Reviewed by Dietitian Jane Leverich, M.S., RDN
Nutritious chickpeas aside, there’s a world of other protein-rich foods out there to keep you satisfied in a vegetarian eating pattern. These dinners offer at least 15 grams of protein per serving to help you feel full for longer, support digestion and aid muscle recovery. Delicious and nourishing recipes like our Sweet Potato-Crust Quiche with Veggies and our Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip–Butter Bean Skillet hit the spot on any night of the week. (Note: Some of these dishes call for Parmesan cheese, which can contain animal rennet. Feel free to omit or swap it for your favorite cheese to keep the dish fully vegetarian.)
01 of 25
Sweet Potato-Crust Quiche with Veggies
This veggie quiche with a sweet potato crust is packed with spinach and sweet bell pepper and gets a hint of heat from pepper Jack cheese. It makes a colorful and hearty addition to your brunch or dinner table.
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02 of 25
Black Bean & Veggie Smash Burgers
These vegetarian black bean smash burgers feature a savory black bean patty spiced with chipotle chile, crisped to perfection and topped with melty Monterey Jack. A quick, tangy yogurt-based sauce ties it all together. It’s a satisfying plant-forward option that’s big on flavor and fiber.
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03 of 25
Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip–Butter Bean Skillet
This hearty, one-skillet meal reimagines the flavors of classic spinach-artichoke dip in a weeknight-friendly dinner. Creamy butter beans provide plant-based fiber and protein, while artichokes and fresh spinach add brightness and texture.
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04 of 25
High-Protein Butternut Squash & Lentil Soup
This hearty, plant-based soup is packed with protein from lentils and gets cozy flavors from warming spices like cinnamon, cumin and coriander. A swirl of tangy Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley finish each bowl with brightness and creaminess. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra pop of flavor.
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05 of 25
Loaded Chopped Taco Salad Bowl
This no-cook taco salad bowl is packed with fiber and plant-based protein from black beans. A medley of toppings, including crispy lettuce, sweet bell peppers, cotija cheese and pickled onions, add texture and flavor. A tangy lime vinaigrette completes the quick, colorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
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06 of 25
Pizza Bean Skillet
This one-pan vegetarian dinner captures all the savory, cheesy flavors of pizza in a hearty skillet of beans and vegetables. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and perfect for scooping up with crusty bread or serving over whole grains for a more filling meal.
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07 of 25
Marry Me White Bean Soup with Kale
This creamy, flavor-packed white bean and kale soup, inspired by Marry Me Chicken, comes together quickly for a cozy weeknight meal. Sun-dried tomatoes plus the oil from the jar infuse the base with rich, savory depth, while fresh basil and Parmesan cheese add a bright and satisfying finish.
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08 of 25
Creamy Spaghetti with Brussels Sprouts
This Brussels sprouts spaghetti is comfort food at its finest. The pasta simmers directly in broth for a starchy, full-bodied base that gets coated in a creamy Asiago sauce with a subtle kick of red pepper. Brussels sprouts and shallots add caramelized sweetness and earthy depth, while fresh basil brightens the final dish. It’s a one-pan dinner that’s perfect for a weeknight meal when the cozy vibes are calling.
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09 of 25
Easy White Bean Skillet
This easy white bean skillet brings together pantry staples and fresh greens for a comforting plant-based meal. Sweet onion, tomatoes and garlic form a rich, savory base for creamy white beans. A handful of spinach adds freshness and color, and a sprinkle of Parmesan ties everything together with salty richness. Served alongside toasted whole-wheat baguette slices for dipping, it’s a fast, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend supper.
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10 of 25
Spaghetti Squash Caprese
This Spaghetti Squash Caprese is a fun twist on the classic Italian salad, combining traditional caprese salad ingredients with tender strands of roasted spaghetti squash. The squash is tossed with juicy plum tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant fresh basil and great northern beans for a boost of plant-based protein. A drizzle of balsamic glaze ties the dish together with a sweet-tangy finish.
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11 of 25
Baked Pasta & Spring Veggies
This spring vegetable pasta bake is a comforting dish that celebrates the fresh flavors of the season. Whole-wheat pasta adds a boost of fiber, while green peas, tender asparagus and baby spinach add color and flavor. A creamy blend of mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan melts into every bite. This spring pasta bake is wholesome, flavorful and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a spring gathering.
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12 of 25
Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans
These broccoli-Cheddar butter beans are a cozy dish that will remind you of broccoli-Cheddar soup, but in a convenient skillet. Tender butter beans add creaminess and plant-based protein, making the dish filling enough for a main course. Broccoli florets bring color, while sharp Cheddar cheese melts in for that classic flavor. Everything comes together in one pan, creating a thick texture that’s perfect for scooping up with crusty bread.
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13 of 25
Baked Feta, Tomato & White Bean Skillet
This Baked Feta, Tomato & White Bean Skillet is the perfect dish for scooping up with your favorite toasted whole-grain bread. Juicy cherry tomatoes burst as they roast, mingling with creamy white beans to create a flavorful base. Chunky pieces of feta cheese are nestled into the skillet and baked until warm and soft. The result is a savory, creamy mix with tangy bites of feta in every bite.
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14 of 25
Grilled Cheese with Spinach & Tomato
This grilled cheese with spinach and tomato is a flavorful twist on the classic sandwich, cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop. Wilted spinach is infused with plenty of garlic. Juicy tomato slices add color and a fresh bite to the melty mozzarella filling. This sandwich makes for an easy lunch or dinner and pairs well with tomato soup or a simple green salad.
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15 of 25
Black Bean & Pepper Jack Quiche
This black bean quiche with pepper Jack cheese is perfect for brunch or a light dinner. The creamy egg filling is packed with fiber-rich black beans, sweet peppers and spicy pepper Jack cheese for a flavorful kick. If you want to tame the heat, Monterey Jack cheese can be used in its place. Serve it with a simple green salad or fresh salsa on the side.
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16 of 25
Roasted Eggplant Parmesan
This eggplant Parmesan is a comforting version of the classic Italian dish that’s simple to make. Slices of eggplant are layered with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This method skips the deep-frying step, making it lighter without sacrificing flavor. It’s perfect as a vegetarian main course and pairs well with pasta, crusty bread or a crisp green salad.
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17 of 25
Spaghetti with Mushrooms, Spinach & Ricotta
This five-ingredient spaghetti is a cozy dish that is both comforting and effortless. Earthy mushrooms, spinach and garlic flavor the pasta alongside whole-milk ricotta that creates a creamy sauce. You can elevate the flavor even more by using wild mushrooms for a deeper savory flavor and finishing with a squeeze of lemon to brighten everything up.
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18 of 25
Fajita-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
These fajita-stuffed portobello mushrooms are the mash-up you’ve been waiting for! This flavorful vegetarian dish fills roasted portobello mushroom caps with fajita-style veggies and black beans, giving them a boost of fiber and protein. Top it off with melted cheese and Greek-style yogurt for a satisfying dinner.
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19 of 25
Creamy Lemon-Parmesan Broccoli & White Bean Casserole
This broccoli and white bean casserole is the ultimate comfort food dinner. This hearty dish combines tender broccoli and creamy white beans in a velvety lemon-Parmesan sauce with a bubbly, cheesy top. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or for bringing to someone as part of a meal train. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a meal that feels like a warm hug on your plate.
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20 of 25
Baked Creamed Spinach Pasta
This baked creamed spinach pasta is comfort in a bowl—creamy, cheesy and utterly delicious! This crowd-pleasing dish combines the velvety richness of creamed spinach with tender pasta, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread for a dinner that everyone will rave about.
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21 of 25
Crispy Sheet-Pan Black Bean Tacos
These sheet-pan crispy black bean tacos are the best way to spice up your dinner with bold flavors and satisfying crunch. Baked to crispy perfection on your trusty sheet pan, these tacos are packed with seasoned black beans and melty cheese and served with a creamy chipotle crema, making them a fuss-free meal the whole family will love!
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22 of 25
High-Protein Enchilada Skillet
This black bean and tofu enchilada skillet is a one-pan meal packed with plant-based protein. Crumbled tofu soaks up the sauce, while corn tortillas soften into it for a rich, satisfying filling. Black beans provide protein and fiber, and a sprinkle of cheese on top adds melty goodness to every bite. Quick and nutritious, this skillet meal is perfect for your next weeknight dinner.
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23 of 25
High-Protein Black Bean Salad
In this high-protein salad, black beans take center stage. As the main source of plant-based protein, they make the salad satisfying, with their creamy texture pairing perfectly with sweet potato, crisp veggies and a citrusy dressing. It’s an easy, filling option for lunch or dinner—especially for those looking to add more plant-powered protein to their diet.
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24 of 25
Creamy Caramelized Cauliflower Pasta
This creamy cauliflower pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, velvety and flavorful. With simple ingredients and quick prep, it’s a satisfying dish that feels fancy without the fuss and is the ideal meal for a cozy weeknight dinner. Add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of chile flakes to elevate this easy, comforting classic even more!
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25 of 25
Brothy Lemon-Garlic Beans
These brothy lemon-garlic beans offer a comforting dinner that comes together in minutes. The creamy beans soak up the garlicky, lemon-infused broth, which is perfectly sopped up with a piece of toasted whole-wheat bread. For a little extra flair, finish the dish with a drizzle of good olive oil—or, for a creamier take, a dollop of Greek-style yogurt.
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