Explore 20 delicious and healthy budget-friendly vegan and vegetarian dinner recipes. These affordable plant-based meals are perfect for saving money while eating well.
Eating healthy on a budget doesn’t have to be boring or bland. In fact, my top 20 budget-friendly vegan and vegetarian dinner recipes prove that you can enjoy nutritious, delicious, and satisfying meals without overspending. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or meal prepping for the week, these economical plant-based recipes are packed with wholesome ingredients, big flavor, and easy-to-follow steps. From hearty stews and veggie stir-fries to one-pot pastas and protein-packed grain bowls, you’ll find plenty of affordable vegan and vegetarian dinners to keep your grocery bill low and your taste buds happy.
Sure, a plant-based diet is good for your overall health, reducing your risks of chronic diseases and obesity. Plus, it’s good for the environment. But that’s not all. Plant-based eating can be easy on your wallet, if you plan well. Why? Because plant proteins, such as beans, lentils, peanuts, and tofu can be a far less expensive addition to your plate than large servings of animal proteins. It’s all about smart, savvy, budget-friendly planning when it comes to saving money on your weekly food budget. That’s why I am sharing some of my own budget-friendly, plant-based dinners that I have made time and time again in my own home, perfect for your own meal planning. You can get these meals on the table in under an hour, and for around $20 for a family of four. Get inspired to eat well—for you, the planet, and your pocketbook, with these favorite recipes!
Learn more about saving food dollars with my budget-friendly guide here.
Top 20 Budget-Friendly Vegan Dinner Recipes to Save Money
Easy Vegan Tofu Scramble Wrap with Vegetables and Dill
Whip up this easy vegan tofu scramble wrap loaded with sautéed vegetables and fresh dill. Perfect for a healthy vegetarian breakfast or quick lunch!
Healthy Orange Peanut Tempeh Stir Fry with Brown Rice
This healthy vegan orange peanut tempeh stir fry is packed with flavor, plant-based protein, and veggies—served over brown rice for a satisfying, balanced meal.
Vegan Bolognese with Lentils and Walnuts
Cook up this easy, healthy Vegan Bolognese with Lentils and Walnuts for a hearty, plant-based, budget-friendly vegan bolognese recipe you won’t soon forget!
This healthy, delicious, gluten-free Vegan California Burrito Bowl recipe is the ideal meal in one, balanced in nutrition and packed with flavor.
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas and Greens
Cook up this flavorful, nutrition-packed Southern-inspired recipe for Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas and Greens (which is gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan) in 40 minutes with only 8 ingredients.
Tuscan Kale and White Bean Savory Pie
This budget-friendly, healthy, vegan recipe for Tuscan Kale and White Bean Savory Pie is so easy to make–you can cook, bake and serve this savory pie out of one pot! It’s a one-dish meal that will remind you of an afternoon in Tuscany.
This gluten free vegan Zucchini Lentil Curry features sliced fresh zucchinis to offer a delicious earthy flavor and delightful green color. You can whip up this yummy healthy red lentil curry recipe in 30 minutes with easy budget-friendly pantry items, and pair it with your favorite brown rice for a healthy plant-based meal in one.
Easy Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos
These vegan, gluten-free Easy Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos are filled with spicy roasted cauliflower and chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a rich cashew crema topping—you can get the whole meal on the table in 45 minutes.
Vegan Burrito with Refried Beans and Corn
Get this super easy Vegan Burrito with Refried Beans and Corn on the table in just 10 minutes.
Mujadara with Prunes and Yogurt Cucumber Sauce
This plant-based, gluten-free recipe for Mujadara with Prunes and Yogurt Cucumber Sauce is based on the classic plant-based Middle Eastern dish featuring earthy lentils and rice topped with caramelized onions and served with a flavorful yogurt cucumber sauce.
Black Bean Spinach Enchiladas with Green Enchilada Sauce
Calling upon the flavors of black beans, cilantro and spinach, this vegan recipe for Black Bean Spinach Enchiladas with Green Enchilada Sauce is a classic easy dinner you can get on your table in about 30 minutes.
Chipotle Spice Power Bowl with Rice
This vegan, gluten free Chipotle Spice Power Bowl with Rice calls upon a nutritious foundation of zesty rice, then builds upon it with yummy toppings, such as greens, black beans, corn, avocados, pumpkin seeds, and tomatoes.
This easy, Korean-inspired Vegan Bibimbap Skillet is a one-dish meal made in heaven. Based on the classic “mixed rice” tradition, this recipe features layers of brown rice, tofu, and crispy vegetables, with a flavorful sauce.
Cook up this gluten free Vegan Chana Masala recipe in about 30 minutes with pantry staples, including chickpeas, canned tomatoes, spices, and brown rice.
This classic Vegan Sloppy Joes recipe is so healthy and easy—based on a few pantry ingredients, including canned beans, you can get this budget-friendly, family-friendly meal on the table in 20 minutes.
Mediterranean Sheet Pan Veggies
This yummy, healthy Mediterranean Sheet Pan Veggies recipe is based on just a few ingredients you may have on hand now! Get this vegan, gluten free sheet pan recipe on the table in 40 minutes for a one-dish meal or meal prep.
This simple, plant-based Chipotle Black Bean Burger recipe is packed with nutrition and flavor, compliments of quinoa, black beans, veggies, and spices. You can whip them up in mere minutes, and enjoy them all week long.
Southwest Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
This hearty, vegan Southwest Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate plant-based comfort food. It makes for great leftovers, too!
This classic, Vegetable Fajita recipe is inspired by Mexican food traditions; packed with zucchini, onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, and spices, serve it with beans and tortillas for a plant-based (vegan), gluten-free meal you can get on the table in 20 minutes.
This Hearty Chickpea Stew is a satisfying, flavorful, and nutritious plant-based, vegan meal in a bowl. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, healthy vegetables, and flavorful spices, it’s the perfect nourishing stew for cozy dinners or meal prep.
For more ideas for saving money while eating a health plant-based diet, check out the following:
Plant-Based Eating on a Budget: Dietitian Tips, Smart Shopping & Affordable Recipes
Chef Tips for Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Meal Planning
How to Use Frozen Vegetables for a Budget-Friendly & Healthy Dinner
4 Tips for Eating Organic on a Budget
How to Be Budget-Friendly at the Farmers Market + 10 Cheap Farmers Market Recipes
10 Tips for Eating Plant Based on a Budget
Plant-Based Tips on How to Eat Healthy on a Budget
I love to make budget-friendly plant-based meals in my Instant Pot! Grab it here.
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