10 Easy Vegan Dinner Recipes (No Fancy Ingredients)

Going vegan doesn’t have to be complicated - or expensive. Many people think plant-based cooking means buying hard-to-find ingredients, but the truth is: you can create delicious, hearty vegan meals with everyday staples from your local grocery store.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a student on a budget, or just trying to eat more plants, these 10 easy vegan dinner recipes will help you put wholesome meals on the table without stress. Each recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients, comes together quickly, and is beginner-friendly.

Why Try Vegan Dinners?

Even if you’re not fully vegan, eating more plant-based meals can:

• Boost your health with fiber, vitamins, and minerals

• Lower your grocery bill (beans, rice, and veggies are budget-friendly)

• Support sustainability by reducing your carbon footprint

• Add variety to your weekly meal plan

For a bigger overview of plant-based living (and other eating styles), see our complete guide: Special Diets Made Simple.

10 Easy Vegan Dinner Recipes

Here’s a list of dinners you can make without fancy ingredients or endless prep time:

1. Vegan beet, ginger and carrot fritters

Quick and easy to prepare, and gluten-free!

• Cook time 5 min
• Prep time 5 min

2. Vegan potato curry with chickpeas, peas and cashews

It combines hearty potatoes, protein-packed chickpeas, sweet peas, and crunchy cashews, all brought together with a rich and flavorful array of spices. 

• Cook time 25 min
• Prep time 5 min

3. Vegan tofu chili

 It's a wonderful plant-based alternative to traditional chili, packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.

• Cook time 45 min
• Prep time 15 min

4. Vegan shepherd's pie

Vegan shepherd's pie is a hearty, comforting dish that replaces the traditional meat with protein-packed lentils. 

• Cook time 45 min
• Prep time 15 min

5. Vegan stuffed acorn squash

It's not only packed with nutrients but also visually stunning, making it an excellent choice for holiday dinners and special occasions.

• Cook time 30 min
• Prep time 15 min

6. Sweet potato veggie burger patties

Packed with wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes, black beans, and brown rice, these patties offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Cook time 45 min
• Prep time 20 min

7. Baked chickpea and edamame felafels

Packed with protein from chickpeas and edamame, and flavored with zesty lemon, these falafels offer a delightful twist on a classic dish.

• Cook time 25 min
• Prep time 15 min

8. Lentil spaghetti bolognaise

Perfect for vegans and anyone looking to enjoy a meatless Italian classic! Ready in under an hour.

• Cook time 30 min
• Prep time 15 min

9. Lentil and sweet potato coconut curry

This dish is not only delicious but also vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

• Cook time 30 min
• Prep time 10 min

10. Vegan veggie soup

It's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome option for everyone.

• Cook time 20 min
• Prep time 10 min

Getting Enough Protein

One of the biggest questions new vegans ask: “But where do I get my protein?”
Don’t worry—it’s easier than you think.

Check out our guide to The Best Plant-Based Protein Sources for a list of beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and grains that will keep you full and energized.

If you’re planning meals for the week, you’ll also love our Vegan High-Protein Meal Prep for the Week, which lays out a full plan for balanced vegan eating.

Cooking on a Budget

One of the best things about vegan meals? They’re cheap! A bag of lentils or rice costs less than meat and can stretch across multiple dinners.

Pro Tip: Batch-cook meals like chili, curry, or stir-fry, and freeze extras for easy weeknight dinners.

How Vegan Fits Into Other Diets

Veganism overlaps with other healthy eating patterns, too:

• Many gluten-free meals can be made vegan-friendly - see Gluten-Free Baking Basics: Tips & Recipes for inspiration.

• Some vegan dishes are naturally low-carb if you focus on veggies, tofu, and nuts - pair with ideas from Low-Carb Snacks That Actually Taste Good.

Eating vegan doesn’t have to be overwhelming, time-consuming, or expensive. With staples like beans, rice, pasta, potatoes, and lentils, you can make endless combinations of simple vegan dinners that are healthy, budget-friendly, and family-approved.

If you’re new to plant-based cooking, start with one or two of these recipes this week - you’ll quickly see how easy (and tasty!) vegan meals can be.

For more inspiration, check out:

• The Best Plant-Based Protein Sources

• Vegan High-Protein Meal Prep for the Week

• Or get the big picture with our hub article: Special Diets Made Simple