5 Budget-Friendly Vegetarian Dinner Recipes Under $5

Looking for delicious and affordable vegetarian dinners? Look no further! These five recipes are all under $5 per serving and packed with flavor. These meals are perfect for busy weeknights or anyone looking to save money on groceries.

1. Black Bean Tacos

These tacos are quick, easy, and surprisingly filling.

• Ingredients: 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained, 1/2 onion, chopped, 1/2 bell pepper, chopped, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, 12 small corn tortillas, Toppings of your choice (salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese)
• Instructions: Sauté onion and bell pepper in a pan until softened. Add black beans and taco seasoning. Heat through. Warm tortillas and fill with the black bean mixture. Top with your favorite toppings.

2. Lentil Soup

This hearty soup is perfect for a cold night. It's also a great way to use up leftover vegetables.

• Ingredients: 1 cup lentils, 1 onion, chopped, 2 carrots, chopped, 2 celery stalks, chopped, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Instructions: In a large pot, combine lentils, onion, carrots, celery, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

3. Pasta with Tomato Sauce

This classic dish is always a crowd-pleaser. You can add your favorite vegetables to make it even more flavorful.

• Ingredients: 1 pound pasta, 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, 1/2 onion, chopped, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Instructions: Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, sauté onion in a pan until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes. Drain pasta and add to sauce. Toss to coat.

4. Tofu Scramble

A delicious and protein-packed breakfast or dinner. This dish is perfect for using up leftover vegetables and is a great way to get creative with your tofu!

• Ingredients: 1 block extra firm tofu, crumbled, 1/2 onion, chopped, 1/2 green pepper, chopped, 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Instructions: Sauté onion, green pepper, and mushrooms in a pan until softened. Add crumbled tofu, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through. Serve over toast, rice, or your favorite veggie.

5. Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup

A classic comfort food that's easy to make. You can use any type of bread and cheese you like.

• Ingredients: 2 slices bread, 1 slice cheese, 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed tomato soup
• Instructions: Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice of bread, butter side down, in a pan over medium heat. Add cheese to the top of the bread. Top with the second slice of bread, butter side up. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cheese is melted. While the grilled cheese is cooking, heat the tomato soup according to package directions.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity, you can easily create delicious and affordable vegetarian dinners on a budget.