No matter if it’s cooked in a saucepan, stockpot, or baking dish, these one-pot vegetarian meals make dinnertime effortless. Perfect for busy weeknights, they simplify cooking with fewer steps and minimal cleanup compared to traditional dinner recipes.
This collection of plant-based dishes celebrates seasonal produce, protein-packed ingredients, whole grains, and legumes, delivering flavorful and satisfying meals. Each recipe is easy to make, hearty, and family-friendly—some are rich and indulgent, while others lean toward the lighter side. Either way, you won’t even miss the meat!
Tomato-Eggplant Gnocchi
This flavorful gnocchi dish takes inspiration from the classic Italian pasta alla Norma, combining tender eggplant, tomatoes, and a medley of spices. Everything cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup, and a generous dollop of ricotta cheese adds a creamy finish. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned ones work just as well!
Super-Grain Soup With Watercress and Mushrooms
In less than an hour, you can whip up a rich, umami-packed bowl of soup using fewer than 10 ingredients—most of which you likely already have in your pantry! Simply sauté sliced red onions and mushrooms, then simmer with tri-color quinoa and vegetable broth. Top it off with fresh watercress and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a satisfying finish.
Roasted-Vegetable Couscous Bowl
Give couscous a flavorful twist with this inspired cooking method! Instead of boiling it on the stovetop, roast it alongside chickpeas, cauliflower, and chopped carrots for a deliciously textured dish. Finish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh cilantro for the perfect balance of savory and vibrant flavors.
Spanish Gazpacho
Beat the heat with this refreshing chilled soup made from tomatoes and red peppers. A surprising touch of orange juice adds a hint of sweetness and a burst of summery brightness to the flavorful base.
One-Pot Pasta With Broccoli and Lemon
Six ingredients, 25 minutes, and just one pot—count us in! Penne and broccoli come together with fresh lemon juice and zest, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan for a simple yet flavorful dish.
Split-Pea Soup With Spinach and Barley
Check your pantry before getting started—you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand, like barley, dried split peas, and vegetable broth. This hearty vegetarian soup simmers for a couple of hours, so plan ahead for a warm and satisfying meal.
Customizable Vegetable Soup
You decide the outcome of this delicious, super healthy soup. Choose your favorite starchy vegetables, quick-cooking vegetables, cooked grains, and chopped leafy greens. Your expert creation is best served with Parmesan cheese and herbs.
Pressure-Cooker Corn Risotto
Corn on the cob is the star of late summer, and this dish puts it to full use! Both the cob and kernels infuse classic Italian risotto with a rich, creamy texture and fresh, seasonal flavor.
Vegan Lentil Soup
Dried lentils are a pantry staple for a reason, and this soup proves why! French lentils simmer with shallots, cumin, coriander, and crushed tomatoes, while a final addition of broccoli rabe adds vibrant color and hearty texture.
Creamy Lemon Pasta With Pistachios
This pasta dinner stands out with a few special touches: homemade breadcrumbs (trust us, they’re worth it), two cups of grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios and chives for color and crunch. Best of all, it comes together in just 25 minutes!
Egg Noodles With Asparagus and Grated Egg Yolks
Mascarpone, freshly grated Pecorino-Romano, and pasta water come together to make the super creamy sauce in this comforting spring pasta recipe. The extra-special touch is grated egg yolks, which are served over the top.
Vegan Sweet Potato Chili
Warm up with this hearty meatless chili on a chilly evening. The sweet potatoes and black beans add a satisfying, robust texture, while chili powder, cumin, and cayenne bring the perfect amount of heat.
Cannellini-Bean and Greens Stew
Add tender greens like baby kale, spinach, or chard just before serving this rich stew, letting them wilt perfectly in the hot broth. And don’t forget the garlic-and-sage ciabatta toasts—they’re the perfect way to soak up every drop of that flavorful broth.
Lentil Soup With Crispy Kale
Shiitake mushrooms infuse this nourishing lentil soup with a rich umami depth, while homemade kale chips serve as a crispy, flavorful alternative to traditional croutons.
Ratatouille and Baked Eggs
Eggs are gently nestled into a flavorful blend of garlic-roasted eggplant, red peppers, and cherry tomatoes, creating a delicious fusion of ratatouille and shakshuka.
Cheater’s Mac and Cheese
This one-pot stovetop mac and cheese is decadently rich, with an Alfredo-inspired sauce made from cream cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and butter. It perfectly coats pasta noodles and blanched broccoli florets for a creamy, comforting dish.
Kitchari
Our test kitchen’s version of the Ayurvedic savory porridge, kitchari, combines yellow mung dal and basmati rice with a blend of nourishing spices and vegetables. Topped with a vibrant cilantro-coconut chutney, it’s a perfectly balanced, flavorful dish.
Three-Cheese Skillet Lasagna
More cheese, please! Ricotta, mozzarella, and pecorino Romano take center stage in this incredibly easy lasagna, making every bite irresistibly cheesy and delicious.
Vegetarian Gumbo
We guarantee no one will miss the meat in this hearty stew—a vegetarian twist on the beloved Southern classic, packed with flavor and comfort.