto Rican arroz con habichuelas in a small bowl
    Puerto Rican Rice with Beans (Arroz Con Habichuelas)
  • Sweetened, cooked red split lentils with a drizzle of coconut milk and crushed walnuts in a bowl.
    Breakfast Lentils With Cinnamon Brown Sugar
  • Tofu butter chicken or murgh makhani topped with chop cilantro. With a side of rice.
    31 Plant-Based Dinner Recipes
  • Strips of veggie bacon against parchment paper
    Crispy Mushroom Bacon
  • Puerto Rican yellow rice in dutch oven.
    Puerto Rican Yellow Rice (Arroz Con Gandules)

Just Published

Slice of vegan lentil pastelon topped with chopped cilantro

Vegan Pastelón (Puerto Rican Plantain "Lasagna")

If you’re into that perfect combination between sweet and savory - you’re in for a treat with our vegan Puerto Rican pastelón! Why You’ll Love …

Turmeric powder on a wooden spoon.

What Does Turmeric Taste Like? Flavor, Texture & Uses

Turmeric is my go-to spice when I’m cooking Indian-inspired meals, or when I want to add a vibrant yellow hue to recipes like tofu scramble. Its earthy flavor and bold color make it a staple in my …

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Recent Posts

Turmeric powder on a wooden spoon.
Raw rolled oats and oat bran in white, glass containers.
Green and yellow plantains.
Ghee in solid form on a spoon.
Two slices of vegan lentil loaf on a white plate.

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Accessibility

Copyright © 2025 · Plant Based And Broke · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme