Super Easy Vegan Dinners: 15 Delicious Recipes to Try

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 16, 2024

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Vegan recipes don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, we get caught up in using unfamiliar ingredients, precise measurements, or techniques that seem to require a professional kitchen setup. But when it comes down to it, a nutritious meal only needs a balance of protein, healthy fat, and vegetables. You don’t need all day or a fancy Michelin certification to whip up something delicious. In fact, some of the best vegan dinners are the simplest. Let’s get back to basics with these easy vegan dinners that anyone can make.

Black Bean Tacos

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, black bean tacos are the way to go. With canned black beans, you can have dinner ready in just 30 minutes. The beans can be simmered with simple seasonings like salt, cumin, cayenne, and garlic. Want to elevate the flavor? Toss in diced onions, jalapeños, or tomatoes. Black beans are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, which studies show can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and even colon cancer by up to 27%. It’s a simple meal with powerful benefits.

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Tomato Soup With Brown Rice and Sliced Almonds

Tomato soup is a vegan classic, and you’d be surprised how easy it is to make from scratch. Sauté some onion and spices, add canned tomatoes and water, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Once it’s cooked, blend the mixture, and you’ve got a smooth, comforting soup. Want to make it heartier? Add sliced almonds and brown rice for a delicious protein boost. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly night.

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Tofu Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican dish that’s incredibly easy to veganize. The base involves fried tortillas simmered in a spicy tomato sauce. For a time-saving twist, you can use store-bought tortilla chips and salsa. Chilaquiles often include eggs, but scrambled tofu works just as well for a plant-based option. Packed with protein, it makes for a filling and flavorful dinner. Top it with beans, scallions, and a squeeze of lime for extra zest.

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Curry

Curry is one of those meals that never disappoints. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies or grains, and it’s endlessly customizable. Whether you start with a store-bought curry paste or make your own blend, this dish can be whipped up in no time. Adding lentils or chickpeas brings the protein, while coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture. Vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and onions make this dish a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins and fiber.

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Burrito Bowl

A burrito bowl is the ultimate customizable dinner. Start with a base of rice and beans—whether you prefer black, pinto, or refried beans—and you’ve already got a complete protein. Drizzle it with a homemade vegan sour cream made from soaked cashews blended with water, lemon juice, and salt. Then, pile on your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, and cilantro for a dinner that’s both filling and delicious.

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Mushroom Lettuce Wraps

Mushrooms make an excellent main ingredient for lettuce wraps. Not only are they rich in flavor, but they also offer health benefits like protecting against brain disease and high blood pressure. Sautéed mushrooms pair beautifully with any sauce you like—think teriyaki, chili garlic, or even a simple soy sauce glaze. Add in matchstick carrots, green onions, and rice for a dish that’s as tasty as it is nutritious.

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Peanut Butter Noodles

Peanut butter noodles are a fantastic go-to meal when you’re in a pinch. The natural peanut butter provides a heart-healthy source of protein and fat, while soy sauce adds a punch of umami flavor. For an extra kick, throw in tofu, edamame, or bell peppers. These noodles are cheap, quick, and will keep you full for hours.

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Creamy Vegan Casserole

Who says casseroles need cheese to be creamy and delicious? A simple vegan casserole starts with a base of rice or pasta, a protein like chickpeas or tofu, some vegetables, and a sauce. An easy sauce can be made by whisking flour, nutritional yeast, and salt into hot vegetable broth until it thickens. For added creaminess and nutrients, try using plant-based milk fortified with vitamin B12.

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Pasta With Homemade Vegan Pesto

Store-bought pesto usually contains cheese, but making a vegan version at home is a breeze. Blend fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil for a quick, flavorful sauce. Toss it with your favorite pasta or roasted vegetables for a satisfying dinner. Plus, basil provides natural compounds that can help prevent cancer, making this dish not only tasty but good for your health.

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Walnut Tacos

Walnut tacos are a brilliant, protein-packed alternative to traditional taco meat. Pulse walnuts with taco seasoning and a splash of liquid—whether it’s soy sauce, olive oil, or vinegar—and you’ve got a flavorful filling that mimics the texture of ground meat. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health and reduce inflammation.

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Grilled Veggie Sandwich

A grilled veggie sandwich is anything but boring. When you grill vegetables like eggplant, tomato, onion, and bell peppers, their natural sweetness intensifies, creating a rich, juicy flavor. Spread some hummus or a white bean purée on whole-grain bread, and you’ve got yourself a satisfying sandwich loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.

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Lentil Southwest Salad

Lentils are a fantastic base for a quick, protein-rich salad. Season a batch of lentils with cumin, paprika, and garlic, and in less than 30 minutes, they’re ready to go. Pair them with pepitas, avocado, corn, and tomatoes for a hearty southwest salad. Lentils are full of fiber and minerals, making them an excellent choice for a nutritious meal.

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Mashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich

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Vegan Pizza

Vegan pizza is as simple as you make it. Start with a premade crust, and instead of cheese, you can sprinkle on a parmesan-like mixture of nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and cashews. Alternatively, skip the cheese altogether and load the pizza with flavorful veggies like roasted red peppers, onions, and artichokes. These veggies are rich in insoluble fiber, helping with digestion and keeping you full long after your meal.

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Tempeh Sandwich

Tempeh is a unique, fermented protein source that’s easy to prepare. Whether you bake, sauté, or grill it, tempeh absorbs marinades wonderfully. Use it as the base for a hearty sandwich, topped with leafy greens, your favorite spread, and extra veggies. Fermentation provides numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and boosting brain health.

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