• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Hearty Vegetable Loaded Dishes That Make Meal Prep a Breeze

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 15, 2025, updated June 5, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding easy and filling meals can be a challenge, especially when trying to eat more vegetables. These 19 hearty vegetable-loaded dishes are perfect for meal prep, making it simple to enjoy nutritious and satisfying meals throughout the week. Packed with flavor and variety, these recipes will keep your meals interesting and wholesome.

    Eggplant Moussaka

    Eggplant Moussaka with Lamb.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Eggplant Moussaka is a satisfying dinner packed with vegetables and ground beef or lamb, all covered in a generous layer of cheese. This recipe skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, focusing instead on extra eggplant for a true Mediterranean flavor. It's a healthy option that doesn't require much effort to prepare. Perfect for a cozy meal, this dish brings together rich tastes and hearty ingredients. Enjoy a comforting dinner that everyone will love.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Lentil Casserole

    Vegetarian Lentil Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Green Bowl 2 Soul.

    This lentil casserole is a straightforward and tasty vegetarian dish that's great for meatless dinners. Packed with a variety of vegetables, it adds extra nutrition and flavor. It's a comforting meal that warms you up and fills you up. Perfect for busy nights, this dish requires minimal effort to prepare. Enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love.

    Get the Recipe

    Grinder Pasta Salad

    Grinder Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Mama Needs Cake.

    This Italian grinder pasta salad brings all the great flavors of grinder sandwiches into a delicious dish. It's filled with tasty Italian deli meats, fresh crunchy vegetables, and a zesty creamy dressing. This pasta salad is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or just making ahead for the week. It's a simple and satisfying option that everyone will enjoy. If you're searching for easy pasta salad ideas, this one is definitely worth a try!

    Get the Recipe

    Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans

    Easy Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne is packed with flavor and plenty of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and green bell pepper. It’s a quick dish that you can whip up in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a busy day. The combination of different textures makes it satisfying and enjoyable. With just a few easy steps, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time. This is a great option for anyone looking to eat more veggies.

    Get the recipe

    Frittata Cavolo

    Frittata Cavolo.
    Photo Credit: Refresh My Health.

    Frittata Cavolo is packed with nutritious ingredients and is great on its own or paired with a slice of Danish rye bread. This dish is simple to prepare, making it perfect for any meal. It's a hearty option that will keep you satisfied. With plenty of vegetables, it’s a great way to get your daily servings in. Enjoy this tasty frittata for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This vegetarian halloumi pasta is packed with fresh vegetables and can be ready in just 20 minutes, including prep time. It's a light and refreshing meal that doesn't rely on heavy cream, allowing the flavors of the veggies to really stand out. Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish is both satisfying and healthy. With its vibrant ingredients, it brings a taste of summer to your table. Enjoy a simple yet delicious meal that makes weeknight cooking easy.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole (Vegetable Au Gratin)

    Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole (Vegetable Au Gratin).
    Photo Credit: The Fresh Cooky.

    This Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a great addition to any meal or holiday gathering. It's not just for special occasions; this dish works well as a side throughout the year. Preparing it is simple, and you can easily modify it to fit different dietary preferences, such as keto, dairy-free, or gluten-free. The combination of broccoli and cauliflower with cheese creates a comforting and satisfying dish. Enjoy this versatile casserole any time you want a hearty vegetable side.

    Get the Recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi.
    Photo Credit: Posh Journal.

    This sheet pan gnocchi dish is fantastic. The gnocchi comes out perfectly roasted, with a nice crisp on the outside and a soft texture inside. It's packed with a variety of vegetables and flavorful herbs. It's a meal that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

    Get the Recipe

    Grilled Zucchini Pasta Salad

    Grilled Zucchini Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    This Grilled Zucchini Pasta Salad is a great way to enjoy summer flavors in a bowl. It combines fresh vegetables, a hint of citrus, and plenty of cheese for a delicious mix. This dish is perfect for potlucks or as a quick side for dinner during the week. With its vibrant ingredients, it brings a taste of summer to your table. It's an easy and satisfying option that everyone will love.

    Get the Recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to save time while cooking. It offers a rich and filling pasta sauce that captures the essence of the traditional recipe, but without the long cooking time. Using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, this dish comes together quickly. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting meal that feels like it took all day to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This red pesto pasta is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, with only 15 minutes of actual cooking time. It's loaded with vegetables and full of flavor, making it a satisfying meal. You can use either homemade or store-bought pesto, depending on what you have on hand. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed hot or cold, perfect for any occasion. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Cashew Chicken

    Thai cashew chicken.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This version of a favorite takeout meal is packed with plenty of chicken and fresh vegetables, bringing authentic Thai flavors to your table. The simple cooking steps make it easy to whip up a satisfying dish in no time. In just 35 minutes, you can enjoy a taste of Thailand right at home. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is sure to please everyone in the family.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetable Stew with Onion, Broccoli, and Cauliflower

    Vegetable Stew with Onion, Broccoli, and Cauliflower.
    Photo Credit: Refresh My Health.

    This vegetable stew is simple to prepare and packed with healthy ingredients, making it a great choice for a comforting meal. With onion, broccoli, and cauliflower, it offers a nice blend of flavors, plus a little kick of spice. It's vegan and gluten-free, so it fits various dietary needs. You can whip it up in just one skillet and in about 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and satisfying.

    Get the Recipe

    Taco Pasta Salad

    Taco Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This taco pasta salad is a fun twist on traditional tacos, combining all the great flavors into a hearty dish. It's filled with fresh ingredients and is perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying on a busy weeknight. The mix of pasta and taco toppings creates a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. This dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for meal prep. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick dinner, this salad is sure to please.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Pasta Salad

    Chicken Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Mom Foodie.

    This Chicken Pasta Salad is a simple and fast dish that captures the flavors of a hearty chicken dinner. It only takes a few minutes to prepare, making it a great option for busy days. Served cold, it’s refreshing and perfect for hot summer weather. With the use of canned chicken, it’s convenient and requires minimal effort. This salad is a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Spicy Colorful Vegetable Sour Soup

    Spicy Colorful Vegetable Sour Soup.
    Photo Credit: Refresh My Health.

    This Spicy Colorful Vegetable Sour Soup is simple to prepare, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various toppings to elevate the meal. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a hearty meal. Give it a go and see how it can brighten up your dinner routine!

    Get the Recipe

    Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    Broccoli cheddar soup in a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Instant pot broccoli cheddar soup is a creamy, comforting meal made with broccoli, cheddar cheese, broth, cream, and a blend of seasonings. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

    Get the Recipe

    Pesto Chickpea Bake

    Pesto Chickpea Bake.
    Photo Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

    This veggie-packed chickpea casserole is a great way to use up leftover vegetables from your fridge. Simply roast your favorite veggies, mix in some chickpeas and pesto, sprinkle cheese on top, and pop it in the oven. It’s a filling vegetarian meal that can stand alone or be paired with bread for a complete dinner. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy it as a main course or as a tasty side.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

    Baked lamb chops with veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet pan meal is a simple way to enjoy lamb while ensuring it stays juicy and tender. The lamb chops cook alongside fresh vegetables, soaking up all the delicious flavors. It's a great option for a satisfying dinner that doesn't require much effort. Everything cooks together on one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and tasty.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Monterey Chicken Casserole.
      19 Easy Dump-And-Go Dinners Straight From Grandma’s Kitchen
    • French onion chicken.
      28 Simple Meal Prep Ideas That Are Perfect for Tight Budgets
    • Skillet Stuffed Peppers.
      26 Lifesaver Ground Beef Recipes We Love Right Now
    • Ground Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats.
      20 Zucchini Recipes That Will Make You Rethink Your Veggies

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]
    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • Slow cooker vegeterian enchilada casserole.
      18 Dump-And-Go Vegetable Dishes We Can’t Stop Making
    • Corn chowder.
      19 Crockpot Summer Dinners You’ll Want to Make All the Time
    • Coq au vin.
      23 Slow Cooker Chicken Dinners That Hit the Spot
    • A bowl of cheeseburger soup.
      23 Crockpot Recipes So Simple, You'll Wonder Why You Didn't Try Them Sooner

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB