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23 Protein-Packed Recipes That Skip the Steak

May 24, 2024 by Iryna Bychkiv Leave a Comment

Craving a delicious meal that fills you up but don’t feel like firing up the grill? You’re not alone! There’s a whole world of amazing dishes out there that are bursting with protein, but don’t involve meat.

This list is bursting with 23 amazing dinner ideas that are totally meat-free, but still full of protein. From veggie-powered bowls to hearty lentil stews, there’s something for every taste bud. With these easy and inspiring recipes, you’ll be whipping up incredible meatless meals in no time!

Tempeh Taco Recipe

Tempeh Tacos close up.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

You’ll love these quick and easy Tempeh Tacos. They’re perfectly seasoned and oh so delicious. These meatless tacos make a hearty and protein-packed meal for busy weeknights or a healthy option for summer entertaining. Get the recipe.

Garbanzo Beans and Kale Stew

Garbanzo Beans and Kale Stew in a pan.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This Garbanzo Beans and Kale Stew is a hearty and healthy dish great to be enjoyed on its own or over rice or pasta. It’s easy to make, nutritious and great for meal prep, too. Made in one pan with protein-packed chickpeas that are flavorful and a bit spicy. Get the recipe.

Mushroom Stroganoff 

Mushroom Stroganoff over mashed potatoes in a white bowl.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This creamy mushroom stroganoff is as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. This is an incredibly comforting dish that goes great with mashed potatoes, rice or pasta. What’s even better? It’s easy to make with everyday ingredients. You can use any mushrooms you want. Get the recipe.

Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup with croutons in a bowl.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This hearty Split Pea Soup is a comforting, wholesome dish that’s perfect for those chilly days. Brimming with nutritious ingredients like split peas, carrots, and celery, this soup is absolutely packed with flavor. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a satisfying meal while sticking to a plant-based diet. Get the recipe.

Pad Thai with Peanut Sauce

Eating meatless Pad Thai with chopsticks.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This Pad Thai dish combines the essence of Thai cuisine with plant-based goodness. This vibrant and satisfying recipe features tender rice noodles, crispy tofu, and a colorful array of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a luscious peanut sauce. Get the recipe.

Acorn Squash with Mushrooms and Chickpeas

Stuffed acorn squash on a plate.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

Ultimate Stuffed Acorn Squash With Mushrooms And Chickpeas is perfect for the holidays. With mushrooms, rice, chickpeas and cranberries, this healthy autumn-inspired dish is packed with protein and fiber. Get the recipe.

Lentil Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Vegan lentil tacos with avocado cilantro sauce on a wooden board.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

These Lentil Tacos are one of the easiest and healthiest vegan recipes that have the perfect meat replacement! Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also budget-friendly and a great way to get started with a vegan diet. It’s a protein-packed, iron-rich, and full of flavor in each bite thanks to the homemade avocado dressing. Get the recipe.

Creamy Black Bean Curry

Creamy black been curry and a scoop in a pan.
Photo credit: The Fiery Vegetarian

This tasty easy creamy thick black bean curry is dairy-free, vegan, full of Indian-style flavors, and ready in under half an hour. Mildly spiced with a few tricks that make it taste just like a restaurant-style curry. Get the recipe.

Easy Stir Fry Noodles

Stir Fry Noodles and chopsticks in a bowl.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

These Stir Fry Noodles are incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and the perfect recipe for busy weeknights! It features perfectly stir-fried veggies, tasty tofu, and delicious noodles coated in a simple, flavorful homemade stir-fry sauce! Get the recipe.

Lentil-Tomato Pasta

Protein-packed lentil spaghetti on a plate.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This Lentil Pasta has the perfect combination of hearty and healthy. The rich, flavorful sauce, the texture of the lentils against the soft pasta, and the hint of spice from the red pepper flakes all come together to create a dish that’s truly irresistible. The finishing touch of fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness, making every bite a delight. Get the recipe.

Best Black Bean Burger

Black Bean Burger close up.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

Are you ready for the best black bean burger recipe out there? This easy and delicious veggie mushroom burger is healthy and bursting with flavor. And the best part is, it takes just 30 minutes to make it from start to finish! This vegan burger recipe is so good that you will never miss the meat. Get the recipe.

Roasted Butternut Squash, Black Bean and Quinoa Salad

Butternut Squash, black bean salad with quinoa and pepitas in a white bowl.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This Roasted Butternut Squash, Black Bean and Quinoa Salad is one of the easiest, most flavorful fall salad recipes, full of nutrients and healthy ingredients. Served warm or cold, this delicious salad is also a great make-ahead lunch for work or back to school. Get the recipe.

Fried Mushrooms and Potatoes 

Fried Mushrooms and Potatoes in a pan.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This Fried Chanterelle Mushrooms And Potatoes Recipe is an easy and delicious comfort food that never fails! Made in one pan and with just 5 ingredients, this cozy and flavorful dish is sure to become a hit. Get the recipe.

Tempeh Meatballs

Tempeh meatballs close up.
Photo credit: Full Of Plants

Super easy meatballs prepared from protein-packed tempeh! Moist and tender, these meatballs are glazed with a garlicky teriyaki sauce and pack 30g of protein per serving! Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or with noodles! Get the recipe.

White Bean Mushroom Soup

White Bean Mushroom Soup and a spoon in a bowl.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This White Bean Mushroom Soup is super easy to make, comforting, and satisfying. Made with fresh vegetables and pantry staples, this is an easy vegan soup packed with plant-based protein and lots of flavors. Get the recipe.

Thai Eggplant Curry with Tofu

Thai Eggplant Curry with Tofu and a spatula close up.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This Eggplant Zucchini Red Curry with tofu and coconut milk is an easy vegan recipe perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights. Simple and flavorful. Get the recipe.

Quinoa Patties with Zucchini and Feta

Quinoa Patties close up on a board.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

You’ll love these Mediterranean Style Quinoa Patties with Zucchini and Feta Cheese. They are crispy, delicious and easy to make. 
Cook quinoa the night before or in the morning and finish the patties just before lunch or dinner and you’ll have a complete meatless meal that is full of healthy goodness. Get the recipe.

Moroccan Bean Stew

Moroccan bean Stew in a gret bowl with a spoon.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This Moroccan Slow Cooker Bean Stew, also called Loubia is the ultimate comfort food full of flavor. Made with Cannellini Beans, tomatoes and spices, these slow cooker white beans recipe are sure to warm you up on a chilly fall or winter night. Get the recipe.

Stuffed Shells with Ricotta (Plant-Based)

Stuffed Shells with Ricotta in a baking dish.
Photo credit: Full Of Plants

The classic ricotta stuffed shells dish made vegan! This plant-based version is just as delicious, satisfying, and comforting! These vegan stuffed shells are filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling and baked in plenty of marinara sauce! Get the recipe.

Italian Eggplant Parmigiana with Vodka Sauce

Eggplant Parmesan in a baking dish.
Photo credit: xoxo Bella

This Italian eggplant parmigiana, which is also known as parmigiana di melanzane, is an authentic Italian recipe and family favorite. This baked eggplant casserole has a tasty tomato and vodka sauce. It’s a great vegetarian dinner idea, just bursting with delicious flavors. Get the recipe.

Quick Broccoli Lentil Stir Fry

Broccoli Lentil Stir Fry in a pan.
Photo credit: My Pure Plants

If you have been looking for the quickest and easiest lentil stir fry, this is the recipe for you. It features tender lentils, crunchy broccoli florets, and sweet corn, all served with turmeric rice for a flavor-packed meal. What is best is that you can have this delicious and filling plant-based meal ready to serve on the dinner table in just 20 minutes. Get the recipe.

Indonesian Tofu Curry

Indonesian Tofu Curry, rice and a spoon in a bowl.
Photo credit: Full Of Plants

Tofu and green bean curry infused with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves! Finished with chopped cilantro and fried shallots, this Indonesian-inspired curry is flavorful, plant-based, and so creamy! Get the recipe.

Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Italian Black Bean Meatballs in a pan.
Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen

These Italian flavored black bean meatballs are a delicious and hearty plant based alternative to traditional meatballs. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce over pasta or zoodles for a comforting healthful meal. Get the recipe.

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I'm Iryna, a food writer, photographer, and taster behind Not Enough Garlic. Here, you'll find easy and delicious recipes your whole family will enjoy.

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