10 Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes for Classic Meaty Comfort Foods

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Cookie+Kate/Munchkin Time/A Virtual Vegan If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, it can be challenging to find meatless meal recipes that also taste good. That’s why we scoured the web and found 10 all-veg versions of some of the most popular, meatiest entrées out there. You’re sure to find a […]

Click here to view original web page at www.lifesavvy.com


A bowl of vegeatarian chili, a vegetarian cheesburger, and vegan meatloaf with mashed potatoes.
Cookie+Kate/Munchkin Time/A Virtual Vegan

If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, it can be challenging to find meatless meal recipes that also taste good. That’s why we scoured the web and found 10 all-veg versions of some of the most popular, meatiest entrées out there. You’re sure to find a few new weeknight favorites on this list!

Whether you’ve been vegetarian for years, or you’re just looking for Meatless Monday recipes, these 10 veg versions of classic comfort foods are sure to please the entire family—even the meat-eaters.

Table of Contents

Veggie Pot Pie
Vegan Tempeh "Meat"balls
Beyond Meat Cheeseburger
Vegan "Chicken" Nuggets
Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie
Homemade Vegetarian Chili
Mushroom Stroganoff
Vegan Meatloaf with Gravy
Tofu Tacos
Classic Vegan Lasagna

Veggie Pot Pie

A slice of vegetarian pot pie.
What the Heck Do I Eat Now

Chicken Pot Pie is a time-honored family favorite in millions of homes across the United States. The steaming hot potatoes, peas, chicken, and carrots are complemented perfectly by that classic creamy sauce filling.

It’s all tucked away inside a golden-brown, crispy crust—no wonder families adore this traditional dish so much. If you thought you’d have to give it up forever after becoming a vegetarian, think again! This veggie pot pie is so delicious, you won’t even miss the chicken.

Vegan Tempeh “Meat”balls

Vegan meatballs.
Minimalist Baker

From spaghetti and hearty subs, to topping off egg noodles, meatballs are a food staple that’s as versatile as it gets. We found a fantastic vegan recipe for “meatballs” that can be used for all the meals we mentioned above, and so much more.

You can enjoy all the qualities of a real meatball made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. The author of the recipe says they’re tender on the inside with a firm crust on the outside, just like the real thing.

Beyond Meat Cheeseburger

A Beyond Meat Cheeseburger loaded with onions, mushrooms, pickles, lettuce, and tomato.
Munchkin Time

If you haven’t yet indulged in any of the emerging plant-based “meats” now available in many grocery stores and restaurants, there’s no better time than now! This cheeseburger recipe calls for the Beyond Meat brand. The resemblance, texture, and flavor are so similar to real meat, it’s pretty incredible.

You can top this delicious concoction with anything you want, but we highly recommend the sautéed onions and mushrooms, horseradish, and soy sauce featured in the recipe.

Vegan “Chicken” Nuggets

Someone dipping a vegan nugget in ketchup.
Sweet Simple Vegan
Breeze Through Weeknight Cooking with Batch Cooking Meal Prep

These kid-pleasing vegan “chicken” nuggets are certainly eye-catchers. Wondering how it’s all done? The author of the recipe will teach you how to make seitan—a vegan protein source made from water and wheat gluten.

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While it’s a lengthy process, you can make it a weekend project or work it in if you do a weekly meal prep session. This recipe yields an incredible 40 nuggets, which you can then freeze and serve whenever they’re in demand—which will probably be every night.

Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

A casserole dish and bowl full of vegetarian Shepherd's pie.
Pinch of Yum

Shepherd’s pie is one of those classic meals that give you warm fuzzies, which are always especially appreciated during those frigid winter months. And of course, no meat is required! This perfect vegetarian recipe truly delivers all the flavor and the fuzzies.

The author also provides both a gluten-free and vegan variation if that’s what you need. You won’t have to whip up any side dishes for this one either—you’ll get all the flavors and nutrients you need in one dish.

Homemade Vegetarian Chili

A bowl of vegetarian chili.
Cookie + Kate
Why You Need a Dutch Oven for Cold-Weather Cooking

That’s right—we even found a veggie-filled version of your favorite cozy Sunday meal: chili. Watch these humble ingredients come to life, as the bubbles dance in your Dutch oven.

First, you cook some onion, celery, and carrots until tender, and then add your flavor boosters and additional veggie ingredients. The author also teaches you how to add some bulk to the texture by blending some prepared chili in a blender, and then adding it back to the pot. Clever!

Mushroom Stroganoff

A pan full of mushroom stroganoff.
Gimme Some Oven

If you fancy a quick and easy meatless meal, you’ve come to the right place! This mushroom stroganoff recipe is straightforward and easy to make, and the flavor will knock your socks off!

This savory, hearty dish is just like the beef stroganoff you remember, but without the beef, of course. We’ve been eating mushroom stroganoff for years, and love its rich, delicious flavor. Everyone will enjoy this winner!

Vegan Meatloaf with Gravy

Two slices of veggie meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and peas.
A Virtual Vegan

Meatloaf is another one of those classic dinners your om used to make, but no worries if you’re all-veg, all the time—you can still enjoy it! This delicious vegan recipe is filled with nutrient-dense ingredients, like lentils, walnuts, and mushrooms.

But the savory servings don’t stop there! The author has also included a yummy vegan gravy that’s sure to satisfy those cravings you just can’t kick. Try this meatless meal with a side of mashed potatoes and your fave greens.

Tofu Tacos

Tofu taco fillings on a soft tortilla.
Tasty

You don’t have to skip Taco Tuesday just because you’ve gone meatless. Besides, they’re so yummy, who wants to ditch them forever? This recipe substitutes the ground beef with extra-firm tofu to create that perfect meaty texture you need.

The instructions are also super easy to follow and the results are sure to satisfy the whole family. Serve these up with rice and beans, or some tortilla chips with guacamole.

Classic Vegan Lasagna

A slice of vegan lasagna on a plate.
Holy Cow Vegan

This recipe for vegan lasagna includes lots of tips for creating this fantastic meatless meal that’s sure to put big smiles on everyone’s faces. It’s also an excellent opportunity to try “vegan meatless meat” if you haven’t yet done so. This ingredient is usually found near the produce cection at your local grocery store.

To go more vegetarian rather than vegan, use cow’s milk cheese instead of the vegan brands. You’ll definitely enjoy this full-textured, exquisitely flavored meal.

If you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or just cutting back on meat, it doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy those comfort foods your mom used to make. These meatless recipes are sure to satisfy the whole family—maybe even the meat-eaters!

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