19 Cozy Meatless Meals That Aren’t Pasta

Reviewed by Dietitian Madeline Peck, RDN, CDN

Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio.

Colder weather calls for cozy dishes. But you don’t have to limit yourself to pasta.  These meatless recipes showcase a variety of casseroles, skillets and soups that are perfect for any brunch, afternoon or evening meal. Recipes like our Fall Chopped Salad with Halloumi and Pumpkin Risotto with Goat Cheese are the perfect combination of delicious and nutritious.

Never Lose A Recipe Again!

Keep all of your recipes at your fingertips. With the MyRecipes app you can easily save and organize your favorites from anywhere, including Instagram and TikTok, in one convenient place. Get the free app.

01 of 17

This Cozy Chickpea Casserole with Cauliflower & Feta Is the Veggie-Packed Dinner You Need

Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio.
Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio.

This creamy chickpea casserole combines roasted cauliflower and brown rice with feta for a hearty vegetarian dinner. Za’atar and cumin add warm, earthy flavor, while lemon juice brightens the creamy sauce. A final trip under the broiler gives the feta a lightly browned finish.

View Recipe

02 of 17

This Fall Chopped Salad with Halloumi Is a Fresh, Flavorful Way to Enjoy the Season

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This finely chopped fall salad brings together tender roasted butternut squash, crispy chickpeas, sweet Honeycrisp apple and golden-brown halloumi for a satisfying mix of flavors and textures. Hearty kale holds up beautifully to a tangy maple-Dijon dressing, while a quick massage helps soften the leaves..

View Recipe

03 of 17

Sun-Dried Tomato Breakfast Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano.

This vegetarian breakfast casserole is packed with broccoli, tangy goat cheese and savory sun-dried tomatoes for a flavorful make-ahead breakfast or brunch. The oil from the sun-dried tomatoes adds rich flavor to the vegetables, while dried oregano ties all the ingredients together.

View Recipe

04 of 17

Stuffed Peppers with Frozen Fried Rice

Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy.
Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy.

Frozen vegetable fried rice fills these stuffed peppers for a quick, satisfying dinner that’s packed with vegetables and plant-based protein. Baking the peppers until tender creates the perfect vessel for the savory fried rice and edamame filling, while sesame oil, soy sauce and chile-garlic sauce add bold flavor.

View Recipe

05 of 17

Spinach, Feta & Rice Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

This one-pan recipe is the casserole version of spanakopita! It’s hearty enough to enjoy as a vegetarian lunch or dinner, yet versatile enough to serve alongside just about any protein. To make it extra creamy, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream.

View Recipe

06 of 17

20-Minute Harvest Vegetable Soup

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano.

This hearty 20-Minute Harvest Vegetable Soup comes together quickly thanks to frozen vegetables and canned beans. White kidney beans add satisfying protein and fiber, while tomatoes, green beans and thyme give the broth plenty of savory fall-inspired flavor for an easy weeknight dinner.

View Recipe

07 of 17

Cheesy White Bean & Rice Skillet

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

This cheesy white bean and rice skillet is the ultimate one-pan wonder. The rice forms a crispy golden layer at the bottom, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite. Aromatic seasonings combine with tender white beans, while a blanket of melted provolone over the top brings on ooey-gooey perfection. If you like a little heat, don’t skip the teaspoon of chopped Calabrian chiles.

View Recipe

08 of 17

French Onion Skillet Beans

Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Prissy Lee.
Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Prissy Lee.

Inspired by classic French onion soup, this comforting skillet bake turns caramelized onions and creamy butter beans into a weeknight-friendly dish. Topped with a gooey blanket of Gruyère and fontina and a crisp layer of panko, it delivers all the flavors of a slow-simmered favorite in under an hour. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want something hearty, cheesy and satisfying.

View Recipe

09 of 17

This Caramelized Onion & Tomato Soup Is Comfort in a Bowl

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf.

Caramelized onions add rich, savory-sweet flavor to this creamy tomato soup. Each bowl is topped with a slice of toasted bread and melted sharp Cheddar, giving this comforting soup a French onion soup–inspired finish.

View Recipe

10 of 17

Apple-Cabbage Chopped Salad with White Beans & Cheddar Is the Perfect High-Fiber Lunch

Credit: Apple-Cabbage Chopped Salad with White Beans & Cheddar
Credit: Apple-Cabbage Chopped Salad with White Beans & Cheddar

This crisp chopped salad is packed with crunchy cabbage, sweet apple, creamy white beans and sharp Cheddar for a satisfying vegetarian meal. A tangy maple-mustard vinaigrette brings everything together, while toasted walnuts add rich, nutty flavor and extra crunch.

View Recipe

11 of 17

Black Bean-Potato Enchilada Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Dera Burreson.
Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Dera Burreson.

This hearty vegetarian enchilada casserole layers tender potatoes, black beans, corn tortillas and melty pepper Jack cheese in a flavorful red enchilada sauce. It delivers all the comfort of enchiladas in an easy, crowd-friendly casserole.

View Recipe

12 of 17

Creamy Mushrooms & Butter Beans

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano.

Creamy butter beans and savory mushrooms come together in a rich, satisfying skillet dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. A touch of cream cheese and Parmesan creates a silky sauce, while Dijon mustard and lemon zest brighten the flavors. Serve with toasted whole-wheat baguette for scooping up every last bite.

View Recipe

13 of 17

Lemon-Garlic Cabbage Soup

Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy II.
Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy II.

This bright, comforting cabbage soup is perfect for stocking your freezer. Freeze the soup base, then reheat and finish each bowl with fresh dill, lemon zest and a dollop of Greek-style yogurt for a fresh, flavorful meal that tastes just-made.

View Recipe

14 of 17

Roasted Veggie & Ricotta Calzone

Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy.
Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy.

Why make one calzone when you can make two? This recipe is designed to help you enjoy one homemade calzone for dinner tonight while freezing the second for an easy meal later. You can also assemble both calzones ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them before baking, making weeknight dinners even more convenient.

View Recipe

15 of 17

High-Protein Sweet Potato & Black Bean Breakfast Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy.
Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy.

This high-protein breakfast casserole is a staple you’ll be glad to have in your freezer. Bake it once, then freeze individual portions and reheat them whenever you need a satisfying breakfast. A sprinkle of fresh scallions after reheating adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.

View Recipe

16 of 17

Pumpkin Risotto with Goat Cheese

Credit: Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin
Credit: Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin

This easy pumpkin risotto with goat cheese uses sweet and earthy canned pumpkin as a flavor base and creamy goat cheese to add creaminess and tang. Toasted pumpkin seeds add texture and nutty notes. Parsley adds mild fresh flavor, but any chopped fresh herb would work just as well.

View Recipe

17 of 17

Creamy Cilantro-Lime White Beans & Rice Skillet

Credit: Photographer: Caley Ellenburg.
Credit: Photographer: Caley Ellenburg.

This creamy white beans and rice skillet dinner comes together in just 20 minutes using convenient pantry and refrigerator staples. White beans and brown rice make it hearty, while cream cheese, cilantro and fresh lime add a rich, tangy finish that keeps every bite bright and flavorful.

View Recipe

Leave a Comment