How do you cut out meat in the new year? It doesn’t have to be hard. With these quick, easy recipes, you’ll look forward to Meatless Mondays.
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
Vegetarian cooking doesn’t have to involve crazy ingredients or major sacrifices. If you just aren’t that into tofu, that’s totally fine! These recipes are so good, you won’t even notice that the meat is missing. And the best part of a vegetarian diet? You still get cheese!
Three Bean Chili
Though chilis often contain ground beef, the addition of a variety of beans makes a delicious vegetarian chili! My favorite way to make chili is in a crock pot, since you set it and forget it until dinner. Not to mention, it makes the house smell amazing!
You’ll need:
- 3 cans of beans of your choice (black, pinto, kidney, garbanzo, etc.)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1-2 bell peppers or jalapenos, diced
- 1 can of vegetable broth
- 1 can of no salt-added diced tomatoes
- Chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and any other spices you like
The easiest method is to combine everything in a slow cooker and leave it on medium heat for 6 hours or all day! The flavors will mingle the longer it sits. Top with cheese, green onions, or hot sauce, if you like!
Potato Soyrizo Tacos
These are a favorite in my household, and they’re so easy! Instead of chorizo, simply use soyrizo. It is easy to come by in the grocery store and tastes just as good.
You’ll need:
- 2-3 yellow potatoes, diced
- 1 container of Soyrizo
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Lettuce, guac, and queso fresco for serving
- Cumin, oregano, chili powder, and salt
Heat the diced potatoes, soyrizo, and spices in a pan until the potatoes become tender. Then, place the mixture onto tortillas and add your preferred toppings!
Also, check out this article on the rich history of Henry and David Pears!
Stir Fry
Stir fry or fried rice are Asian style dinners that are easily made meatless – simply use tofu instead of chicken or beef. Not a tofu fan? Go for all veggies!
You’ll need:
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Bok choy
- Bean sprouts
- Bell peppers
- Snap peas
- Stir fry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Noodles or already cooked rice
Note: You can use any vegetables that you like! Just be sure to add them in the correct order. Carrots and broccoli take the longest to cook, so they can be added first. However, bean sprouts shouldn’t be added until the end.
To add tofu, you’ll want to airfry (if you have one) or bake in the oven until crispy.
Mediterranean Bowl
This build your own adventure option is delicious and contains a variety of flavors without meat.
You’ll need:
- Chickpeas
- Cucumbers, diced
- Tomatoes, diced
- Feta cheese, crumbles
- Kalamata olives
- Pickled red onions
- Hummus
- Tzatziki
- Quinoa, brown rice, or other grain
- Pita or pita chips
With this dish, the world is your oyster! Add any toppings you like. You’re sure to get a variety of colors and nutrients no matter what you choose! To go the extra mile, you can pick up falafel from the freezer aisle and add that to your bowl. Feeling ambitious? Falafel can be made from scratch, too.
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Oven-Baked Nachos
Who doesn’t love nachos? Another great dish to utilize beans as a protein source, this “tray bake” will be a favorite in no time.
You’ll need:
- Tortilla chips
- Cheese
- Pinto or black beans, whole or refried
- Avocados, mashed
- Tomatoes
- Jalapenos
- Corn
- Sour cream
- Lime, cilantro, and hot sauce to garnish
This is another recipe where you can simply add your favorite ingredients! Be sure to pick up vegetarian refried beans, since traditional ones are made with lard, which is not vegetarian. Assemble and pop in the oven at 350 for 5-10 minutes.
Those are 5 easy vegetarian meals that you can make in the new year! Many of these recipes are easily made vegan by omitting the cheese or selecting a dairy-free option. Happy eating!
