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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Best Vegetarian Dinners That Simplify Mealtime

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 12, 2025, updated April 10, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding quick and satisfying vegetarian dinners can make mealtime a breeze. With a variety of flavors and ingredients, these 22 recipes are perfect for busy nights when you want something easy and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. From hearty pastas to vibrant veggie dishes, there's something here for everyone.

    Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake

    A creamy pesto pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Rich and Delish.

    This creamy pesto pasta bake is rich and cheesy, all made in one pan for easy cleanup. It comes together in under an hour and has a delicious flavor that rivals what you'd find at a restaurant.

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    Vegetable Tian

    Vegetable Tian.
    Photo Credit: The Dizzy Cook.

    Vegetable Tian is a colorful mix of fresh summer vegetables and herbs baked together in a dish. With layers of heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash, and eggplant topped with crispy fried basil, this is a simple and tasty side that highlights the best of the season.

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    Falafel Sandwich

    Falafel Sandwich
    Photo credit: Inquiring chef

    A falafel sandwich is a great choice when you want something filling and tasty. With soft pita or bread, crispy falafel, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce, it hits all the right notes.

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    Quinoa Mushroom Spinach Casserole

    Quinoa Mushroom Spinach Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Mommy Evolution.

    This Mushroom Spinach Casserole gives a fresh take on a classic dish with layers of delicious flavors. It's a healthy option packed with protein and fiber, making it a great choice for a meatless meal.

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    Crockpot Tomato Soup

    Crockpot Tomato Soup.
    Photo Credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    This creamy Crockpot Tomato Soup is sure to become a go-to comfort food. With just a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of slow-cooked tomato soup in no time.

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner can be quick and easy with just a few ingredients and one pot. This is a simple vegetarian meal that you can whip up in no time.

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    Enchilada Bake

    Enchilada bake.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    This Enchilada Bake is quick to put together with ingredients you probably already have at home, and it's delicious enough to be a family favorite. You won't even need to use your oven, as this dish is made in a slow cooker.

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    Slow Cooker Vegetable Alphabet Soup

    Slow Cooker Vegetable Alphabet Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    This alphabet soup is packed with vegetables and is a healthy meal option. Everyone will love this simple and tasty vegetarian dish!

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    Black Bean Burgers

    Black Bean Burgers.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Black Bean Burgers are quick to prepare and loaded with healthy ingredients, making them a great choice for a simple meal. They're vegan, gluten-free, and full of protein, so you can enjoy a tasty burger without any fuss.

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    Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This 15-minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts is a quick and easy meal that packs a lot of flavor. It's great on its own, but adding some mozzarella or burrata cheese takes it to the next level.

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    Slow Cooker Three Bean Taco Soup

    Slow Cooker Three Bean Taco Soup
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This Slow Cooker Three Bean Taco Soup is quick to prepare and perfect for busy nights. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it simmer, then enjoy it with your favorite taco toppings like cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.

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    Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Spinach

    Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Spinach.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Ricotta stuffed shells are a quick and enjoyable dinner option that you can prepare in just 15 minutes. The best part is you can stuff the pasta without boiling it first, making it easy to get dinner on the table any night.

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    Vegetarian Burrito Bowls

    Burrito bowl.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    Burrito bowls are a quick and tasty option that anyone can whip up with minimal effort. This simple recipe lets you throw everything together and enjoy a healthy meal in no time.

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    Caprese Gnocchi Sheet Pan

    Caprese gnocchi on a sheet pan.
    Photo Credit: The Savory Cipolla.

    This sheet pan dinner is a great option for summer. It’s an easy and tasty way to feed a large family with little effort.

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    Grilled Cheese

    Air fryer grilled cheese.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    This grilled cheese is made in the air fryer with sharp cheddar, finely chopped broccoli, and a pinch of chili flakes to bring some heat. It's cheesy, crisp, buttery, and the perfect quick and easy vegetarian sandwich!

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    Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta

    Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This Italian white bean soup is perfect for a cozy night in. With a creamy coconut milk and sun-dried tomato base, it’s packed with pasta, white cannellini beans, and fresh spinach, making it a healthy and filling meal for busy weeknights.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a simple take on Alfredo sauce with a bit of spice. Using just common powdered seasonings you likely have in your pantry, it’s an easy and budget-friendly choice for dinner.

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    Potato Egg Casserole

    Potato Egg Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Masala Herb.

    This seasoned potato casserole with eggs is quick and easy to prepare. It works well as a side dish or can be enjoyed for dinner or breakfast.

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    Vegetarian Chili Mac

    Vegetarian Chili Mac.
    Photo Credit: Cook Eat Live Love.

    Vegetarian Chili Mac is a quick and easy dinner option that you can whip up without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's packed with flavor and has a satisfying sauce that everyone will enjoy.

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    Polenta Al Forno

    Polenta Al Forno (Spinach Polenta Bake).
    Photo Credit: Sweet Caramel Sunday.

    Polenta Al Forno is a simple and tasty baked dish made with polenta and cheese. With layers of sautéed spinach and ricotta, this Italian comfort food is sure to become a family favorite that you'll want to make regularly.

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    Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos

    Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This dish is a favorite among my friends and it's easy to see why. With buffalo cauliflower, avocado, blue cheese sauce, and cilantro, these tacos are a hit and can be ready in just 40 minutes using the oven or air fryer.

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    Sweetheart Cabbage Salad with Gyoza Chickpeas

    sweetheart cabbage salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This quick salad combines spinach, sweetheart cabbage, and tasty chickpeas, all topped with plenty of Parmesan cheese. It's a healthy and satisfying dish that comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for when you're feeling too tired to cook.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      21 Best Summer Salad Recipes to Try This Week
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      18 Kid-Approved Ground Beef Dinners You Can Just Dump, Cook and Enjoy
    • Vegetable pasta salad.
      20 Pasta Salad Recipes That Will Steal the Show at Your Next BBQ
    • Tater tot casserole.
      26 Easy Dinner Casseroles That Will Have Everyone Asking for Seconds

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of 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, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, 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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