Life

11 Vegetarian Dinner Recipes That Will Satisfy Everyone At the Table (Yes, Even Meat Eaters)

by Samantha Darby

Whether you're a card-carrying vegetarian or someone who eats and breathes bacon, it never hurts to have a few meat-free dinner recipes in your repertoire. Especially given the United States Department of Agriculture's massive meat recall and the World Health Organization's recent revelation that red and processed meat have links to cancer, you may be hesitant to host Taco Tuesday. But skipping on meat doesn't mean you're limited to soups and salads. There are plenty of vegetarian recipes that go beyond the a plane plate of greens.

And, before you freak out, you don't have to become a tofu master in order to enjoy a little less E. Coli or carcinogenicity in your supper. Instead of finding meat substitutes, you can make a dinner that's full of veggies, packed with protein, and plenty of flavor. Even stand-by favorites, like pasta dishes, can be just as delicious meatless as they are with ground beef in their sauce. And bonus? You can save some money, too! Take it form me — there nothing worse than thinking the cashier is done ringing up your groceries, only to find she hasn't even started scanning all of that chicken. So walk straight pass the meat coolers and settle for the produce section instead. Your kids will totally eat them, too. With these 11 meat-less dinner recipes, you can satisfy your fear-mongering self a bit and keep all the tummies in your house happy. And hey, 

1One Pot Creamy Asparagus Pasta

No meat and only one pot to clean up? Consider me sold. The Scrumptious Pumpkin's one pot creamy asparagus pasta is light and a great comfort food without a morsel of meat present.

2Quinoa Corn Chowder

If you're worried about staying full on a meat-less meal plan, this quinoa corn chowder from Quinoa, Kale and Exhale can take care of that for you. With a dash of lime and sriracha, it's also packed full of flavor.

3Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach

Hesitant to toss some peanuts in a stew? You won't have any doubts once you try Naturally Ella's peanut stew with sweet potatoes and spinach. Super creamy with plenty of protein thanks to the peanut butter and sweet potatoes, you'll make this stew a staple in your house, regardless of the meat industry.

4Skillet Summer Vegetable Lasagna

Mel's Kitchen Cafe, this skillet summer vegetable lasagna is so satisfying, you won't miss the meat. The combination of creamy cheese and crunchy vegetables adds some awesome texture (and, obviously, flavors) to this dinner. 

5Creamy Mushroom Sauce over Spaghetti Squash

The Healthy Foodie's creamy mushroom sauce over spaghetti squash is meat-free, healthy, and hearty all at the same time. You will absolutely devour this bowl, so say goodbye to leftovers.

6Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pizza

Pizza is always a crowd pleaser and this creamy spinach artichoke pizza from Budget Bytes is no different. You don't need pepperoni or sausage to make a heart-eye emoji worthy pizza.

7Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry

Delicious over rice or wrapped up in warm naan, this chickpea and sweet potato curry from A Spicy Perspective needs to be in your recipe book. Bonus? It's made in the crockpot. Score!

8Pea and Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo

This light and easy pea and spinach fettuccine alfredo from Back to Her Roots is perfect for those busy weeknights, but also makes a great dish for a dinner party.

9Simple Parsnip and Ginger Soup

Irresistibly creamy with a hint of sweetness and spice, this parsnip and ginger soup from Blogging Over Thyme is perfect for a cold fall night. 

10Cheesy Enchilada Rice Skillet

And you thought you couldn't make Mexican food without meat.  This cheesy enchilada rice skillet from Damn Delicious is packed with flavor and can be made in one pan. Perfect, right?

11Quinoa Brussels Sprout Gratin with Smoked Cheddar

Not only is this quinoa brussels sprout gratin with smoked cheddar recipe from Feed Me Phoebe delicious, but it also only requires five ingredients. Best dish ever? I think so. 

Images: Courtesy of Naturally EllaThe Scrumptious Pumpkin; Quinoa, Kale and Exhale; Naturally Ella; Mel's Kitchen Cafe; The Healthy Foodie; Budget Bytes; A Spicy Perspective; Back to Her Roots; Blogging Over Thyme; Damn Delicious; Feed Me Phoebe