Foodventures Abroad

  • About
  • Contact
  • Destinations
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Contact
  • Destinations
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Contact
    • Destinations
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Trending

    These 25 meatless meals are perfect for weeknights

    Published: Mar 29, 2026 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Busy days need simple, tasty meals that are quick to make. Meatless dishes can bring something new to the table. Try these 25 easy ideas for weeknight dinners and enjoy fresh flavors without any stress.

    Vegan Meatloaf

    A slice of chocolate cake with cream topping on an orange plate against a turquoise background. A spoon is placed beside the slice.
    Vegan Meatloaf. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    A cozy evening feels right with Vegan Meatloaf on the table. It’s simple to serve and always a hit for family meals. Enjoy a homestyle dish made easy for busy nights.
    Get the Recipe: Vegan Meatloaf

    Vegetable Pot Pie

    Vegetable Pot Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Weeknight dinners don’t have to be complicated when Vegetable Pot Pie is an option. Served fresh from the oven, it’s always a welcome meal. Everyone can dig in and enjoy a warm plate.
    Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pot Pie

    Newsletter

    Sign up to receive our latest posts to your inbox! No spam ever.

    Thank you!

    You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

    General Tso’s Tofu

    Close-up image of General Tso's tofu in a bowl over rice.
    General Tso’s Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Takeout cravings can be solved with General Tso’s Tofu at home. It’s quick and never boring, even after a long day. A little rice on the side and dinner is ready.
    Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Tofu

    Vegan White Chickpea Chili

    Bowl of creamy soup with corn, beans, tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro garnish.
    Vegan White Chickpea Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Quick and delicious, Vegan White Chickpea Chili is a hit for any night of the week. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something easy. A bowl of flavor with little effort.
    Get the Recipe: Vegan White Chickpea Chili

    Chana Aloo Masala

    Chana aloo masala in a white bowl with a spoon, on top of a brown and white linen.
    Chana Aloo Masala. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Spiced dishes like Chana Aloo Masala are easy to enjoy during a weeknight. Serve it with rice or bread for a filling plate. It’s a smart way to go meatless without extra effort.
    Get the Recipe: Chana Aloo Masala

    Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

    A plate of creamy pasta topped with grated cheese and herbs, accompanied by a fork on the side.
    Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Busy nights are no match for Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Everything cooks together, making cleanup simple. Enjoy a relaxing meal with minimal time in the kitchen.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

    Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

    A bowl of black bean soup topped with sour cream, sliced avocado, jalapeños, tortilla chips, and cilantro; a bowl of chips and a spoon are nearby.
    Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Coming home to Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup is a weekday win. It needs little attention but always turns out comforting. Pour into bowls and dinner is served in minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

    Jamaican-Style Pumpkin Soup

    Bowl of vegetable soup with a spoon, featuring chunks of orange and yellow vegetables. Nearby are a lime, a half lime, and a sprig of thyme.
    Jamaican-Style Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    When you need something different for dinner, Jamaican-Style Pumpkin Soup is a go-to. It’s full of comfort with every spoonful. Perfect for nights when you want a break from routine.
    Get the Recipe: Jamaican-Style Pumpkin Soup

    Gluten Free Vegan Air Fryer Meatballs with Spaghetti Marinara

    A plate of spaghetti topped with tomato sauce, three meatballs, and garnished with parsley, on a white dish with a decorative rim.
    Gluten Free Vegan Air Fryer Meatballs with Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Simple swaps make Gluten Free Vegan Air Fryer Meatballs with Spaghetti Marinara accessible to everyone. Fast, filling, and friendly for busy schedules. Great for meatless pasta nights.
    Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Vegan Air Fryer Meatballs with Spaghetti Marinara

    Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

    A bowl of chili with beans, corn, diced avocado, sour cream, sliced peppers, and cilantro, garnished with tortilla chips.
    Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Set and forget meals like Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili make evenings smoother. Walk in to a dish that’s ready to serve. A comforting choice for hectic weekdays.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

    Greek Vegetarian Moussaka

    Side view of slice of moussaka.
    Greek Vegetarian Moussaka. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    A cozy recipe like Greek Vegetarian Moussaka makes dinner both easy and filling. It brings traditional flavors to the table. Perfect for when you want comfort and something new.
    Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetarian Moussaka

    Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

    A close-up of a shepherd's pie in a cast iron pan with a serving spoon, one slice removed, next to an empty speckled plate.
    Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Hearty meals like Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie make weeknights easier. It’s a warm, filling dinner that comes together without much fuss. Comfort and flavor are packed into every bite.
    Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

    Slow Cooker Ratatouille

    A plate of ratatouille with sliced zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, and eggplant, garnished with basil, served with a piece of toasted bread.
    Slow Cooker Ratatouille. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    For stress-free meal planning, Slow Cooker Ratatouille is always a good idea. The slow cook fills the kitchen with great smells. Come home to a ready-to-eat dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ratatouille

    Easy Cheese Enchiladas Casserole

    Easy Cheese Enchiladas Casserole. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    After a long day, Easy Cheese Enchiladas Casserole is quick to put together. Layers come out cheesy and full of flavor. You get a satisfying meal with little prep work.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Cheese Enchiladas Casserole

    Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

    Creamy pumpkin pasta with garlic and tuscan kale in a bowl with a spoon.
    Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    When time is short, Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta is always a favorite. It’s quick to put together and big on taste. Weeknights are easier with simple meals like this.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

    Easy Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast Recipe

    Easy Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    When you want to try something different, Easy Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast Recipe fits the bill. It’s great for switching up your dinner routine. Every bite is full of rich texture.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast Recipe

    Slow Cooker Tex Mex Quinoa Taco Bowls

    Slow Cooker Tex Mex Quinoa Taco Bowls. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Hands-off dinners like Slow Cooker Tex Mex Quinoa Taco Bowls are perfect for packed schedules. Add toppings just before serving and everyone gets what they like. A simple way to please a crowd.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tex Mex Quinoa Taco Bowls

    Spaghetti Squash Casserole

    An image of spaghetti squash casserole with a serving missing from the lower right side of the baking dish.
    Spaghetti Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Light and tasty, Spaghetti Squash Casserole is great if you want something different. It comes out of the oven ready to share. A quick fix when you want an easy meal.
    Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Casserole

    Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls In A Tomato-Raisin Sauce

    A glass baking dish filled with cabbage rolls topped with tomato sauce and raisins, set on a textured cloth.
    Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls In A Tomato-Raisin Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    Something a little different, Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls In A Tomato-Raisin Sauce are easy for weeknight prep. The flavors are unique and hearty. Serve with a simple side for a full meal.
    Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls In A Tomato-Raisin Sauce

    Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala

    An overhead image of slow cooker tikka masala in a bowl with rice, with a slow cooker on the background.
    Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Leave the work to the slow cooker with Tofu Tikka Masala. The flavors deepen as it cooks all day. Serve with rice or naan for an easy, filling plate.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala

    Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet

    Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Dinner is a breeze with Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet on busy evenings. It cooks quickly and disappears just as fast. Pair with bread for a no-fuss meal.
    Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet

    Pineapple Fried Rice

    An image of pineapple fried rice on a plate.
    Pineapple Fried Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Bright flavors stand out in Pineapple Fried Rice. It’s ready fast and feels fresh every time you make it. Use it as a main dish or a quick side for other meals.
    Get the Recipe: Pineapple Fried Rice

    Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto

    Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Pasta night takes a green turn with Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto. It’s fun to serve and great when you’re short on time. Simple ingredients come together fast for dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto

    Green Rice Casserole

    An overhead image of green rice casserole in a white baking dish.
    Green Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Weeknight cooking just got simpler with Green Rice Casserole. It bakes in one pan and is easy to share. Relax and enjoy dinner with little cleanup.
    Get the Recipe: Green Rice Casserole

    Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

    Cheesy Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Simple dinners like Cheesy Vegetable Casserole are lifesavers for busy nights. Everyone gets a plate full of veggies with some cheese on top. It’s an easy way to enjoy home-cooked food.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




     

    Follow Us!

    • Pinterest

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2026 Foodventures Abroad