Delicious, hearty meals the whole family will love—without breaking the bank!
Finding affordable, nutritious, and delicious dinner ideas for the whole family can be a challenge—especially when you’re trying to eat more plant-based meals. But vegetarian dinners don’t have to be boring or expensive! In this article, we’ll share 10 easy and affordable vegetarian recipes that cost less than $10 to prepare and are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
1. Vegetarian Lasagna (Under $8)
This classic Italian dish is packed with layers of flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients:
- Lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Layer noodles, ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, and marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, topping with mozzarella.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
📌 Tip: Save money by using store-brand marinara and frozen spinach.
2. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Noodles (Under $7)
Quick, versatile, and packed with vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack noodles (rice or egg noodles)
- 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions:
- Cook noodles according to package instructions.
- Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté vegetables until tender.
- Add soy sauce and toss with cooked noodles.
📌 Tip: Use fresh vegetables if they’re in season and on sale.
3. Chickpea and Spinach Curry (Under $6)
A creamy, flavorful curry that pairs perfectly with rice.
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 tbsp curry paste
Instructions:
- Sauté curry paste in a pan for 1 minute.
- Add chickpeas, spinach, and coconut milk.
- Simmer for 10 minutes and serve with rice.
📌 Tip: Replace coconut milk with yogurt for a lower-cost option.
4. Stuffed Zucchini Boats (Under $9)
A fun, customizable dinner that’s great for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis, halved and scooped out
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix rice, beans, and cheese in a bowl.
- Stuff the mixture into zucchini halves and bake for 20 minutes.
📌 Tip: Swap zucchinis for bell peppers if they’re more affordable.
5. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie (Under $8)
A plant-based twist on a classic comfort dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Layer lentils, vegetables, and broth in a baking dish.
- Spread mashed potatoes on top and bake for 20 minutes.
📌 Tip: Cook lentils in bulk for multiple meals.
6. Vegetable Tacos (Under $7)
A family favorite that’s easy to customize.
Ingredients:
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup black beans
Instructions:
- Sauté bell peppers and mushrooms in a skillet.
- Warm tortillas and fill with vegetables and beans.
📌 Tip: Make your own taco seasoning to save money.
7. Baked Eggplant Parmesan (Under $9)
Crispy, cheesy, and perfect for pasta night.
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant, sliced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Layer eggplant slices with marinara and cheese in a baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 20 minutes.
📌 Tip: Use fresh eggplants during their peak season for better pricing.
8. Vegetarian Chili (Under $6)
A hearty, one-pot meal that’s perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp chili powder
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a pot and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve with rice or cornbread.
📌 Tip: Double the recipe and freeze leftovers for busy nights.
9. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos (Under $7)
A sweet and savory taco option everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 8 small tortillas
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 cup black beans
Instructions:
- Roast sweet potatoes at 375°F for 25 minutes.
- Warm tortillas and fill with roasted potatoes and beans.
📌 Tip: Buy sweet potatoes in bulk for additional savings.
10. Pasta Primavera (Under $8)
A light, veggie-packed pasta dish perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pasta
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup parmesan
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Sauté vegetables in olive oil until tender.
- Toss with pasta and top with parmesan.
📌 Tip: Use frozen vegetables for a budget-friendly option.
Quick Reference Table: 10 Easy Vegetarian Dinners
| Dinner Idea | Cost Per Serving | Money-Saving Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian Lasagna | <$8 | Use frozen spinach and store-brand ricotta. |
| Vegetable Stir-Fry | <$7 | Buy noodles in bulk for lower cost. |
| Chickpea and Spinach Curry | <$6 | Swap coconut milk for yogurt to save more. |
| Stuffed Zucchini Boats | <$9 | Replace rice with quinoa if it’s on sale. |
| Lentil Shepherd’s Pie | <$8 | Cook lentils in large batches for savings. |
| Vegetable Tacos | <$7 | Make your own spice mix to save. |
| Baked Eggplant Parmesan | <$9 | Use seasonal eggplants for better pricing. |
| Vegetarian Chili | <$6 | Freeze leftovers for future meals. |
| Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos | <$7 | Buy sweet potatoes in bulk. |
| Pasta Primavera | <$8 | Opt for frozen veggies if fresh are pricey. |
Conclusion
Vegetarian dinners can be just as hearty and satisfying as meals with meat—and a lot more affordable. These 10 recipes prove that you can enjoy delicious, family-friendly meals for less than $10. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking for new ideas, these dishes are sure to please.