Ah, family dinners. The time when picky eaters test your patience and experimental dishes meet with raised eyebrows. But who says meatless has to be boring?
From creamy pastas to vibrant stir-fries, these 10 quick and easy meatless meals will have your family asking for seconds—maybe even thirds. Whether you’re trying to cut down on meat or just in the mood for something different, these recipes are your ticket to a satisfied, albeit occasionally skeptical, dinner table.
Steps
- Sweet & Sour Tofu: Cut tofu into cubes and fry until golden. In a separate pan, combine soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and ketchup to create the sweet and sour sauce. Toss the cooked tofu in the sauce and serve hot.
- Creamy Lemon-Garlic Butter Beans: Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add cooked beans and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper, then serve with fresh herbs if desired.
- Marry Me Chickpeas: Cook onion and garlic in a pan until soft. Add canned tomatoes and chickpeas, letting the mixture simmer until thickened. Stir in spices and serve with fresh basil.
- Tofu Burritos: Crumble and sauté tofu with spices until it’s browned. Layer tofu, cilantro-lime rice, pinto beans, and toppings like lettuce and salsa in a tortilla. Roll up tightly and serve warm.
- Cottage Cheese Alfredo: Blend cottage cheese with garlic and parmesan to make a creamy sauce. Cook pasta until al dente, then toss with the sauce. Heat gently, stirring until the pasta is well-coated.
- Miso Mushroom Crispy Rice: Cook sushi rice, then mix with miso paste and scallions. In a pan, cook until a crust forms, then top with mushrooms fried with ginger and garlic. Drizzle with spicy mayo and garnish with sesame seeds.
- Marry Me Tofu: Sauté tofu cubes until crispy. Add a creamy tomato sauce made with garlic and spices. Let it simmer, then garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
- Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Skillet: Sauté chickpeas and broccoli in a skillet. Add cheddar cheese and let it melt over the top. Serve hot with a sprinkle of black pepper.
- Spinach & Artichoke White Bean Skillet: Sauté spinach and artichokes in olive oil. Add white beans and cook until heated through. Season and serve with a sprinkle of cheese.
- Chili Crisp Fried Tofu: Coat tofu in cornstarch and fry until crispy. Toss with chili crisp and serve hot. Add a sprinkle of scallions for garnish.
- Baked Feta Chickpeas: Place feta and cherry tomatoes in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until soft. Add chickpeas and mix everything together before serving.
- Shakshuka Stuffed Peppers: Roast bell peppers, then fill with a spicy tomato sauce. Top with an egg and bake until set, then garnish with feta and cilantro.
- Mediterranean White Beans & Greens: Cook escarole in tomato sauce with cannellini beans until tender. Serve with grated parmesan or mix with pasta or bread.
- Indian Butter Chickpeas: Sauté chickpeas with Indian spices and a tomato-based sauce. Stir in cream and cook until thickened. Garnish with cilantro before serving.
- Queso Mac & Cheese: Cook macaroni and reserve some pasta water. In the same pot, make a queso sauce with cheese and spices, using the pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Mix the pasta in the sauce and top with salsa crumble.
- Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Spaghetti Squash: Roast spaghetti squash until tender, then mix with broccoli and melted cheddar. Serve hot with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Vegan White Bean Chili: Sauté onions and peppers, then add white beans and vegetable broth. Simmer with spices until thick. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
- French Onion Mac & Cheese: Cook onions until caramelized, then add to a cheese sauce. Toss with cooked macaroni and bake until bubbly and golden.
- BBQ Pulled Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms until soft, then mix with BBQ sauce. Cook until sticky and serve as a vegetarian option at BBQs.
- Sesame Tofu & Broccoli: Bake tofu until crispy, then toss with a sweet and spicy sauce. Add cooked broccoli and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve with rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- Tofu, firm (quantity not specified)
- Sweet and sour sauce (quantity not specified)
- Rice (quantity not specified)
- Broccoli (quantity not specified)
- Sesame seeds (quantity not specified)
- Scallions (quantity not specified)
FAQ
- What makes the Sweet & Sour Tofu a family favorite?
- The Sweet & Sour Tofu is a hit because its savory, tangy, and sweet sauce complements the mild taste of tofu, making it appealing even to those who typically don’t enjoy tofu.
- How do the Tofu Burritos win over meat lovers?
- Tofu Burritos are packed with smoky, saucy tofu crumbles, along with cilantro-lime rice, pinto beans, and traditional burrito toppings like salsa and cheese, making them a delightful option that even meat enthusiasts enjoy.
- What is unique about the Cottage Cheese Alfredo?
- The Cottage Cheese Alfredo offers a creamy pasta experience with less fat and more protein, maintaining the flavor and texture of traditional Alfredo sauce while being a healthier alternative.
- How does the Miso Mushroom Crispy Rice stand out?
- Inspired by various cuisines, this dish features sushi rice cooked to form a crispy crust, topped with flavorful mushrooms and spicy miso mayo, creating a textural and flavorful delight.
- What makes BBQ Pulled Mushrooms appealing to non-vegetarians?
- BBQ Pulled Mushrooms offer a chewy, meaty texture that mimics the satisfaction of pulled meat, making it a popular choice even among those who usually prefer meat, perfect for vegetarian BBQs.
Tips
- For the Sweet & Sour Tofu, make sure to press the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve a crispier texture and allow the sauce to adhere better.
- When preparing the Tofu Burritos, consider adding a squeeze of lime to the cilantro-lime rice to enhance its freshness and flavor.
- For the Cottage Cheese Alfredo, use a high-speed blender to achieve a smooth, creamy sauce. This helps in mimicking the texture of traditional Alfredo sauce while keeping it lower in fat.
- When making the Miso Mushroom Crispy Rice, ensure that the rice forms a deep brown crust by cooking it over medium heat without stirring. This gives the dish its signature texture and flavor.
Equipment
- Tofu Press – For pressing tofu to remove excess moisture.
- Sushi Rice Cooker or Rice Maker – To cook perfect sushi rice for the Miso Mushroom Crispy Rice.
- Cast Iron Skillet – Ideal for dishes like Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Skillet and Spinach & Artichoke White Bean Skillet.
- Food Processor or Blender – Useful for making creamy sauces or blending ingredients for dishes such as Cottage Cheese Alfredo.
- Non-stick Baking Sheet – For baking items like Sesame Tofu & Broccoli.
- Air Fryer – An alternative option for making crispy tofu or vegetables with less oil.
- Wok – Useful for stir-frying ingredients in recipes like Sweet & Sour Tofu and Sesame Tofu & Broccoli.
- Paella Pan – Can be used for making the Miso Mushroom Crispy Rice to achieve a crispy bottom layer.
