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15 Vegetarian Dinners That Meat Eaters Secretly Love

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By Gina Matsoukas

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15 Vegetarian Dinners That Meat Eaters Secretly Love

Finding dinner recipes that please both vegetarians and meat eaters can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. This list features hearty, flavorful meals that even the most devoted carnivores will secretly enjoy. Whether you’re whipping up a quick pasta or trying out a new twist on classic dishes, these recipes are sure to become favorites in your household.

Chinese sweet and sour tofu stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Sweet and Sour Tofu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

An easy, quick Mediterranean-inspired pasta filled with lemon, spinach, and feta. Perfect for a vegetarian meal that even meat lovers will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These smashed white bean and kale quesadillas are a satisfying meatless meal, oozing with melted cheddar and topped with creamy BBQ sauce.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Spaghetti alfredo with broccoli florets in a pot with wooden spoon.
Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This lightened up spaghetti alfredo with broccoli is creamy and cheesy. A healthier version that’s sure to please vegetarians and meat eaters alike.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Black bean meatballs in tomato sauce with a spoon.
Italian Black Bean Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These Italian-flavored black bean meatballs are a hearty alternative to traditional meatballs. Serve with marinara sauce over pasta for a comforting meal that appeals to all.
Get the Recipe: Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers

Cheddar cauliflower burger with pickled cabbage and pesto on a plate.
Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Vegetarian cauliflower burgers stuffed with cheddar cheese and topped with pickled red cabbage and refreshing cilantro pesto. A meatless meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers

Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

Instant Pot white beans and tomatoes on sourdough toast garnished with fresh herbs and crumbled feta.
Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Instant Pot tomato white beans are made quickly using a pressure cooker. A hearty meal perfect over toasted sourdough bread that’s enjoyable for vegetarians and beyond.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

Lentil Bolognese

Lentil bolognese garnished with basil in a metal dish.
Lentil Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lentil bolognese is a thick, hearty dish served over pasta or noodles. A wallet-friendly vegetarian version of a classic that meat eaters will love.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese

Vegetable Bean Skillet

Cast iron skillet with beans and vegetables.
Vegetable Bean Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Packed with fresh vegetables and boosted with protein from two kinds of beans, this skillet is an easy meatless meal that’s pleasing to everyone.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Bean Skillet

Vegetable Cheddar Quesadilla

Cheddar quesadilla with summer vegetables.
Vegetable Cheddar Quesadilla. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Use frozen or fresh veggies to make these cheesy quesadillas. A simple dinner that’s quick and enjoyable for vegetarians and meat lovers.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Cheddar Quesadilla

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto with peas and mushrooms in a pot with wooden spoon.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This mushroom risotto with peas is creamy and decadent without any dairy. Rich and packed with umami flavors, it’s a hit for vegetarians and beyond.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Kung Pao Chickpeas

Kung pao chickpea dish in a bowl with rice and skillet off to the left.
Kung Pao Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy a vegan twist on your favorite Chinese takeout with Kung Pao chickpeas. Bold flavors make this dish taste just like the original with a simple protein swap.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas

Sweet & Sour Tofu

Sweet and sour tofu in a bowl with rice and chopsticks on the side.
Sweet & Sour Tofu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Make this sweet and sour tofu in under 30 minutes. Crispy tofu and a sticky sweet & sour sauce mimic the classic takeout dish in a vegetarian-friendly way.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Tofu

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy sweet potato mac and cheese uses pureed sweet potato, almond milk, and two cheeses. Indulgent yet healthier, it’s great for sneaking in some spinach.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Tofu Fried Rice

Tofu Fried Rice. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tofu fried rice brings takeout vibes to your table in a healthier way. An excellent meal adaptable to any veggies on hand, enjoyable for vegetarians and meat lovers.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with vegetables and cheese garnished with basil on a table next to a pepper mill and a linen napkin.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bright and meatless, this sun-dried tomato pasta combines rigatoni, a creamy sauce, parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s a comforting dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

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