15 Meatless Dinners That Won’t Leave You Craving A Burger

Not every dinner needs to be a meat-fest, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for something boring. These meatless meals prove that going meat-free doesn’t mean giving up on flavor. From hearty pastas to bold curries, these recipes pack enough punch to keep even the biggest carnivores happy.

Mushroom and pea risotto in a pan with a wooden spoon. — Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Two bowls of pasta with tomatoes and basil. — Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This quick pasta with lemon, spinach, and feta is a great meatless dinner. Light but filling, it won’t leave you thinking about a burger.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu & Vegetables

A plate of BBQ vegetables and tofu on a wooden table. — Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu and Vegetables. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

BBQ tofu with veggies all on one sheet pan. Easy to make, full of flavor, and so good you won’t even miss the meat.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu & Vegetables

Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Black bean meatballs in tomato sauce with a spoon. — Italian Black Bean Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Black bean meatballs with Italian flavors that are perfect with marinara and pasta. Hearty enough that you’ll forget it’s meatless.
Get the Recipe: Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Sweet Potato Hash

A skillet filled with sweet potatoes, eggs and herbs. — Sweet Potato Hash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A spicy sweet potato hash that’s quick to whip up. It’s got enough kick to keep you full, so burgers won’t even cross your mind.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hash

Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers

A cauliflower burger with pesto on top. — Cheddar Cauliflower Burger. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cauliflower burgers loaded with cheddar and topped with pickled cabbage. These pack enough punch that beef doesn’t stand a chance.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers

Instant Pot Picadillo

Two bowls of picadillo on a table. — Tempeh Picadillo. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A meatless version of the Cuban classic with tempeh, lentils, and potatoes. Big flavors, no meat, no problem.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Picadillo

Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

A plate of beans and feta on toast next to a pot. — Instant Pot Tomato White Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tomato and white beans cooked fast in the Instant Pot. Serve over sourdough for a great, no-meat meal that doesn’t skimp on heartiness.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

Lentil Bolognese

A bowl of lentils and vegetables on a wooden table. — Lentil Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A thick lentil bolognese served over your favorite pasta. This one’s all comfort, no meat, and you won’t even miss it.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

A super creamy mushroom risotto that’s dairy-free but still rich. This dish is so good, meat is the last thing you’ll be thinking about.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Kung Pao Chickpeas

Two bowls of chickpeas with rice and vegetables. — Kung Pao Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chickpeas take the lead in this Kung Pao dish that’s just as bold as the original. Who needs meat when you’ve got this much flavor?
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas

Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup

Hot and sour soup in a bowl with soft boiled egg. — Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A combo of hot and sour egg drop soups in one bowl. Hearty and satisfying enough to keep your mind off takeout.
Get the Recipe: Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with spinach. — Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy mac and cheese with a sweet potato twist. It’s cheesy, a little healthier, and packed with spinach—burger cravings, begone.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Vegetable Curry

A bowl of curry with rice and vegetables. — Winter Vegetable Curry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A loaded vegetable curry with butternut squash, cauliflower, and chickpeas. It’s hearty, warming, and you won’t even care that it’s meatless.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Curry

Tofu Fried Rice

Tofu fried rice that’s fast and easy. It’s got all the takeout vibes minus the meat, and it’s a great way to clean out your fridge.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, on a table with a pepper grinder and a cloth napkin alongside. — Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A quick pasta with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, parmesan, and spinach. Ready in less than 30 minutes and zero meat required.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Gina Matsoukas

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.