Looking to eat less meat? Wanting to save some money on your grocery bill? Today I’m sharing some simple and inexpensive meatless meal ideas.
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One way to save money on groceries is to eat less meat. Now, my husband is a meat lover so we definitely aren’t going to go vegan any time soon (read never), but we do have some simple meatless meals that we enjoy.
Whether you do “meatless Monday” every week or try for no meat meals more or less often than that, cutting back on meat a bit will definitely help stretch your budget (not to mention it can be healthy too!)
Today I’m going to share some of my favorite simple and inexpensive meatless meal ideas with you. I emphasize simple because a lot of the meatless recipes I’ve found online do not look simple to me, ha!
Simple and Inexpensive Meatless Meal Ideas
My go-to meatless meals usually include beans, cheese, or eggs, or a combination of those.
Some of the meals in this list have more protein than others. Some you’ll definitely want to add some sides to create a more balanced meal. In other words, I’m not a dietary expert (but you already know that!)
Simple beans and rice
A bowl of brown rice, black beans, and corn is a staple meatless meal for my family. It’s inexpensive, filling, and yummy! The addition of some cilantro and tomatoes adds extra color and flavor.
No-meat burrito bowls
Similar to simple beans and rice, but topped with all your favorite taco/burrito fixings, except of course meat.
Bean burritos
Bean and cheese enchiladas
This recipe looks delicious and easy!
Mac and cheese
I like making my mom’s baked mac and cheese.
Tostadas
My family loves these tostadas! For a meatless version, just top regular tostadas with everything except the chicken.
Stuffed Shells
All the cheese in stuffed shells can make them a slightly more expensive option, but using cottage cheese instead of something more expensive will help.
Veggie lasagna
Spaghetti
Of course I had to mention spaghetti! Make it the regular way or kick it up a notch with my favorite million dollar spaghetti – just leave off the meat layer.
Lentils
My mom used to a make a simple dish of lentils and rice that was quite good. I need to ask her for the recipe. Maybe I’ll even share it on here!
Squash soup
This Butternut Squash soup from my friend’s blog looks delicious!
Bean soup/chili
Potato soup
I love the potato soup recipe in Sally Clarkson’s book The Life Giving Table. Yum!
Veggie soup
Vegetarian Quiche or Frittata
There are so many yummy quiches and frittatas that you can make without meat and they make a yummy, inexpensive meal. Omelettes are another great egg option as well!
Vegetable stir-fry
Cheese pizza
Cheese pizza is without doubt one of my favorite meatless meals. It is also without a doubt one of the least healthy, ha! However, you can throw a bunch of veggies on top to up the nutritional benefit.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are definitely a staple for us.
Charcuterie board
Cheese, crackers, fruits, veggies, nuts, bread. No meat required.
I think sometimes simple is best and my kids definitely concur. They love a good “snacky meal”.
Vegetarian dinner salad
Top your salad with beans, cottage cheese, hard boiled eggs, nuts, and of course any other veggies or fruits you desire.
That’s my list of easy and inexpensive meatless meals. What are you favorite meals without meat? Let me know in the comments!
