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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Meatless Dinners So Good Even Carnivores Will Beg for Seconds

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 12, 2025 · Published January 10, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    These 21 meatless dinners are packed with flavor and creativity, making them perfect for anyone, even those who usually prefer meat. From hearty pastas to vibrant veggie stir-fries, these meals are satisfying and easy to prepare. You'll find plenty of options that will have everyone asking for more.

    Miso Mushroom Ramen

    a bowl of miso mushroom ramen.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A tasty dashi broth paired with savory mushrooms makes for a filling meal. This dish is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy a meatless dinner that still feels hearty and satisfying.

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    Mac and Cheese Egg Rolls with Buffalo Ranch

    Mac and Cheese Egg Rolls with Buffalo Ranch
    Photo Credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    These tasty egg rolls are filled with leftover mac and cheese, making them a fun and satisfying meal. They combine the comfort of mac and cheese with the crispy goodness of egg rolls. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table, even those who usually prefer meat.

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    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies

    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies
    Photo credit: always use butter

    A simple potato stir-fry with halloumi and vegetables comes together in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pan dish is not only healthy but also full of flavor, and a squeeze of lemon gives it a refreshing twist that everyone will appreciate, even meat lovers.

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    Quinoa Walnut Tacos

    Vegan Quinoa Walnut Tacos
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These tacos are packed with quinoa and crunchy toasted walnuts, offering a hearty and enjoyable meatless meal. It's a fantastic choice for anyone, even if you typically lean towards meat dishes.

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    Crispy Potato Tacos

    Crispy Potato Tacos.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Crispy Potato Tacos are a fantastic dinner option that everyone will enjoy, even those who usually go for meat. The potatoes are seasoned and baked until they're perfectly crispy, then wrapped in tortillas with your favorite toppings for a delicious meal.

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    Black Lentil Feta Salad

    Black Lentil Salad with Feta.
    Photo credit: Evergreen Kitchen.

    This Mediterranean salad is packed with delicious flavors and is simple to prepare. It's a healthy option featuring lentils, creamy feta cheese, fresh veggies, and a flavorful dressing. This dish is perfect for making ahead of time for lunches or dinners.

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    Vegan Sloppy Joes

    A vegan sloppy joe.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This vegan take on a classic dish is bound to satisfy everyone around the table. It's a fantastic choice for family dinners, even if you typically enjoy meat. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this meal will leave everyone asking for more.

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    Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

    Buffalo cauliflower bites.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These meatless dishes are sure to impress even the biggest meat lovers. Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, they turn out flavorful, crunchy, and hard to resist. Perfect for a light meal or a satisfying snack, they pair wonderfully with a side of blue cheese sauce.

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    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is simple and fast, using ingredients you likely have on hand. It's a filling meal that meat lovers will appreciate just as much as anyone else.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is super simple to make. With just four main ingredients and a few store-bought options, you can whip it up in no time. It's quick to prepare, taking only about 5 minutes to get started and under 40 minutes to serve. Perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Sticky Tofu

    A plate of sticky tofu.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This dinner is packed with flavor and will impress even the biggest meat fans. It's a fantastic choice for anyone wanting a hearty meal without any meat. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Poached Egg Bowls

    Breakfast bowl with egg.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Leftover boiled potatoes can easily be transformed into a delicious fried potato breakfast bowl. With a poached egg and creamy Feta cheese on top, this dish is hearty and satisfying. Plus, it comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal.

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    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi pasta is a quick and easy meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. It's filled with fresh vegetables, making it a light and refreshing option for dinner. This dish highlights the flavors of the veggies while offering a satisfying and tasty experience.

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    Creamy Curry Pasta

    Creamy Curry Pasta.
    Photo credit: Plantbased on a Budget.

    This creamy curry pasta is a delicious meal that you can whip up in just 35 minutes. It's easy to personalize with your choice of protein and vegetables, making it perfect for busy evenings. Whether you're a meat lover or not, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans

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

    Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne is packed with bold chili flavor and a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and green bell pepper. It's quick to prepare, taking only 40 minutes, and delivers a tasty mix of flavors and textures. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty meal without meat.

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    Black Bean Tacos with Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo

    Vegetarian Tacos with Black Beans, Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Vegetarian tacos are packed with delicious refried black beans and crumbled feta cheese, all topped with fresh pico de gallo. This dish is easy to make and offers a filling meatless option that everyone will love. It's a satisfying meal that you'll find yourself wanting to have again and again.

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    Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

    Creamy pesto gnocchi.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This dish is filling and comforting, ideal for anyone who wants a hearty meal. It's so delicious that you'll likely want to go back for more.

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    Creamy Broccoli Pasta

    Broccoli pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta is packed with fresh vegetables and offers a delicious and healthy meal that everyone can enjoy. It's a fantastic dinner option, even for those who usually prefer meat. With its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Chickpea Gyros

    Chickpea Gyros.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Chickpea gyros are a simple vegetarian dish that you can prepare in about 10 minutes on the stovetop with minimal effort. This meal is perfect for busy evenings when you want something tasty and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. You can have dinner ready in just 15 minutes after arriving home.

    Get the recipe

    Margherita Flatbread

    Margherita flatbread pizza.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Margherita flatbread pizza is a tasty and satisfying meal that's easy to whip up at home. Featuring crispy flatbread topped with fresh basil and creamy mozzarella cheese, this dish is perfect for a quick pizza night. It's a simple yet flavorful option that everyone will enjoy.

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    Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza

    Buffalo cauliflower pizza.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo cauliflower pizza features a crunchy puff pastry crust loaded with cheese and a flavorful blue cheese sauce. It's a fantastic vegetarian option for dinner, a quick snack, or even as an appetizer. This dish is sure to please everyone, even those who usually prefer meat.

    Get the recipe

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    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.

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    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!

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