15 Best Vegetarian Cheap Dinner Ideas

Chickpea Stir-Fry

This Chickpea Stir-Fry is a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal packed with flavor and protein.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in bell pepper and broccoli, cooking until tender-crisp.
4. Add chickpeas, soy sauce, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir-fry for another 5 minutes, until chickpeas are heated through.
6. Serve hot over rice or quinoa.

Black Bean Tacos

Effortless and delicious, these Black Bean Tacos are a perfect weeknight dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 8 taco shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• Salsa and sour cream, for serving

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté onion until soft.
2. Add black beans, chili powder, cumin, and salt, cooking for about 5 minutes.
3. Warm the taco shells according to package instructions.
4. Fill each shell with the bean mixture, top with lettuce, salsa, and sour cream.
5. Serve immediately.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This classic Italian dish requires just a few ingredients and is packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking method:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat.
3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until garlic is golden.
4. Toss cooked spaghetti in the garlic oil, coating evenly.
5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Lentil Soup

Hearty and comforting, this Lentil Soup is perfect for a cozy evening in.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic.
2. Sauté until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add lentils, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes, until lentils are tender.
5. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.

Vegetable Curry

A fragrant and flavorful Vegetable Curry that can be made with almost any veggies you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 cups assorted vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, potatoes)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, add onion and garlic, and sauté until soft.
2. Stir in curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add vegetables and coconut milk, season with salt.
4. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve the curry with rice or naan.

Mushroom Risotto

Creamy and comforting, this Mushroom Risotto is a delightful vegetarian dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan, add onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until browned.
3. Stir in rice, coating it with oil.
4. Gradually add broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously.
5. When rice is creamy and tender, stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve hot.

Caprese Salad

Simple yet elegant, this Caprese Salad is a refreshing dinner starter.

Ingredients:

• 4 tomatoes, sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices alternately on a platter.
2. Tuck basil leaves between slices.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.

Veggie Stir-Fried Rice

A quick and easy way to use leftover rice, this Veggie Stir-Fried Rice is both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Cooking method:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic, stir-frying for 1 minute.
3. Add vegetables and stir-fry until just tender.
4. Stir in cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing well.
5. Add green onions, stir for another minute, and serve hot.

Eggplant Parmesan

This Eggplant Parmesan is a luscious and satisfying vegetarian meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants, sliced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Dip eggplant slices in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
3. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping once.
4. Layer baked eggplant, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a baking dish.
5. Bake for another 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve hot.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

These Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells make a comforting and easy-to-make vegetarian dinner.

Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), and cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
2. Mix ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture and place in a baking dish.
4. Pour marinara sauce over shells and cover with foil.
5. Bake for 25 minutes, uncover, and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Serve hot.