8 Meatless Dinners Even Meat Eaters Like
Hearty vegetarian dinners with plenty of protein and flavor: bean chili, black bean burgers, baked ziti, curry, loaded potatoes and more.
The meatless dinners that win over meat eaters are filling, savory and generous: think chili, cheesy pasta and burgers, not a sad side salad.
What makes a meatless dinner satisfying
- Protein: beans, lentils, eggs, cheese, tofu and Greek yogurt.
- Savory depth: browned onions, tomato paste, soy sauce, mushrooms, smoked paprika and Parmesan.
- Texture: something crisp or chewy alongside something creamy.
Sweet potato and black bean chili
- 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black or kidney beans
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
Simmer everything with 2 cups water for 30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender. Top with sour cream and avocado.
Black bean burgers
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and dried
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Mash the beans, mix in the rest, shape 6 patties and pan-fry 4 to 5 minutes per side until crisp.
Baked three-cheese ziti
- 1 pound ziti
- 1 jar marinara
- Ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan
Bake at 375°F until bubbling and golden.
Chickpea coconut curry
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 3 cups spinach
Simmer 15 minutes, stir in the spinach and serve over rice.
Loaded baked potatoes
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- Broccoli, sour cream, green onions
Bake or microwave the potatoes and pile on the toppings.
Mushroom and caramelized onion flatbread
- Pizza dough or flatbreads
- 8 ounces mushrooms
- 2 onions
- Mozzarella and thyme
Bake hot until crisp.
Veggie fried rice with eggs
- 3 cups cold rice
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- Soy sauce
Stir-fry in a very hot pan.
Creamy broccoli cheddar pasta
- 12 ounces pasta
- 3 cups broccoli
- 2 cups cheddar
One pot, about 20 minutes.
Questions, answered
How do I get enough protein in a vegetarian dinner?
Build it around beans, lentils, chickpeas, eggs, tofu, cheese or Greek yogurt. A cup of cooked beans or lentils adds a good amount of protein to a meal.
What meatless meals are filling?
Bean chili, curries with chickpeas or lentils, cheesy pasta bakes, black bean burgers and loaded potatoes are all hearty enough for big appetites.
