Times are tougher than ever, but you don’t need to break the bank by putting a wholesome vegetarian meal on the table. Find out how to make cheap vegetarian meals that will keep you feeling satisfied.
It feels like the cost of almost everything has doubled. But it’s not like our need to eat has been cut in half. So what do we do? It’s a good idea to have a big handful of inexpensive meal ideas in your back pocket for those rainy (er, poor) days.
Are meatless meals cheaper?
There is a misconception that eating a meatless diet is expensive. While this can be true depending on the type of food you purchase, it’s also possible for it to be very inexpensive.
Meat is a huge cost, especially if you have a large family. Cutting out meat at least a few days a week can mean big savings.
I’m going to share with you a month’s worth of my favorite cheap vegetarian meals (suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner) so you can stick with it without dipping into your savings. These are ideal for anyone looking to reduce their grocery budget, college students, singles, empty nesters, and more.
How to save money on your grocery bill
- Shop at home first – Look through your cupboards and freezer to see if there’s anything that needs to be used up. Enjoy a pasta night using all the little leftover bits together, and throw together a sauce from a can of tomatoes, an onion, and a clove of garlic.
- Make a list (and stick to it) – Planning your meals weekly and visiting the store once to get everything can help cut down on impulse purchases and overspending. Some people find grocery delivery to help with this as well.
- Choose meals with the same few ingredients – Buy the big pack of corn tortillas and use them to make sheet pan veggie tacos one night and veggie stacked enchiladas another night.
- Choose inexpensive proteins – Tofu and beans only cost a few dollars and can be stretched with veggies and grains.
- Grow your own herbs – Herbs can add lots of flavor to an otherwise simple meal. It costs about the same to purchase a growing plant as it does to purchase cut herbs at the store. Plant them in your windowsill or outside in your garden and you won’t need to buy herbs again.
Cheap vegetarian meals
1
Spaghetti Aglio Olio
Al dente pasta in a simple garlic oil. Spaghetti aglio olio is the easiest, cheapest, fastest vegan pasta recipe ever!
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2
Spinach and White Beans
Savory white beans and cooked spinach make up this delicious vegan side dish.
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3
Vegetarian Potato Skin Egg Boats
Crispy potato skins filled with eggs and cheese for a versatile brunch.
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4
The Best Marinated Tofu Recipe
The best tofu recipe is marinated in simple pantry ingredients and also happens to be vegan and gluten free. It's so easy to make and is sure to make you fall in love with tofu!
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5
The Best Crispy Tofu
An easy crispy tofu recipe that is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Made with cornstarch and other simple pantry ingredients, this main dish is ready in under an hour.
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6
Southwest Veggie Breakfast Skillet
This southwest veggie breakfast skillet is loaded with potatoes, cheese, beans, and eggs. It’s a high protein, flavorful recipe that is so flavorful and satisfying!
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7
8
Scrambled Tofu
The best vegan eggs, also known as scrambled tofu, made with just a few ingredients. It’s the best tofu scramble recipe because of just the right seasoning blend.
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9
Soft Scrambled Eggs
The best soft and fluffy scrambled eggs made without milk or any extra ingredients. Ready in just 3 minutes!
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10
Scrambled Egg Sandwich
This scrambled egg sandwich has the basic egg and cheese bagel, with the addition of avocado and everything bagel spice!
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11
Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup
A creamy, spicy, vegan carrot ginger soup made with just 8 ingredients and topped with the most delicious toppings!
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12
Vegan Pumpkin Soup
A healthy vegan pumpkin soup recipe with coconut milk and canned pumpkin. Easy to make with no pumpkin cutting required.
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13
Easy Minestrone Soup
Easy, 1 pot, vegan, vegetarian, gluten free minestrone soup! This comforting soup has plenty of beans and vegetables without the usual pasta.
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14
Hummus Sandwich
A hummus sandwich loaded with veggies and ready in just 10 minutes. Easy to make vegan or vegetarian, you’ll never get tired of customizing these sandwich filling ideas.
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15
Easy Stir Fried Tempeh
Fast and easy tempeh stir fry with garlic, ginger, and snap peas. Vegan, plant based protein ready in 15 minutes.
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16
17
Easy Cheese Enchiladas
Easy cheese enchiladas involve cheese, corn tortillas, and enchilada sauce. It’s an easy weeknight recipe with plenty of Mexican flavor.
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18
Carrot Muffins
Tender carrot muffins studded with walnuts and flavored with fall spices. Topped with a sweet powdered sugar glaze.
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19
Five Minute Breakfast Burrito
Eggs, salsa, cheese, and spinach come together quick in this tasty burrito!
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20
Black Bean Patties
These black bean patties are a carrot and baked bean burger with chili spice, perfect for mixing with rice, salsa, and sour cream!
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21
Vegetarian Burrito Bowl
Vegetarian burrito bowls are loaded with veggies and easy to make vegan. Made with rice, beans, and a combination of fresh and cooked vegetables, it makes a great weeknight dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes.
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22
Grilled Bean and Cheese Burrito
These grilled bean and cheese burritos are the ultimate easy vegetarian dinner! Open a can of pinto beans, add some salsa, avocado, and cheese, and grill to perfection. Kid friendly and grown up approved.
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23
Spaghetti Arrabbiata
A spicy tomato sauce made with olive oil and crushed red pepper flakes tossed with spaghetti. Spaghetti arrabbiata has only 10 ingredients and is ready in about 30 minutes!
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24
Butter Bean Soup
Creamy butter beans and veggies are mixed in vegetable broth to make this vegetarian butter bean soup recipe.
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25
Roasted Vegetable Tostadas
These easy roasted veggie tostadas are loaded with vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and onions, and make a tasty meatless weeknight meal! Top with your favorite salsa, sour cream, or avocado sauce.
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26
Pizza with Peppers and Onions
Onion and green pepper pizza is one of my favorite vegetarian pizza toppings! Crisp tender peppers and onions on a classic pizza crust.
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27
Crispy Baked Black Bean Tacos
Crispy, crunchy black bean tacos filled with beans and melty cheese. Topped with pico de gallo for a fresh and flavorful vegetarian dinner!
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28
Roasted Sweet Potato Bulgur Bowls
A healthy sweet potato buddha bowl that includes leafy greens, bulgur, and spicy sriracha.
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29
Mashed Potatoes without Milk
Fluffy homemade garlic mashed potatoes without milk. Can be made vegan and dairy free.
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30
BBQ Tempeh
BBQ tempeh is quick and easy to make with just 3 ingredients to satisfy that vegan barbecue craving!
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31
BBQ Tofu
Baked BBQ Tofu that’s easy to make with only 2 ingredients! Serve with cornbread and mashed potatoes or add to salads and sandwiches.
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32
Black Bean and Butternut Squash Quesadillas
A vegetarian quesadilla made from creamy butternut squash, cheese, black beans, and spicy salsa in a crisp tortilla!
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33
Sweet Potato Tacos
Sweet potato tacos made with mashed sweet potato, avocado, salsa, and pepitas!
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34
Vegan Fajita Recipe
The best vegan fajita recipe, ready in just 15 minutes! Classic fajita veggies paired with broccoli, mushrooms, and spices make this vegan dinner idea hearty and satisfying.
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I hope you’ll give a few of these inexpensive recipes a try! Let me know in the comments what other favorites you’ve found to help keep your grocery bill down.
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