30 Cheap Vegetarian Meals That Make Meatless Mondays a Breeze

Going meat-free doesn’t have to mean spending more at the grocery store. With a few pantry staples—think beans, lentils, pasta, and seasonal vegetables—you can turn out satisfying dishes that cost just a handful of coins per serving. The 30 ideas below rely on inexpensive ingredients, minimal fuss, and plenty of flavor, proving that vegetarian cooking can be both thrifty and exciting.

1. Hearty Lentil & Veggie Soup

Brown lentils simmer with diced carrots, onions, celery, and canned tomatoes to create a rich, comforting soup. A splash of vinegar at the end brightens the earthy flavors without adding cost. Freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick lunches all week.

2. Bean and Cheese Quesadillas

Canned pinto or black beans mashed with a pinch of cumin make an ultra-budget filling. Layer the mixture with shredded cheese between two tortillas and griddle until crisp. Serve with whatever salsa or hot sauce you have on hand for a lightning-fast meal.

3. Chickpea Coconut Curry

One can of chickpeas, one can of coconut milk, and spoonfuls of curry powder and tomato paste form the backbone of this silky stew. Simmer everything with frozen peas or any quick-cooking vegetables you like. Ladle over rice for a filling, inexpensive dinner that feels special.

4. Veggie Fried Rice

Day-old rice stir-fried with mixed veggies and a splash of soy sauce turns leftovers into a full meal. Scramble in an egg or toss in diced tofu for extra protein. It’s a perfect way to rescue produce odds and ends before they wilt.

5. Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal

Rolled oats cooked in water or milk become hearty and sweet when stirred with ripe banana slices. A spoonful of peanut butter adds richness and protein, keeping breakfast costs and hunger both in check. Customize with any nuts or seeds you already own.

6. Black Bean Tacos

Heat canned black beans with garlic, chili powder, and a splash of salsa for an instant taco filling. Pile into warmed tortillas and top with crunchy veggies or grated cheese if you have it. Dinner hits the table in under 15 minutes for pocket change.

7. Spinach & Feta Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Microwave-bake russet potatoes to save energy and time, then mix the fluffy insides with wilted frozen spinach, feta, and a dab of olive oil. Spoon the mixture back into the skins and broil briefly for a crisp top. It’s a complete meal that costs less than a fancy coffee.

8. One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

Everything—dry pasta, canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, and broth—cooks together in a single pot. The starch from the pasta thickens the sauce naturally, so every noodle ends up perfectly coated. Finish with torn basil for freshness and dinner’s done.

9. Quick Veggie Stir-Fry over Rice

Grab whatever vegetables are in the crisper, slice thin, and flash-cook in a hot pan with soy sauce and ginger. Serve over rice for a balanced, inexpensive plate. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds crunch without adding much cost.

10. Simple Shakshuka

Canned tomatoes simmer with onions, peppers, and a touch of paprika until thick. Crack eggs right into the sauce and cook just until whites set. Scoop everything with crusty bread for a hearty meal that works morning, noon, or night.

11. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili

Diced sweet potatoes stretch canned beans into a crowd-pleasing chili that’s naturally sweet and smoky. A bit of chili powder adds depth without expensive spices. The pot tastes even better the next day, making leftovers a bonus.

12. Margherita Flatbread Pizza

Start with store-bought naan or pita, smear with tomato sauce, and layer on cheese and basil. Bake for under ten minutes until bubbly. It satisfies a pizza craving for a fraction of delivery prices.

13. Greek Salad Pitas

Combine classic Greek salad ingredients with a quick lemon-oregano vinaigrette. Tuck the mix into warm pita halves for a handheld lunch. It’s refreshing, fiber-rich, and incredibly affordable.

14. Broccoli Cheddar Frittata

Eggs whisked with a splash of milk cradle leftover broccoli and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar. Bake in a skillet until puffed and set. Serve wedges hot or cold, making this dish perfect for any meal of the day.

15. Creole Red Beans and Rice

Slow-simmered kidney beans absorb smoky spices and aromatics, creating a thick, flavorful stew. Served atop rice, this Louisiana classic is hearty enough to be a full meal. A touch of hot sauce wakes everything up without costing extra.

16. Caprese Grilled Cheese

Layer sliced tomato and basil between mozzarella-lined bread, then griddle until golden. The simple trio delivers big, fresh flavor. Pair with tomato soup for a comforting, affordable supper.

17. Mixed Vegetable Couscous

Instant couscous steams in minutes with vegetable broth, soaking up flavor. Stir in thawed mixed vegetables and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s a versatile side or light main ready faster than takeout.

18. Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff

Sautéed mushrooms and onions simmer in a simple sour-cream sauce spiced with paprika. When tossed with noodles, the dish feels decadent yet costs very little. Use whatever mushrooms are on sale to keep the budget in check.

19. Zucchini Corn Fritters

Grated zucchini and canned corn bind together with egg and flour to form crisp patties. Pan-fry until both sides are browned and serve with a quick yogurt sauce. They make a clever way to use summer produce surpluses cheaply.

20. Ratatouille over Polenta

Slow-cooked vegetables meld into a rich stew that tastes even better after resting. Spoon the mixture over inexpensive, buttery polenta for a filling dinner. Any leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave.

21. Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

Smash canned chickpeas with mayo, mustard, and chopped celery for a vegetarian riff on tuna salad. Pile onto bread with crisp greens. It’s a protein-packed lunch that travels well and costs next to nothing.

22. Rice & Bean Stuffed Peppers

Cooked rice and seasoned beans fill bell pepper halves for a colorful entrée. Bake until the peppers soften and flavors mingle. Bulk-buy peppers when they’re on sale to keep the price low.

23. Colorful Pasta Primavera

Sauté mixed vegetables and add cooked pasta plus a splash of pasta water to make a light sauce. A dusting of parmesan stretches far for flavor. This dish shines with whatever produce is cheapest and freshest.

24. Thai Peanut Noodles

Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of sugar for a quick dressing. Toss with hot noodles and crunchy vegetables. The result is savory, sweet, and satisfying on a shoestring budget.

25. Vegetarian Burrito Bowls

Layer rice, beans, veggies, and salsa for a customizable bowl that rivals fast-casual spots. Let each eater add cheese, avocado, or hot sauce as desired. Using pantry items keeps the cost far below restaurant versions.

26. Veggie-Packed Baked Mac and Cheese

Stir steamed broccoli and carrots into a basic cheese sauce before baking. The veggies lighten the dish and stretch the cheese farther. Breadcrumbs on top add crunch without extra expense.

27. Cabbage and Noodle Haluski

Thinly sliced cabbage cooks down with onions and butter, then joins wide egg noodles for a humble Eastern European classic. It’s incredibly filling and uses one of the cheapest vegetables around. Leftovers reheat beautifully in a frying pan.

28. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Brown lentils simmer with carrots, peas, and gravy spices to mimic the traditional meat layer. Top with creamy mashed potatoes and bake until lightly browned. The casserole delivers comfort food vibes at bargain-bin prices.

29. Deconstructed Veggie Sushi Bowls

Skip the rolling mat and pile classic sushi fillings right over seasoned rice. Nori strips, sesame seeds, and a squirt of sriracha finish the bowl. It’s faster, cheaper, and every bit as fun as take-out sushi.

30. Rustic Pasta e Fagioli

Combine canned beans, pasta, and tomatoes in vegetable broth for a hearty Italian soup. Rosemary or oregano adds depth, and a leftover parmesan rind (if you have one) infuses rich flavor. Serve with crusty bread for an economical, soul-warming supper.