Quick, Easy, and Simple Vegetarian Dinner Recipes

Vegetable Stir-fry

A vegetable stir-fry or tofu stir-fry on top of rice, noodles, or a whole grain (we like quinoa) is a quick, easy and healthy meatless meal idea. Stir-fries are always delicious, making them a great pick for one of the best vegetarian dinner ideas. Try adding fun ingredients, such as pineapple, mandarin oranges or cashews to keep it interesting, and don't forget a protein source such as tofu, seitan or another meat substitute.

• Pictured: Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir-Fry

Vegetarian Risotto

Rice is a familiar food that your family probably already likes, so try vegetarian risotto for dinner. For kids, try a cheesy vegetarian risotto, or, for more discerning taste buds, try a creamy porcini mushroom risotto. If you're avoiding dairy, you may also want to check out these tips for making vegan risotto.

• 12 Vegetarian Risotto Recipes to Try
• Pictured: Risotto With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Enchiladas and Burritos

Enchiladas are just as delicious when made with beans and veggies instead of meat. Try this vegetarian portabella enchilada recipe, or, for an easy and customizable meatless dinner recipe, try vegetarian burritos. Sautee a veggies to add to a bean and cheese burrito, or, cook up a vegetarian meat substitute and let your family add their own burrito toppings to a warmed tortilla: shredded lettuce, sour cream, diced tomatoes and homemade guacamole.
Pictured: Ten Minute Tofu Enchiladas

Instant Pot Rice

Cook Instant Pot rice and you have a quick, easy side dish for any meal. Add a little flavoring to the pot with vegetable broth or sautéed shallot or onion if you like. The rice is perfectly cooked every time and ready to be incorporated into a larger dish, fluffed with seasoning like turmeric, or simply topped with cooked veggies.

Vegetarian Indian Dinners

A home-cooked vegetarian Indian food dinner on a busy weeknight can be as simple as a vegetable dish paired with steamed rice, or perhaps a spicy curry paired with a whole grain pilaf. If you've got more time, add a side of homecooked lentils or veggie samosas. Stock up on spices and add them generously for a memorable meatless vegetarian dinner.

• Simple Vegetarian Indian Dishes to Make at Home
• Pictured: Vegetarian Paneer With Rice

Vegetarian Pasta Dishes

When it comes to pasta, the vegetarian options are endless, and just about everyone loves pasta. For meatless pasta dinners, some familiar favorites are vegetable marinara, spaghetti with veggie meatballs, macaroni and cheese, and pesto pasta. Load up the veggies or use whole wheat noodles to get the most nutrition out a pasta dish for your vegetarian dinner.
Pictured: Light Lemon and Pine Nut Vegetarian Pasta

Vegetarian Casseroles

One of the best vegetarian dinners for a busy night is a healthy one-pot vegetarian casserole. Simply omit the meat and add tofu or another vegetarian meat substitute to your family's favorite casserole, or scroll through this collection of popular vegetarian casseroles. Try a spicy Mexican enchilada casserole or a vegetarian Shepherd's pie with heart-healthy lentils instead of artery-clogging meat.
Pictured: Creamy Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie With Mushrooms

Pizza for Dinner

Who doesn't love pizza? Vegetarian pizza doesn't have to be a once in a while treat if it's homemade and healthy. The recipe for a healthy vegetarian pizza is less cheese and more veggies. Pick up a store-bought crust on busy weeknights, or, make your own homemade pizza crust from scratch when you have more time. Add your favorite toppings, or follow one of these vegetarian pizza recipes for a gourmet pizza dinner.
Pictured: Vegetarian Pesto Pizza With Feta Cheese

Vegetarian Lasagna

One of the best vegetarian dinners to serve your family or guests is a vegetarian lasagna: it's comforting, familiar and filling, and just about everyone likes lasagna. You can use your usual lasagna recipe by omitting the meat and loading up some extra veggies. Frozen spinach or shredded zucchini both work well in lasagna. Or, try one of these popular vegetarian lasagna recipes.
Pictured: Tofu and Spinach Vegetarian Lasagna

Homemade Meatless Chili

Just about everyone loves chili, so a homemade meatless chili is a safe meal option that everyone will love. Get creative with your chili by adding your favorite veggies, perhaps some sweet potatoes or some meat substitutes. Add whatever spices you usually use in chili, and you'll enjoy your meatless vegetarian chili just as much as any other.
Pictured: Vegetarian Chili With Tofu

Veggie Burgers

Pick up some frozen veggie burgers and add a side salad and veggies or some oven roasted french fries for a simple and quick all-American vegetarian dinner. Everyone loves veggie burgers, right? If you prefer a home-cooked vegetarian dinner, try one of these homemade veggie burger recipes.
Pictured: Portabella Mushroom Veggie Burger

More Vegetarian Recipes to Try

Love healthy cooking or exploring more vegetarian meal ideas? You might love some of these other vegetarian recipe ideas. Browse through this huge collection of healthy vegetarian recipes, new vegetarian recipes, gluten-free vegan dinners, vegetarian recipes, vegan dinner ideas, and more.
Pictured: Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole With Spinach