15+ Cheap Vegetarian Recipes for Budget-Friendly Meals

15+ Cheap Vegetarian Recipes for Budget-Friendly Meals

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 12 minutes

Eating vegetarian doesn’t have to be expensive. You can enjoy a variety of cheap vegetarian recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This article will introduce you to meals that are kind to your wallet while still being satisfying and nutritious.

A colorful array of fresh vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens, arranged on a wooden cutting board with a knife

Finding budget-friendly meals can help you save money and eat healthier. You’ll discover simple recipes that feature affordable ingredients, making it easy to cook at home without breaking the bank. Get ready to explore tasty options that you can enjoy any day of the week!

1) Chickpea Salad Wrap

A colorful assortment of fresh vegetables and chickpeas arranged on a wooden cutting board, with a tortilla wrap nearby

A chickpea salad wrap is a tasty and affordable meal. You can prepare it quickly, making it perfect for lunch or a light dinner. The wrap is creamy and satisfying, sure to please anyone.

To start, mash some canned chickpeas in a bowl. You can mix in vegan mayo, black pepper, and smoked paprika for flavor. Add chopped celery and a little onion for crunch.

Now, take a tortilla or wrap and spoon the mixture in the center. Roll it up tightly and it’s ready to enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 can of chickpeas
  • 2 tablespoons vegan mayo
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 stalk celery, chopped
  • 1/4 onion, chopped
  • Tortilla or wrap of your choice

Cooking Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
  2. Mash the chickpeas in a bowl.
  3. Add vegan mayo, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  4. Mix in chopped celery and onion.
  5. Spoon the mixture onto a tortilla.
  6. Roll the wrap tightly and serve.

2) Lentil Soup with Vegetables

A steaming pot of lentil soup surrounded by colorful vegetables and herbs on a rustic wooden table

Lentil soup with vegetables is a tasty and budget-friendly meal. It’s packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a wonderful choice for any day. You can use ingredients you already have at home, which makes it even easier.

Start by sautéing some onions, carrots, and celery in a pot. Add garlic for extra flavor. Then, mix in lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.

Season with spices like cumin and thyme. Let it simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes. Serve hot for a comforting dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup lentils
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot until soft.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
  4. Season with cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.

3) Black Bean Tacos

A colorful plate of black bean tacos surrounded by fresh vegetables and herbs

Black bean tacos are a tasty and affordable meal option. You can prepare them quickly, making them perfect for a busy weeknight. Start by using canned black beans for convenience.

Add fresh toppings like shredded cabbage, salsa, or avocado for extra flavor. You can customize your tacos with your favorite sauces.

Try making your own tortillas for a fun twist, or use store-bought ones to save time. These tacos are filling and packed with protein, ideal for vegetarians.

Ingredients

  • 1 can black beans
  • 4 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • ½ cup salsa
  • Avocado or any preferred toppings
  • Optional: hot sauce or cilantro

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat the black beans in a pot over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
  2. Warm the tortillas in a separate pan for a few minutes.
  3. Assemble tacos by adding black beans to tortillas.
  4. Top with cabbage, salsa, and avocado.
  5. Enjoy your delicious black bean tacos!

4) Tomato Basil Pasta

A steaming bowl of tomato basil pasta sits on a rustic wooden table, garnished with fresh basil leaves and sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese

Tomato basil pasta is a simple and delicious meal. You can make it quickly with fresh ingredients. This dish is perfect for busy days or a cozy dinner.

To start, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. While it’s cooking, prepare a sauce with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Adding a splash of olive oil enhances the flavor.

Once the pasta is done, combine it with the sauce. Toss everything together and enjoy a tasty dish. You can also add a sprinkle of salt and pepper for extra taste.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225 g) pasta
  • 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente.
  2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Mix in fresh basil and cooked pasta.
  6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

5) Cauliflower Curry

A steaming pot of cauliflower curry simmering on a stovetop, surrounded by colorful spices and fresh vegetables

Cauliflower curry is a delicious, warming dish that is easy to make. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a great choice for a hearty meal. You can make it in under 30 minutes, which is perfect for busy days.

You can use fresh or frozen cauliflower for this recipe. Pair it with rice or naan for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cauliflower, chopped
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft.
  3. Add curry powder and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Stir in cauliflower, tomatoes, and coconut milk.
  5. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, adding peas halfway through.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

6) Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu

A sizzling wok filled with colorful vegetables and cubes of tofu, steam rising, as a chef tosses the ingredients with a wooden spatula

Vegetable stir-fry with tofu is quick, healthy, and budget-friendly. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots. Tofu adds protein and makes the meal satisfying.

Start by pressing your tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut it into cubes and sauté until golden brown. Then, add your choice of vegetables and cook until tender.

For flavor, you can use soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Serve your stir-fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 14 oz (400 g) firm tofu
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Cooked rice or noodles (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Press and cube the tofu.
  2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
  3. Cook tofu until golden brown.
  4. Add vegetables, garlic, and ginger.
  5. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
  6. Add soy sauce and mix well.
  7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

7) Mushroom Risotto

A steaming pot of creamy mushroom risotto bubbling on a stove, surrounded by fresh herbs and ingredients

Mushroom risotto is a comforting dish that’s both delicious and easy to make. Using simple ingredients, you can create a creamy meal that feels fancy without breaking the bank.

Start with Arborio rice, which gives risotto its creamy texture. You’ll need mushrooms, like creminis or shiitakes, for rich flavor. Vegetable broth adds depth, while garlic and onion create a savory base.

You can easily make this dish vegan by using plant-based butter or olive oil. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and can be ready in around 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup mushrooms (cremini or shiitake)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable broth in a pot.
  2. In another pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  4. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
  5. Stir in rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Gradually add broth, stirring often, until absorbed.
  7. Cook until rice is creamy and tender. Season to taste.

8) Caprese Salad

A table set with a plate of Caprese salad, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze

Caprese salad is a simple and fresh dish that’s perfect for any meal. It combines ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella. For a vegan twist, you can use tofu or homemade vegan bocconcini.

You will need good-quality olive oil and balsamic glaze to drizzle on top. This adds great flavor and enhances the ingredients’ freshness. You can also sprinkle salt and pepper for taste.

Ingredients

  • Ripe tomatoes
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Mozzarella or vegan bocconcini
  • Good-quality olive oil
  • Balsamic glaze
  • Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella.
  2. Layer the tomato slices with mozzarella and basil leaves.
  3. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze on top.
  4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

9) Stuffed Bell Peppers

A colorful array of stuffed bell peppers, filled with a mixture of rice, beans, and vegetables, arranged on a rustic wooden table

Stuffed bell peppers make a delicious and budget-friendly meal. You can fill them with a variety of ingredients, like rice, beans, and vegetables. This creates a healthy dish rich in flavor.

Start with fresh bell peppers. Slice the tops off and remove the seeds. Then prepare your filling by mixing cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and spices.

Once your peppers are filled, you can top them with cheese if you like. Bake them at 425°F (220°C) for about 25 minutes. You’ll have a tasty meal that’s perfect for any night.

Ingredients

  • 4 large bell peppers
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Spices (like salt, pepper, and chili powder)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
  3. In a bowl, mix cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and spices.
  4. Stuff the peppers with the rice mixture.
  5. Top with cheese if desired.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes. Enjoy!

10) Quinoa and Black Bean Chili

A steaming pot of quinoa and black bean chili simmering on a stovetop, surrounded by colorful vegetables and spices

Quinoa and black bean chili is a delicious and filling dish. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a cheap vegetarian meal. You can cook it in one pot, making cleanup easy.

This chili is packed with protein from quinoa and black beans. Plus, it’s loaded with vegetables and spices to boost flavor. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
  2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, quinoa, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy!

11) Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

A colorful array of sweet potato and black bean enchiladas, topped with melted cheese and surrounded by vibrant vegetables

These sweet potato and black bean enchiladas are a delicious and budget-friendly meal. They are packed with flavors and nutrients, making them perfect for any dinner.

You will need corn tortillas filled with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices. Top them with salsa and cheese for extra flavor. This dish is not only easy to make but also great for meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes. Roast until tender, about 25 minutes.
  3. In a bowl, mix the sweet potatoes with black beans and cumin.
  4. Fill tortillas with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
  5. Pour salsa over the tortillas and sprinkle cheese on top if using.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes until heated through. Enjoy!

12) Vegetarian Pad Thai

A colorful stir-fry of rice noodles, tofu, bean sprouts, and vegetables, garnished with peanuts and lime, sizzling in a wok

Vegetarian Pad Thai is a tasty and budget-friendly meal. It’s easy to make using simple ingredients. You can enjoy this dish in under 30 minutes!

For the recipe, you’ll need rice noodles, tofu, and lots of fresh vegetables. Peppers, carrots, and green onions work great. Don’t forget the Pad Thai sauce, which can be made with soy sauce, lime juice, and a little sugar.

Ingredients

  • 70g rice noodles
  • 100g tofu or tempeh
  • 1 red pepper, sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp lime juice
  • 1 Tbsp sugar or date syrup

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
  2. In a pan, heat a little oil and cook the tofu until golden.
  3. Add sliced peppers and carrots, cooking for about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in cooked noodles and add the soy sauce, lime juice, and sugar.
  5. Toss everything together and serve hot, garnished with green onions.

13) Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

A baking dish filled with spinach and ricotta stuffed shells, surrounded by fresh spinach leaves and a sprinkle of grated cheese

Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a tasty and affordable option for a vegetarian meal. These jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese and sautéed spinach. Topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, they’re satisfying and easy to prepare.

To make this dish, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Sauté garlic and onion, add fresh spinach, and mix with ricotta cheese. Stuff the shells with this mixture.

Place them in a baking dish, cover with marinara sauce, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

  • 12-14 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta shells according to package directions.
  3. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft.
  4. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. In a bowl, mix the sautéed spinach with ricotta cheese.
  6. Stuff each shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture.
  7. Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  8. Place the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
  9. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy your meal!

14) Eggplant Parmesan

A colorful array of fresh eggplants, tomatoes, basil, and cheese arranged on a kitchen counter, ready to be transformed into a delicious eggplant Parmesan dish

Eggplant Parmesan is a tasty dish that is both filling and budget-friendly. You can make it with simple ingredients, and it’s perfect for dinner. The crispy breaded eggplant pairs well with marinara sauce and melted cheese.

To start, slice your eggplant and sprinkle it with salt. This helps to remove extra moisture. After a while, rinse and pat it dry, then bread the slices.

Layer the eggplant with marinara sauce and cheese in a baking dish. Bake it at 375°F (190°C) until the top is golden and bubbly. This meal is great for feeding a crowd or for leftovers.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium eggplants
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh basil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the eggplants and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 20 minutes.
  3. Rinse and pat dry the eggplant slices.
  4. Bread the slices in breadcrumbs.
  5. Layer eggplant, marinara sauce, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
  6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with pepper.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden. Enjoy!

15) Vegetable Fajitas

A sizzling skillet of colorful sautéed vegetables, including bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, with a side of warm tortillas

Vegetable fajitas are a vibrant and quick meal option. You can whip them up in under 30 minutes. Using colorful veggies not only makes them delicious but also appealing to the eyes.

Start with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. You can customize with zucchini or squash for added flavor. Season them with spices or fajita seasoning for a tasty kick.

Serve the cooked veggies in warm tortillas. Add toppings like avocado, salsa, or cheese for extra enjoyment. These fajitas are great for any day of the week.

Ingredients

  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
  • 4 small tortillas
  • Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, cheese

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
  2. Add bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in zucchini and taco seasoning. Cook for another 3-5 minutes.
  4. Warm tortillas in a separate pan.
  5. Fill tortillas with veggie mixture and add your favorite toppings.
  6. Enjoy!

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