10 Quick & Easy Vegetarian Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Introduction

Cooking a nutritious and delicious vegetarian meal during busy weeknights can be challenging. That's why we've compiled a list of 10 quick and easy vegetarian dinner recipes that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. Whether you're a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights.

1. Black Bean Tacos

Ingredients: Black beans, taco shells, salsa, shredded cheese (optional), toppings (such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro)
Instructions: Cook black beans according to package directions. Heat taco shells in the oven or microwave. Fill taco shells with black beans and desired toppings.

2. Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients: Kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, onion, green pepper, chili seasoning, vegetable broth
Instructions: In a large pot, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until chili has thickened.

3. Pasta with Marinara Sauce

Ingredients: Pasta, marinara sauce, vegetables of choice (such as mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers)
Instructions: Cook pasta according to package directions. Sauté vegetables in a skillet. Combine pasta and vegetables with marinara sauce and heat through.

4. Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients: Vegetables of choice (such as broccoli, carrots, snap peas), soy sauce, sesame oil
Instructions: Heat sesame oil in a skillet. Sauté vegetables until tender. Season with soy sauce.

5. Lentil Soup

Ingredients: Lentils, vegetable broth, onion, carrots, celery, spices (such as cumin, curry powder)
Instructions: In a large pot, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

6. Vegetarian Pizza

Ingredients: Pizza dough, pizza sauce, vegetables of choice (such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions), vegan cheese
Instructions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Roll out pizza dough and place on a baking sheet. Spread with pizza sauce and top with vegetables and vegan cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.

7. Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients: Lentils, vegetables (such as carrots, celery, onions), mashed potatoes, vegetable broth
Instructions: Cook lentils according to package directions. Sauté vegetables in a skillet. Layer lentils, vegetable broth, and mashed potatoes in a baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

8. Bean Burritos

Ingredients: Refried beans, tortillas, shredded cheese (optional), salsa, sour cream (optional), toppings (such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro)
Instructions: Heat tortillas in the oven or microwave. Spread with refried beans and desired toppings.

9. Vegetarian Pad Thai

Ingredients: Rice noodles, tofu, vegetables (such as carrots, snap peas, bell peppers), pad thai sauce
Instructions: Cook rice noodles according to package directions. Sauté tofu and vegetables in a skillet. Combine noodles, tofu, vegetables, and pad thai sauce in a skillet and heat through.

10. Vegetable Curry

Ingredients: Vegetables of choice (such as carrots, potatoes, bell peppers), curry sauce, rice or naan
Instructions: Sauté vegetables in a skillet. Add curry sauce and cook according to package directions. Serve with rice or naan.

Conclusion

These 10 quick and easy vegetarian dinner recipes are a lifesaver for busy weeknights. With minimal ingredients and simple instructions, you can whip up a delicious and nutritious meal in no time. Whether you're looking for a comforting soup, a flavorful stir-fry, or a cheesy pizza, there's a recipe here for everyone. So next time you're short on time, try one of these recipes and enjoy a satisfying vegetarian meal in minutes.