15 Easy Meatless Family Dinner Recipes Everyone Will Love

Family dinners are a perfect time to enjoy meals together that are both healthy and delicious.

Meatless recipes can be full of flavor, nutrients, and variety without relying on meat.

Vegetables, legumes, grains, and plant-based proteins make satisfying and creative dishes everyone will love.

Trying meatless dinners can also introduce new ingredients and flavors to your family’s meals.

These 15 meatless family dinner recipes are easy to prepare, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions.

15 Easy Meatless Family Dinner Recipes Everyone Will Love

Meatless dinners are a great way to enjoy wholesome, balanced meals with your family.

They encourage creativity in the kitchen and introduce new, healthy ingredients to your routine.

These 15 recipes provide a mix of comfort foods, flavorful pastas, hearty grain bowls, and more.

Preparing meatless meals can be simple, satisfying, and fun for everyone at the table.

Incorporating these dinners into your weekly plan can help your family eat healthier while enjoying delicious, plant-based meals.

Creamy Vegetable Lasagna

A comforting, meatless lasagna layered with roasted vegetables, ricotta, and tomato sauce.

It is rich in flavor, filling, and perfect for a family dinner night.

The texture combines tender pasta, creamy cheese, and roasted vegetables for a hearty, wholesome meal.

Ingredients

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried basil

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms for 5–6 minutes until tender.
• Season vegetables with salt, pepper, and dried basil.
• Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish.
• Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the sautéed vegetables and half of the ricotta cheese.
• Sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella cheese on top.
• Repeat layers with remaining noodles, vegetables, ricotta, and sauce.
• Top with remaining mozzarella and cover with foil.
• Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

The combination of roasted vegetables and cheese creates a creamy, flavorful dish.

It is a wholesome, family-friendly, meatless dinner that satisfies both adults and children.

Chickpea and Spinach Curry

A vibrant, protein-packed curry featuring chickpeas and fresh spinach in a creamy tomato sauce.

It is rich in flavor, mildly spiced, and perfect for a nutritious family dinner.

The texture is smooth, saucy, and hearty with tender chickpeas and wilted spinach.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• ½ cup coconut milk

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add cumin seeds, letting them sizzle for 30 seconds.
• Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing for 4–5 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
• Stir in turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder, cooking for 1 minute to release aroma.
• Add diced tomatoes and simmer for 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Add chickpeas and cook for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
• Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
• Pour in coconut milk and simmer for another 3 minutes, adjusting salt to taste.
• Serve hot with steamed rice or flatbread for a complete meal.

Chickpeas provide protein and fiber while spinach adds essential vitamins and minerals.

It is a hearty, flavorful, and wholesome meatless dinner ideal for the whole family.

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu

A colorful, protein-rich stir-fry with firm tofu and a medley of fresh vegetables.

It is low in calories, high in nutrients, and perfect for a quick family dinner.

The texture is crunchy vegetables combined with tender, flavorful tofu and a savory sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Press tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
• Heat sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add tofu cubes and sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
• Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
• Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini, stir-frying for 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender.
• Return tofu to the skillet and drizzle soy sauce over the mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
• Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles if desired.

Tofu provides plant-based protein while vegetables add fiber and essential vitamins.

It is a vibrant, flavorful, and easy meatless dinner that appeals to all family members.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa

A wholesome dinner featuring bell peppers stuffed with quinoa, black beans, and vegetables.

It is nutritious, protein-packed, and completely meatless, perfect for a family-friendly meal.

The texture is tender peppers with hearty, flavorful stuffing.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers, tops removed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup corn kernels
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onions until translucent.
• Add black beans, corn, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for 3–4 minutes.
• Stir in cooked quinoa and remove from heat.
• Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa and vegetable mixture, pressing gently to fill evenly.
• Place stuffed peppers upright in the baking dish and top with shredded cheese if desired.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
• Serve hot for a complete, satisfying dinner.

Quinoa and black beans provide protein while vegetables add fiber and essential nutrients.

It is a wholesome, colorful, and hearty meatless dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Mushroom and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

A comforting, meatless version of shepherd’s pie with lentils, mushrooms, and creamy mashed potatoes.

It is protein-rich, satisfying, and perfect for a family dinner.

The texture combines soft mashed potatoes with hearty lentils and tender mushrooms.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked lentils
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup vegetable broth

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Sauté onions and garlic for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
• Add chopped mushrooms and thyme, cooking for 5 minutes until tender.
• Stir in cooked lentils and vegetable broth, simmering for 3–4 minutes.
• Season mixture with salt and pepper and remove from heat.
• Spread lentil and mushroom mixture evenly in a baking dish.
• Top with a layer of mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes until top is lightly golden.
• Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Lentils provide protein and fiber while mushrooms add umami flavor and nutrients.

It is a warm, hearty, and satisfying meatless dinner that is ideal for family meals

Eggplant Parmesan Bake

A comforting, meatless dinner featuring layers of roasted eggplant, tomato sauce, and melted cheese.

It is rich in flavor, protein from cheese, and perfect for a hearty family meal.

The texture is tender eggplant with creamy, gooey cheese and savory tomato sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Brush eggplant slices lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Roast eggplant slices on the baking sheet for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly golden.
• Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a greased baking dish.
• Layer half of the roasted eggplant slices, followed by half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
• Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over the layers.
• Repeat with remaining eggplant, cheeses, and sauce, finishing with a generous cheese topping.
• Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Eggplant provides fiber and nutrients while cheese adds protein and creaminess.

It is a flavorful, hearty, and satisfying meatless dinner suitable for the whole family.

Vegetable and Bean Chili

A hearty, protein-rich chili made with beans, tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables.

It is filling, spicy or mild depending on preference, and perfect for a family dinner.

The texture is thick, chunky, and packed with savory flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers for 5 minutes until soft.
• Add carrots and cook for another 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
• Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1 minute to release aroma.
• Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans, stirring to combine.
• Bring chili to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Beans provide plant-based protein while vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

It is a warming, hearty, and meatless dinner perfect for family meals on chilly evenings.

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Large portobello mushrooms filled with a mixture of vegetables, quinoa, and cheese for a nutritious dinner.

It is high in protein, completely meatless, and visually appealing for family meals.

The texture is tender mushroom caps with a creamy, flavorful filling.

Ingredients

• 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup spinach, chopped
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup shredded mozzarella or feta cheese
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or dish.
• Brush mushroom caps with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and cheese.
• Spoon the mixture into each mushroom cap, pressing lightly to fill evenly.
• Place stuffed mushrooms on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until mushrooms are tender and cheese is melted.
• Serve hot as a main course or side dish.

Quinoa adds protein while vegetables provide fiber and essential nutrients.

It is a colorful, nutritious, and satisfying meatless dinner suitable for the whole family.

Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Pasta

A comforting, vegetarian pasta dish with a creamy cheese sauce and tender broccoli florets.

It is rich in protein from cheese, filling, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.

The texture is creamy, smooth, and lightly cheesy coating tender pasta and broccoli.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta of choice (whole wheat or chickpea pasta for extra protein)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup milk or plant-based milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Cook pasta according to package instructions and steam broccoli until tender but still bright green.
• In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add garlic powder, stirring for 30 seconds.
• Add milk and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously.
• Gradually add shredded cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
• Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with cheese sauce.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately for a warm, creamy, and satisfying meal.

Cheese adds protein while broccoli provides fiber and essential vitamins.

It is a delicious, hearty, and family-friendly meatless dinner perfect for weeknights.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

A flavorful, meatless dinner featuring sweet potatoes, black beans, and enchilada sauce wrapped in tortillas.

It is protein-rich, satisfying, and perfect for a family-friendly meal.

The texture combines soft tortillas, creamy sweet potatoes, and hearty black beans.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
• Steam or boil diced sweet potatoes until tender, about 10 minutes.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté black beans with cooked sweet potatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
• Spoon sweet potato and bean mixture into each tortilla and roll tightly.
• Place rolled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish and pour enchilada sauce over the top.
• Sprinkle cheese over the enchiladas if desired.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
• Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Sweet potatoes provide fiber and nutrients while black beans add protein and heartiness.

It is a flavorful, filling, and nutritious meatless dinner ideal for the whole family.

Cauliflower and Chickpea Tacos

A flavorful, meatless taco dinner featuring roasted cauliflower and protein-rich chickpeas.

It is vibrant, filling, and perfect for a family-friendly meal with bold flavors.

The texture is crisp-tender cauliflower combined with soft chickpeas and warm tortillas.

Ingredients

• 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• Optional: salsa, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets and chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
• Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway, until cauliflower is tender and slightly golden.
• Warm tortillas in a skillet or oven for a few minutes until pliable.
• Spoon roasted cauliflower and chickpeas onto each tortilla, dividing evenly.
• Top with salsa, avocado, or fresh cilantro if desired.
• Serve immediately while warm for maximum flavor and texture.

Cauliflower provides fiber and antioxidants while chickpeas add protein and heartiness.

It is a colorful, nutritious, and satisfying meatless dinner that appeals to the whole family.

Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Zucchini halves filled with a mixture of quinoa, feta, olives, and tomatoes create a light, protein-rich dinner.

It is flavorful, low in calories, and perfect for a family-friendly meatless meal.

The texture is tender zucchini with a hearty, flavorful filling.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and scooped
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped olives
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
• Brush zucchini halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• In a mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and chopped olives.
• Spoon the mixture evenly into each zucchini half, pressing gently to fill completely.
• Place stuffed zucchini in the baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until zucchini is tender and filling is heated through.
• Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Quinoa provides protein while vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

It is a light, nutritious, and visually appealing meatless dinner suitable for the entire family.

Lentil and Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie

A hearty, protein-packed, meatless version of shepherd’s pie made with lentils and vegetables.

It is filling, comforting, and perfect for a family-friendly dinner.

The texture combines creamy mashed potatoes with tender lentils and flavorful vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked lentils
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup vegetable broth

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Sauté onions and garlic for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
• Add mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
• Stir in cooked lentils, thyme, salt, and pepper, and add vegetable broth to moisten.
• Spread lentil and vegetable mixture evenly in a baking dish.
• Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing with a spatula for even coverage.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is lightly golden and heated through.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Lentils provide plant-based protein while vegetables add fiber and nutrients.

It is a warm, hearty, and satisfying meatless dinner ideal for family meals.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

A colorful, flavorful dinner with sweet potatoes, black beans, and enchilada sauce wrapped in tortillas.

It is protein-rich, wholesome, and perfect for a meatless family dinner.

The texture combines soft tortillas with creamy sweet potatoes and tender beans.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
• Steam or boil diced sweet potatoes until tender, about 10 minutes.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté black beans with cooked sweet potatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Warm tortillas to make them pliable.
• Spoon sweet potato and bean mixture into each tortilla and roll tightly.
• Place rolled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish and pour enchilada sauce evenly over the top.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese if desired and bake for 20–25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
• Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Sweet potatoes provide fiber and antioxidants while black beans add protein and heartiness.

It is a flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying meatless dinner suitable for the whole family.

Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Risotto

A rich, meatless dinner featuring creamy arborio rice, mushrooms, and spinach.

It is protein-rich from cheese, comforting, and perfect for a family-friendly meal.

The texture is creamy, smooth, and full of savory mushroom flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
• Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
• Stir in arborio rice and cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly translucent.
• Gradually add vegetable broth, ½ cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing liquid to absorb before adding more.
• Continue cooking for 18–20 minutes until rice is creamy and tender.
• Stir in fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese until spinach wilts and cheese melts.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Mushrooms add umami flavor while cheese provides protein and richness.

It is a comforting, flavorful, and nutritious meatless dinner perfect for family meals.