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Meatless isn’t just for Mondays anymore. Americans consider themselves vegetarian—that’s nearly 33 million people trying to figure out what in the world to eat for dinner. Not only are a lot of Americans vegetarian, so is a significant portion of the world’s population. The numbers vary, but suffice it to say, many world cuisines put far less of an emphasis on meat, instead focusing on filling, hearty, creative spins on vegetables and plant-based proteins.
And if you’re craving classic meat-based comfort foods, but want to keep it veg-friendly? Looking for a hearty weeknight dinner? Our smoky vegetarian chili mac is here to save the day! Get the One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac recipe. These crispy, cheesy Mexican taquitos are quick and easy to make—even if you don’t want to bust out the big bottle of oil. Get the Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole recipe.
Get the Creamy Tortellini Minestrone recipe. Nutty, buttery brie is one of our favorite cheeses because it’s approachable yet fancy, and it goes with a wide variety of other flavors. Get the Sheet Pan Spanakopita Quesadillas recipe. One of our favorite sandwiches is the Italian hero, a sandwich filled to the brim with all manner of cured meat, cheese, and refreshingly crisp vegetables.
Get the Vegetarian Italian Sub recipe. This is everything you love about chicken piccata, just without the meat. The sauce is bright and briny and extra buttery. Tip: Take your time with the mushrooms so they really crisp up and turn a dark golden brown.
Get the Mushroom Piccata Pasta recipe. There are so many different ways you can make and serve this Indian dish, and the ingredients and technique can also vary per region. This vegetarian chili is every bit as warm, comforting, and filling as the classic meat-filled version. Three types of beans do the heavy lifting, while warm spices and jalapeño add a little extra heat. This curry is a one-pot meal with ALL the carbs, vegetables, and creaminess you crave. Get the Butternut Squash Curry recipe. Get the Vegetarian Eggplant Lasagna recipe.
These stuffed peppers deliver all the spicy, garlicky flavors of your favorite falafel sandwich. Get the Falafel Chickpea Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers recipe. Get the Slutty Vegan’s One Night Stand Burger recipe. Some piccata sauces use only lemon juice, but we opt for whole pieces of the fruit for ultimate citrus flavor. After a simmer in a wine-and-broth jacuzzi, the lemon loses its sharp bitterness and becomes sweet and tender. Get the Extra Lemony Seitan Piccata recipe.
Chicken Parmesan is a classic, and it can be hard to give it up when you’ve stopped eating meat. This veggie-packed paella comes together in under an hour, and, even better, most of the cooking happens in the oven. When we say you won’t miss the tuna, we mean it: This creamy, zingy, crunchy salad will satisfy all your canned fish cravings. Get the Chickpea “Tuna” Salad recipe. Obviously roasting a block of feta with bursting tomatoes is going to be amazing. It’s genius—super easy, but fancy enough for date night.
Get the Baked Feta Pasta recipe. To get extra crispy “fried” cauliflower, you’ve gotta use your air fryer. Get the Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos recipe. Although these shortcut falafel aren’t as crispy as the classic fried variety, they boast a nice golden crust and deliver the falafel flavor you crave. Get the Roasted Vegetable Baked Falafel Sandwiches recipe. This gorgeous, whole-roasted stunner is the perfect holiday substitute for vegetarians. It’s savory, sweet, and salty—not to mention super tender on the inside.