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Whether you’re trying “Meatless Monday,” stretching your grocery budget or just want more veggies on the table, vegetarian meals can be easy, filling and kid-approved. Beans, eggs, cheese and pasta are budget-friendly, and many meatless dinners come together in 30 minutes or less.
Here are easy vegetarian meal ideas the whole family will enjoy.
Family-favorite vegetarian dinners
- Bean and cheese tacos or burritos: set out toppings and let everyone build their own.
- Veggie pasta: pasta tossed with marinara, sautéed zucchini, spinach and lots of parmesan.
- Homemade pizza night: cheese, veggies and pesto on store-bought dough.
- Black bean quesadillas with corn, cheese and salsa.
- Vegetable fried rice with eggs, frozen peas and carrots. A great use for leftover rice!
- Baked potato bar: top with broccoli, cheese, beans, sour cream and chives.
- Veggie chili with beans, tomatoes and corn. It freezes well.
- Breakfast for dinner: veggie omelets, pancakes or egg and cheese sandwiches.
- Grilled cheese and tomato soup, a classic for a reason.
- Lentil soup or lentil sloppy joes. Lentils cook quickly and are packed with protein.
Easy vegetarian proteins
Kids need protein to grow. Good meatless sources include:
- Beans, lentils and chickpeas
- Eggs
- Cheese, yogurt and milk
- Tofu and edamame
- Nut and seed butters
- Whole grains like quinoa and whole-wheat pasta
If your family is considering going fully vegetarian, it’s a good idea to talk with your pediatrician or a registered dietitian to make sure everyone gets the nutrients they need, like iron, B12 and protein.
Tips to get kids to love meatless meals
- Start with familiar favorites like pizza, pasta and tacos, just without the meat.
- Let kids build their own plates with toppings bars.
- Sneak in veggies by blending them into sauces or chopping them small.
- Get them cooking. Kids are more likely to try what they help make. See my tips for cooking with kids.
- Don’t call it “vegetarian.” Just call it dinner!
Vegetarian meals on a budget
- Buy dried beans and cook a big batch, or stock up on canned beans when they’re on sale.
- Use frozen vegetables. They’re affordable and just as nutritious.
- Shop seasonal produce for the best prices.
- See more ways to save on your grocery budget.
Want meal ideas planned for you? Find more easy family recipes here, or get a free 7-day meal plan with a shopping list from Easy Peasy Recipeasy.
Vegetarian meals FAQ
Will vegetarian meals keep my family full?
Yes! Meals with beans, eggs, cheese and whole grains are filling. Add healthy fats like avocado or a little olive oil, too.
What’s an easy first meatless meal to try?
Bean and cheese tacos or a baked potato bar. Both are familiar, fast and easy to customize.
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