7 Cheap Vegan Meals You’ll Love
Groceries these days can feel like a luxury splurge instead of a basic necessity. When avocados are priced like gold and even beans seem to cost more than you’d expect, sticking to a budget can feel like a Herculean task.
But fear not—your wallet and your taste buds can still be friends! Cheap vegan meals aren’t just about saving money; they’re about getting creative, using simple ingredients, and whipping up delicious, plant-based dishes that don’t require a second mortgage.
This collection of recipes is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking for budget-friendly meal prep ideas, these dishes deliver big flavor without the big price tag. Plus, they’re so easy to make, even your “I can’t cook” friend could pull them off.
Let’s dive into these seven wallet-friendly, vegan-approved recipes that’ll have you eating like royalty for under five bucks.
1. Lentil and Vegetable Stew
Hearty and comforting, this stew is packed with protein and fiber, making it a perfect one-pot meal for the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté carrots and celery until softened.
- Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender. Serve warm.
Picture This: A rustic bowl of lentil stew with vibrant orange carrots and green celery, garnished with a sprig of fresh thyme and served with crusty bread.
2. Chickpea and Spinach Curry
A rich, creamy curry that’s ready in minutes and pairs perfectly with rice or flatbread.
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add curry powder and cook for 1 minute. Stir in chickpeas and coconut milk.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, then add spinach and cook until wilted. Serve hot with rice or flatbread.
Picture This: A golden curry sauce studded with chickpeas and bright green spinach, served over fluffy white rice in a cozy bowl.
3. Black Bean Tacos
Simple, filling, and endlessly customizable, these tacos are a go-to for quick vegan dinners.
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Optional: avocado or lime wedges
How to Make It:
- Heat black beans in a skillet with cumin and paprika, stirring until warm.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Fill each tortilla with black beans, lettuce, and salsa. Add optional toppings if desired.
Picture This: Soft corn tortillas filled with black beans, crisp lettuce, and a dollop of salsa, arranged on a rustic wooden plate with lime wedges on the side.
4. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice
Colorful, quick, and packed with veggies, this stir-fry is a budget-friendly classic.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
How to Make It:
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add frozen vegetables and stir-fry until heated through.
- Stir in cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing well. Serve immediately.
Picture This: A vibrant plate of stir-fried vegetables and fluffy rice, glistening with soy sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
5. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili that’s perfect for cold nights and meal prepping.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium sweet potato, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened.
- Add sweet potato, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in black beans and cook for another 5 minutes. Serve hot.
Picture This: A bowl of rich chili with chunks of tender sweet potato and black beans, garnished with fresh cilantro and served with a slice of cornbread.
6. Peanut Noodles with Vegetables
Creamy, nutty noodles tossed with crunchy veggies for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
How to Make It:
- Cook noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha.
- Toss noodles with sauce, carrots, and green onions. Serve warm or cold.
Picture This: A bowl of creamy peanut noodles topped with vibrant orange carrots and fresh green onions, sprinkled with sesame seeds for a finishing touch.
7. Vegan Fried Rice
A quick, savory dish made with pantry staples and perfect for cleaning out the fridge.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
How to Make It:
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add frozen vegetables and cook until tender.
- Stir in rice, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.
Picture This: Golden fried rice studded with colorful vegetables, served in a simple white bowl with chopsticks on the side.
8. Stuffed Bell Peppers
A colorful and satisfying meal, these bell peppers are packed with a savory rice and bean filling.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 tsp cumin
- Optional: vegan cheese or avocado slices
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a bowl, mix cooked rice, black beans, salsa, and cumin.
- Stuff the peppers with the rice mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Add vegan cheese on top for the last 5 minutes if desired.
Picture This: Brightly colored bell peppers filled to the brim with a flavorful rice and bean mixture, topped with melted vegan cheese and garnished with fresh herbs.
9. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
A comforting casserole layered with savory lentils, veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté frozen vegetables until tender.
- Add cooked lentils and vegetable broth. Simmer for 5 minutes and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the lentil mixture to a baking dish and spread mashed potatoes on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes until the top is golden.
Picture This: A golden-brown shepherd’s pie with creamy mashed potatoes on top and a savory lentil and vegetable layer underneath.
10. Vegan Burrito Bowls
A customizable, flavor-packed bowl that’s perfect for meal prepping or quick dinners.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- Optional: avocado slices or vegan sour cream
How to Make It:
- Layer rice, black beans, lettuce, salsa, and corn in a bowl.
- Add optional toppings like avocado slices or vegan sour cream.
- Serve immediately or pack for later.
Picture This: A vibrant burrito bowl layered with fluffy rice, black beans, fresh lettuce, juicy salsa, and golden corn, topped with creamy avocado slices.
11. Vegan Ramen Stir-Fry
A quick and flavorful noodle dish with a savory sauce and colorful veggies.
Ingredients:
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
How to Make It:
- Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet and add frozen vegetables. Stir-fry until tender.
- Add noodles, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Toss well and serve immediately.
Picture This: A heaping plate of golden ramen noodles mixed with colorful veggies, glistening with soy sauce and sesame oil, ready to be devoured.
12. Vegan Potato Tacos
A fun and filling twist on classic tacos, featuring crispy spiced potatoes as the star.
Ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- Optional: salsa or guacamole for topping
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss diced potatoes with chili powder, cumin, and a drizzle of olive oil. Roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Fill each tortilla with roasted potatoes, lettuce, and desired toppings like salsa or guacamole.
Picture This: Soft corn tortillas filled with crispy, spiced potato cubes, crisp lettuce, and vibrant salsa, served on a rustic wooden board.
Eating vegan on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Hope you enjoy these delicious, plant-based meals that are easy on your wallet and your taste buds.
