5 Quick and Easy Vegetarian Meals Using Only Vegetables

Introduction

Meal prep is about saving time and ensuring you have healthy, delicious meals ready to go, especially when you appreciate the convenience of eating a variety of vegetables. This guide will explore five quick and easy vegetarian meal ideas that primarily focus on vegetables. These meals are not only nutritious but also versatile and can be customized to suit different taste preferences.

Quick Easy Stir-Fried Grain and Vegetable Bowl

My go-to meal is a grain and vegetable bowl. To get this meal ready, I use pre-cooked grains and frozen stir-fry vegetables. I always keep a variety of pre-cooked grains (like rice, millet, barley) and beans (like chickpeas, lentils) in my fridge or freezer. This saves a significant amount of time in meal preparation. Here's how you can make it:

Cook or heat up your grain of choice. Remove frozen vegetables from the freezer and microwave until they're thawed and slightly warm. Top the grain with the vegetables, then add your preferred protein (such as beans, lentils, or tofu). Top everything with your favorite sauce (salsa, marinara, vegan ranch, etc.). Garnish with chopped nuts or seeds.

This meal is ready in under five minutes and is both filling and delicious. It's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

If you're looking for a delicious and filling vegetarian dish, try stuffed bell peppers. These peppers are packed with flavor and require minimal ingredients, making them perfect for a quick meal. You'll need bell peppers, cooked quinoa or rice, your preferred plant-based protein (like tofu or black beans), and various spices.

Cook the filling ingredients. Stuff the bell peppers with the filling. Bake until they're tender. This dish is customizable and nutritious. You can also add cheese or a vegan alternative on top and garnish with fresh herbs.

This versatile dish is ideal for meal prep and is not only tasty but also visually appealing.

Hearty and Healthy Ramen Noodles with Vegetables

If you enjoy a hearty meal, ramen noodles are a fantastic choice. You can prepare them in under 30 minutes and make them even more nutritious with the addition of your choice of vegetables.

Ingredients:

Ramen noodles Frozen peas and/or mixed vegetables Spaghetti sauce Seasoning packet (optional)

Instructions:

microwave the ramen noodles for 12-18 minutes without draining the water. add the frozen vegetables and spaghetti sauce on top of the noodles. allow the hot noodles to warm up the vegetables and cool down the noodles. drain and mix the contents of the noodles and vegetables well. drink the remaining noodle and vegetable “soup”. save the seasoning packet for another meal.

This meal is quick, easy, and comforting, making it a perfect option for busy days.

Vegan Spaghetti with Mixed Vegetables

Another quick and easy idea is vegan spaghetti with mixed vegetables. You'll need:

Spaghetti noodles Tomato sauce Frozen vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, etc.) Vegetable broth (for a more flavorful option)

Instructions:

Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. While the noodles are cooking, prepare your mixed vegetables by slicing them if necessary. Add the sliced vegetables to the tomato sauce along with a bit of vegetable broth. Simmer the sauce on low heat until the vegetables are tender. Combine the cooked spaghetti with the vegetable sauce.

This meal is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor and vegetables.

Vegan "Shepherd's Pie" with Root Vegetables

For a comforting and satisfying vegetarian meal, you can make a vegan "shepherd's pie" using root vegetables. This dish is ideal for those who enjoy hearty, comforting meals and requires minimal fuss.

Ingredients:

Potato mash (made from leftover mashed potatoes, or by mashing cooked potatoes) Coriander cubes (a mix of vegetables like carrots, parsnips, swede, and turnips) Flavorings (such as thyme, rosemary, and onion powder)

Instructions:

Blind bake the potato mash in a baking dish. Prepare the coriander cubes by chopping them into small pieces. Add the chopped vegetables, flavorings, and a bit of vegetable broth to the same baking dish. Layer the vegetables over the baked potato mash. Cover with foil and bake until the vegetables are tender.

This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, and it can be prepared in batches for meal prep.

Conclusion

These quick and easy vegetarian meals using only vegetables are a great way to ensure you have healthy, delicious meals ready to go. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, these recipes are versatile and customizable. Start incorporating these meals into your routine for a healthier, more enjoyable eating experience.