10+ Budget Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Affordable Meals

Eating a plant-based diet can feel like a luxury, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. You can enjoy delicious and satisfying meals that are both healthy and affordable by exploring various budget vegan recipes. Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety.

With a little creativity and planning, you can prepare meals that are both tasty and easy on your wallet.

In this article, you’ll find a collection of budget-friendly vegan recipes that will prove how enjoyable eating well can be without overspending.

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

A Chickpea Salad Sandwich is a tasty and easy meal that fits your budget. Chickpeas are packed with protein and fiber, making this sandwich both filling and nutritious.

To make it, start by mashing canned chickpeas in a bowl. You can use a potato masher or a fork. Then, mix in your favorite ingredients like diced celery, onion, and vegan mayo for creaminess.

Spread the chickpea mixture on bread or in a wrap. Add lettuce or tomato for extra crunch and flavor. It’s a versatile dish that you can customize to your liking.

This sandwich is perfect for lunch or a quick snack. Plus, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge.

Ingredients

• 1 can of chickpeas (14.5 oz)
• 2 tablespoons vegan mayo
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bread or wraps

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
2. Mash them in a bowl until mostly broken down.
3. Stir in vegan mayo, diced celery, and onion.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Spread the mixture onto your choice of bread or wrap.

Lentil and Spinach Stew

Lentil and spinach stew is a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for any day. It combines lentils, spinach, and spices for a satisfying dish. This stew is not just filling; it’s also packed with nutrients.

You can whip this stew up in about 30 minutes.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot. Add your lentils and vegetable broth, giving it a good stir.

Once everything is boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer.

After about 20 minutes, toss in the fresh spinach until it wilts. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices.

Serve it hot, and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils (any type)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Add lentils and vegetable broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Stir in fresh spinach and season to taste.
6. Serve hot.

3) Vegan Black Bean Tacos

Vegan black bean tacos are a quick, tasty meal that fits any budget. You can prepare them in about 20 minutes, making them perfect for a busy weeknight.

Start with black beans, which are full of protein and fiber. You can season them with spices like cumin and chili powder to add flavor. If you want some heat, consider adding cayenne pepper.

Use tortillas as the base for your tacos. Corn tortillas are a great option and can be gluten-free.

You can also load your tacos with fresh veggies like tomatoes, avocado, and lettuce for extra crunch.

These tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can swap black beans for pinto beans or chickpeas if you prefer.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans
• 4 corn tortillas
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Fresh veggies (lettuce, tomatoes, avocado)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and drain the black beans.
2. Heat a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
3. Add black beans and spices; cook until warm.
4. Warm the tortillas in another pan.
5. Fill tortillas with beans and top with fresh veggies.

4) Mushroom Stroganoff

Mushroom Stroganoff is a warm and creamy dish that’s perfect for any budget. You can enjoy it with pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. It’s simple to make and packs a lot of flavor.

For this recipe, you’ll need fresh mushrooms, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth. Cashew cream gives it a rich texture without dairy. You can also add your favorite herbs for extra taste.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) cashew cream
• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (or zoodles)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
4. Stir in the mushrooms and cook until browned.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and let it simmer.
6. Mix in the cashew cream and stir until combined.
7. Combine with the pasta and serve warm. Enjoy!

5) Budget-Friendly Vegetable Curry

Cooking a vegetable curry is an easy way to enjoy a tasty and healthy meal without spending much. You can use frozen mixed vegetables, which are cost-effective and convenient. Options like stir-fry mixes work well and save time.

For a simple recipe, you can also add any fresh or frozen veggies you have at home. This flexibility makes it easy to use what’s available and avoid waste.

Start with some onions and garlic sautéed in a pot. Then add your veggies and a can of coconut milk for creaminess. Spice it up with curry powder or any favorite spices.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or quinoa for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add mixed vegetables and stir.
4. Pour in coconut milk and add curry powder.
5. Simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Serve over cooked rice or quinoa.

6) Tofu Stir-Fry with Broccoli

Tofu stir-fry with broccoli is a quick and affordable meal. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients. You can easily make this dish in about 20 minutes.

Start by preparing your ingredients.

Cut the tofu into cubes and chop the broccoli. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli for convenience.

In a pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook until it’s golden brown.

Then, toss in the broccoli and cook until it’s bright green and tender, about 3-5 minutes.

For flavor, add soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Stir everything together until well combined. If it gets dry, adding a splash of water or more soy sauce can help.

This dish not only tastes great but also saves well. You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Just reheat on the stove.

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400 g) firm tofu
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the tofu into cubes and chop the broccoli.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add tofu; cook until golden brown.
4. Add broccoli, stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.
5. Stir in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
6. Mix well and serve warm.

7) Creamy Avocado Pasta

Creamy avocado pasta is a quick and tasty dish that fits a vegan budget. This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably have at home.

To make the sauce, you blend ripe avocados with garlic, olive oil, lime juice, and some fresh herbs. You can choose to mash the avocados by hand if you don’t have a blender.

Cook your pasta according to package directions.

While it cooks, mix your sauce ingredients in a bowl or blender. When the pasta is ready, toss it with the creamy avocado sauce.

Feel free to add chickpeas or black beans for extra protein. You’ll enjoy a delicious meal in just 15 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Your choice of pasta (spaghetti or penne)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In a bowl or blender, combine avocados, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Blend until smooth or mash by hand.
4. Drain pasta and mix with the avocado sauce.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

8) Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and budget-friendly meal. It’s perfect for using up leftover veggies you have in your fridge. The lentils provide protein, while the mashed potatoes make it comforting.

To start, you’ll need to cook the lentils with onions, carrots, and spices until tender. This mixture is packed with flavor and a good amount of nutrients.

For the top, you can prepare creamy mashed potatoes, using a bit of plant-based milk to keep it vegan. Spread the mashed potatoes over the lentil filling and bake until golden brown.

This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. You can add any vegetables or seasonings you prefer.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 3 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook lentils in vegetable broth with onion and carrots until soft.
3. Add thyme, salt, and pepper to the lentils.
4. Spread the cooked lentils in a baking dish.
5. Top the lentils with mashed potatoes.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

9) Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce

Spaghetti with marinara sauce is a classic vegan dish that’s both easy to make and budget-friendly. You can whip it up quickly using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

Start with your favorite spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the marinara sauce. You can use canned tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, or jarred sauce.

In a pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they are soft. Then, mix in your tomatoes, salt, and herbs like basil or oregano. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes to combine the flavors.

Once the spaghetti is ready, drain it and combine it with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Ingredients

• Spaghetti
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Canned or fresh tomatoes
• Salt
• Dried herbs (basil, oregano)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to the package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
3. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until soft.
4. Stir in tomatoes, salt, and herbs.
5. Simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Drain spaghetti and mix with the sauce.
7. Serve warm.

10) Chili Sin Carne

Chili sin carne is a delicious and hearty vegan meal that won’t break the bank. This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a great choice for any budget.

You’ll need simple ingredients like canned beans, tomatoes, and spices. It’s a one-pot recipe, so clean-up is easy too. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.

This chili is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Serve it with rice, crusty bread, or on its own for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft.
2. Then, add diced tomatoes, beans, chickpeas, broth, and tomato paste.
3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes on low heat.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.