These Plant-Based recipes for beginners will help you start your meat-free journey. They’re delicious, simple and easy for you to make.
A Little Backstory
11 months ago I made the intentional decision to go Plant-Based. I would no longer eat meat.
Figuring out what to eat for dinner after you go plant-based can feel overwhelming. You don’t really know what’s good or where to start really.
In the beginning, I felt like I didn’t know how to cook anymore. I didn’t know where to start, what to buy, or how to prepare food in a meat-free kitchen.
What the heck was I going to eat?!
It was a somewhat helpless feeling.
Help Was Just A Click Away
Being the resourceful woman that I am, I did what any good Millenial would do.
I took to Pinterest.
These have become my go-to recipes for dinner. My husband absolutely loves them and that’s high praise from a man who really enjoys meat.
Click on any that stick out to you and give them a try. You won’t regret it!
5 Easy Plant-Based Recipes That Taste Amazing
1. The Best Black Bean Burger
The first time I saw this picture on Pinterest, I was in disbelief. I knew I had to try this recipe because it was the first Veggie Burger recipe that I’d seen that looked exactly like a regular burger.
I mean it looks mouth watering.
The first time I made them I couldn’t believe how absolutely amazing they tasted. The look and the texture and the taste. It’s like you’re eating a regular meat burger. It’s insane.
My husband couldn’t believe it.
I will say that the first time I made them, the patties were a bit too soft. So when we bit into them, they kind of squeeze out of the sides a little. But I honestly don’t mind.
If you’re like me and determined to get that firmer burger-like patty, then you can try my trick. I cook the patties on the edges a little.
So I flip the patties up onto the side of my cast iron skillet and rotate them on all sides of the edges. This really kept the patty together when eating. It made this recipe even more perfect.
As if that was even possible.
Just a heads up though, don’t overcook them. They will get a little dry, but the guac also helps with that.
This recipe is staying with me forever.
Vegan Friendly
These Black Bean Burgers are not vegan, but the recipe has a note with substitute ingredients to make it vegan. You can leave out the cheese, replace the Worcestershire sauce for something vegan friendly and omit the eggs.
2. The Best Vegan Meatballs
Finding a great alternative to meatballs was a must for my husband. He was accustomed to the homemade meatballs that I had made since we got married. I had pretty much perfected the recipe.
It would be hard to find something he would love as much as those.
Now, I’ll be completely honest with you. When I saw some of the ingredients in this recipe I thought it seemed a little crazy. I mean, how could Black Beans possibly taste good with pasta sauce?
Perplexed as I was, I was willing to give it a try because I missed meatballs so much. I was also optimistic based on the fact that it had been pinned so many times.
Vegan Friendly
Hooray!! This meatless meatball recipe is Gluten-Free, Oil-Free and Vegan. No substitutes are necessary. Just make and enjoy the deliciousness!
3. Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
I can’t rave enough about this delicious pasta. Again, I was a little skeptical about the recipe calling for cream cheese. So the first time I made this I left out the cream cheese.
I decided to air on the side of caution since my husband hates, I mean hates, all things cream cheese.
It’s hands down one of the most delicious and tasty pasta recipes I’ve had.
It’s so flavorful and delicious either way, but I can honestly say it’s so bomb with the cream cheese. it adds the thicker texture to the sauce and really elevates it to another level.
The best part is that my husband devours it every time. He loves it. He also has no idea that there’s cream cheese in it. you can’t even tell.
Vegan Friendly
This delicious dish is unfortunately not vegan. Sorry guys. I’m not sure what would be the best substitutes for the dairy, but if you find some and it’s super tasty please let me know in the comments. I would love to try it as well.
5. Black Bean Vegan Enchiladas
These Black Bean Enchiladas are jam-packed with protein and so stinkin’ tasty. They’re also super easy to make.
The first time I made them I followed the recipe exactly and I baked them in the oven, but the hubs wanted them crispier.
So I cook everything according to the recipe but then after I wrapped them I put a little olive oil in a cast-iron skillet and cooked them on the stovetop to get crispy.
I do about 3 or 4 minutes on all the sides and then I put them in a pan, throw mixed cheese on them and toast them in the oven until the cheese melts.
They come out perfect.
**For the tomato puree I just cut up two or three tomatoes, using my kitchen scissors, (such a genius cooking hack) then add 1/2 a cup of water and add that to the pan.
It works perfect!
When everything is ready to eat, I use the extra sauce leftover from the strained bean mixture to drizzle on top of the enchiladas. I add guacamole on top as well and it’s so delicious.
You will love these.
Vegan Friendly
Woohoo!! They are vegan. Just be sure to use vegan cheese and you’re all set.
5. Spinach Lasagna Rolls
These Spinach lasagna rolls are so delicious that I make them every week. Mozzarella, ricotta, spinach and parmesan all in one dish. YUM!
You mix everything into one bowl, cook the lasagna noodles, then fill and roll. It’s so easy and they are so good.
If you want some added veggies, you can add some broccoli to the mixture. I like to have broccoli and spinach. Plus my husband loves broccoli, so it’s a big win!
Vegan Friendly
While these Spinach lasagna roll-ups are super tasty, they are not vegan. But with the right alternatives, anything is possible!
Honorable Mention
4. Spinach & Tomato Quesadilla With pesto
Now, these really take quesadillas to a whole new level of deliciousness. The entire recipe is perfect and so simple.
I even love whipping these up for a quick little lunch, because they’re so easy to make.
I get my pesto fresh from Wegman’s and it is hands down the best part of the quesadillas.
If you love Mozzarella and tomatoes as much as I do, you will love this.
It’s super fresh and light.
Yay! This yummy recipe from The Garden Grazer is Vegan. The ingredients offer really great vegan options, from vegan pesto, to vegan feta crumbles and even vegan mozzarella.
Vegan Friendly
It is! How awesome is that?! Just be sure to use the vegan cheese options.
Happy Eating!
I hope you guys found these recipes helpful. Regardless of whether you’re at the beginning of your plant-based eating or a seasoned vet, I think these would make great additions to your menu.
Let me know if you have any questions below or if you need any tips on how to make these dishes yourself.
Enjoy!
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