We all have that friend, family member, significant other (or maybe it’s you) who relies heavily on meals based around meat. You know…the one who doesn’t consider it a real meal unless there’s chicken, pork, steak, or lamb! To win meat-eaters over to the green side, we tasked our recipe development team with creating a roundup of plant-based meals—which had to be delicious and filling AND something that even a devoted carnivore would be excited to eat (without even wondering, “where’s the meat?”). After lots of exploration and loads of taste testing, here is where we landed for gateway recipes to enjoying more veggies.
Coconut Curry Lentil Stew
Protein-rich lentils need no soaking. This makes them a convenient option for a satisfying, deeply flavored, meatless stew. Make a batch for a crowd or freeze some to eat later.
Sheet Pan Roasted Chickpea and Cauliflower Pita
Chickpeas, cauliflower, and onions roast together and caramelize in one sheet pan. Pile them into warm pita and drizzle with tahini for a satisfying meal. This recipe makes plenty of filling, perfect for leftovers.
Fully Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Loaded sweet potatoes are a hearty and healthy alternative to classic baked potatoes filled with sour cream and bacon. Be sure to pile on plenty of “cheesy” cashew sauce and chili crisp for a satisfying, savory meal.
Plantain Black Bean Chili
This recipe makes a rich, hearty, and flavorful plant-based chili. It’s ultra-special served over toasted rice and topped with pickled onions, creamy avocado, and bright herbs.
Soba Noodle Salad
Soba are traditional, Japanese buckwheat noodles. They’re high in fiber and have a low glycemic index. In this recipe, we toss the noodles with a delicious homemade peanut sauce and lots of crisp, vibrant veggies. Enjoyed at room temperature, it’s great for packing and taking for lunch.
Mushroom Cassoulet
Meaty mushrooms stand in for sausage and other meats in this hearty bean stew inspired by France’s classic cassoulet. We brown the vegetables and add umami-rich ingredients to deepen the flavor of this quick-cooking, vegan version.
Sheet-Pan Crispy Cauliflower Steaks
This is a surprisingly satisfying, plant-based “steak” dinner entrée made easy with our sheet-pan method. The tender cauliflower, seasoned to perfection and encapsulated in a crunchy coating, makes for a meal that you’ll lean back after the first bite and say, “wow!”
Fully Loaded Spiced Jo-Jos
An all-plant, potato lover’s dream with a spicy, Middle Eastern-inspired flavor profile. The delicious, savory cheese sauce is made from cashews, and roasted chickpeas add a craveable crunch to this satisfying comfort food.
Southwest Yam and Kale Bowl
This hearty salad packed with flavor boasts an array of color. The warmth of roasted yams, the creaminess of the avocado sauce, and the crunch of crispy fried onions make for a tasty dish that you’ll want on repeat. Meal preppers, take note: make the components ahead of time and easily assemble the bowls on a busy weeknight.
Caramelized Shallot Aglio e Olio
This satisfying dish comes together as quickly as it takes to boil a pot of pasta. Add caramelized shallots and a touch of miso for a rich umami boost to the beloved Italian spaghetti dish, aglio e olio (garlic and oil). Simple, flavorful, and hard to stop eating!