36 Awesome Vegetarian One Pot Meals (#2 Is My Favorite!)
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Which veggie cook doesn’t love a vegetarian one-pot meal? No muss, no fuss, bung everything into one pot, fire it up and job done!
No bigger downer than slaving over a massive meal only to be faced with a mountain of washing up, is there?
One-pot vegetarian recipes will always be a surefire hit with cooks for this reason alone. They are like the superheroes of the culinary world.
Busy day at work, no time to cook? One-pot vegetarian dinners will swoop in to save the day!
Stuck, trying to figure out what delicious concoction to dish out? One pot dinner here, swooping in to simplify your evening.
Sick of takeaways but can’t really be arsed to pull out all the stops? Guess what? Yep! One pot meal will be the healthy dinner that saves your day.
What I have for you here are easy one-pot meals, and tasty vegetarian meals made using simple ingredients that are a great way to hit all your nutrition points.
Easy weeknight dinners that don’t take an age to put together and a longer age to put away.
If you have landed here looking for that easy and healthy vegetarian recipe that can be made without ending with a mountain of dishes, you have come to the right place!
Whether you are looking for some dinner inspiration or tips on how to add a healthy twist to a recipe, I think I have something for everyone here.
I am talking quick meals, easy meals, and delicious meals that make breaking bread with your loved ones a delightful prospect. (Yes, I shall be working on global peace in my spare time.)
Enough chatter, people, let’s hit the recipes!
Step this way for maximum flavor!
Soups & stews
Bonus: a true one-pot wonder
Follow our fool-proof simple cooking steps for the perfect coconut curry lentil soup. Packed with protein, fiber, and a high-summer taste! Perfect comfort food, we call this!
Bonus: max taste, min washing up
After a high protein, high fiber, low-calorie vegetarian dinner? Our Mexican bean stew is just the ticket! Try it now! This makes a fab main dish at any gathering.
Bonus: this plant-based chili is simple comfort food at its best
This is a great example of amazing vegan comfort food for those chilly days! This chili sin carne is warming, full of flavor, and makes for the perfect midweek meal.
Ready in: 30 mins
Recipe by: BrokeBankVegan
Bonus: bold flavors in a healthy, simple, and inexpensive recipe!
This sopa de frijoles features creamy pinto beans seasoned with cumin, Mexican oregano, and chipotle peppers, creating a spicy, smoky, and earthy dish. Truly a wholesome meal!
Ready in: 50 mins
Recipe by: Platings&Pairings
Bonus: bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and just basic pantry items!
A bowl of cozy and comforting vegetarian Sweet Potato Chili is the perfect weeknight meal. It’s so hearty and flavorful that you won’t even miss the meat! Stovetop, Instant Pot, and slow cooker instructions included.
Ready in: 60 mins
Recipe by: LivingSmartAndHealthy
Bonus: serve this soup piping hot with some crusty bread
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is a hearty, creamy, and delicious soup. Made with wild rice, fresh vegetables, and greens. This easy, comforting soup is packed with proteins and veggies! This recipe can be made vegan and gluten-free.
Ready in: 40 mins
Recipe by: ResplendentKitchen
Bonus: comfort food at its tastiest best!
This healthy Vegan Black-Eyed Pea Stew is everything you want to eat on a cold winter’s night. This one-pot soup is hearty, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Ready in: 30 mins
Recipe by: SmallFarmBigLife
Bonus: the perfect cozy meal for cold winter days!
This soup is a great dairy-free option, a soup that is lighter, but still creamy and delicious. Make a pressure pot of this soup for your lunch when you are meal-prepping for the coming week.
Ready in: 30 mins
Recipe by: MyPurePlants
Bonus: try making this in a pressure cooker or your Dutch oven
The best French summer vegetable stew that you can stir up in one pot within 30 minutes. A quick and easy dish to make from colorful summer vegetables like fresh tomato, zucchini, eggplant, and red bell pepper, which are naturally vegan. One of the best one-pot dinners ever!
Ready in: 30 mins
Recipe by: HealthfulBlondie
Bonus: who knew bean soup could be so light yet tasty huh?
Light and flavorful Greek chickpea soup with zucchini, garbanzo beans, carrots, and fresh herbs is cozy and healthy. This simple 30-minute, gluten-free soup is made in one pot and is sure to be a family favorite!
Ready in: 40 mins
Recipe by: TheAllergenFreeKitchen
Bonus: freezes well and can be kept for up to 6 months
This easy one-pot vegetable soup is perfect for stretching the family budget while providing a nourishing hot meal. It is naturally gluten, dairy, vegan, and top 8 allergen-free.
Curries
Bonus: one pan, stress-free curry that’s a delight to eat
This coconut curry is the easiest one we’ve ever made but mixes it up with the top brass. You won’t find a better effort vs taste curry ANYWHERE!
Bonus: pairs wonderfully with brown rice and/or naan, and some cooling raita
Creamy aubergine curry laced with unctuous coconut milk, delicately spiced with garam masala powder. Try making our aubergine curry today!
Bonus: high in protein and fiber, keeping you full for long
The classic curry takes on a new face with our vegan tikka masala. Full of healthy veg and fragrant flavors, this is sure to win your heart!
Bonus: get a large pot, cos you will be making a massive batch!
Vegan Chickpea Curry. Our awesome vegan recipe is an insanely popular dish, around these parts! Ridiculously tasty and nutritious – just look at all that protein, fiber, and iron.
Bonus: never resort to a takeaway again!
A Pakistani-style cauliflower curry that’s sweet and spicy all in one hit. This is sure to become a fakeaway favorite!
Ready in: 25 mins
Recipe by: LoveFromTheTable
Bonus: super simple meal, very little prep
Chickpea spinach curry is a simple and delicious vegetarian meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ready in: 40 mins
Recipe by: RunningOnRealFood
Bonus: easy Indian-inspired curry that’s comforting and delicious
Sweet potatoes and lentils packed with flavor and nutrition in one pot, and ready to enjoy in less than 40 minutes! Talk about an easy recipe!
Ready in: 40 mins
Recipe by: TheCopperTable
Bonus: pure takeaway gold!
This easy Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry uses a homemade green curry paste, and it is loaded with fresh veggies. This delicious meal is on the table in around 30 minutes!
Ready in: 30 mins
Recipe by: TheDailyDish
Bonus: easy, healthy curry perfect for midweek suppers
This chickpea and mushroom curry is an easy midweek meal made with chickpeas, mushrooms, coconut milk, curry powder, and lime juice. It’s vegan, gluten-free, packed full of nutrients….and it’s delicious!
Rice & pasta
Bonus: the ultimate comfort food, made super easy
Need to use some cold, cooked rice and leftover veggies? Rustle up some egg-fried rice with this healthy vegetable fried rice recipe!
Bonus: delicious lunch or scrummy side dish? You decide!
Need a new couscous recipe? Try this Mediterranean couscous bowl with yogurt dressing. The perfect lunch, side or easy vegetarian dinner!
Bonus: quick to make, really satisfying, and actually healthy
Awaken the Italian in you! Quick to make, so satisfying and tasty to eat. We’ve also included the key surprisingly easy tips to getting the perfect risotto. Special occasions cab mean fewer dishes to wash too!
Why don’t you try making it today?
- ½ cup risotto rice (Carnaroli gives the best results but Arborio is easier to find)
- 1 handful asparagus
- 1 tbsp butter (or double the amount olive oil)
- 1 small onion
- 1 cup peas (fresh, canned or frozen are fine)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup hard cheese, grated (and make sure it’s with vegetarian rennet of course!)
Optional – if you have them to hand, great – throw them in!
- 1 small handful mint, fresh (dried or frozen work too!)
- 1 small handful basil, fresh (again, dried or frozen work too!)
- 1 small handful parsley, fresh (again, any form will do)
- ½ cup white wine
- Chop the asparagus into small pieces.
- Finely dice an onion.
- Let the butter/oil melt in the pan and add the onion and cook until it’s translucent.
- Add the rice and toast for a minute or two. (optional: fry the rice in 1/2 cup white wine until the wine has evaporated)
- Then add 500ml of the stock and stir.
- Leave on a low simmer for 15 minutes (better stay nearby so you can give it an occasional stir)
- Add in the asparagus and peas, stir and leave for 5 more minutes.
- You probably need to add some more liquid (it will depend on the heat applied).
- Now, check the rice. It may need a few more minutes to finish cooking.
- Once the rice is soft it’s time to give it the finishing touch – if needed add a little water (add in small amounts, you don’t wanna overdo it!) and a little grated cheese to get the creaminess right.
- Remember: it needs to flow like lava.
IF YOU LIKED THIS RECIPE: Then you need to check out this more oriental style rice dish known as Pea Pulao. Also, if you haven’t yet then make sure you try this African Peanut Soup! We were surprised by the amount of great feedback we got back on that one, and we love it too!
Please note the nutritional information includes all optional ingredients as well.
Nutrition Facts
36 Vegetarian One Pot Meals (#2 Is My Favorite!)
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Ready in: 40 mins
Recipe by: TheForkedSpoon
Bonus: did someone yell out for easy easy dinner recipes?
This Easy Instant Pot Risotto with Butternut Squash is flavorful, delicious, and cooks entirely in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker! Made with sweet cubes of butternut squash, fresh sage, and shredded parmesan, everyone will love this ultra-smooth and creamy risotto recipe. This is insanely easy to make, deliciously creamy, and almost zero mixing required.
Ready in: 30 mins
Recipe by: MelissaTraub
Bonus: a simple and tasty Mediterranean-style meal!
This one-pan pasta meal combines healthy foods you may already have on hand with some fresh green vegetables. It’s great for those times when you just don’t feel like having an extra pot to wash. No wonder it is one of my favorite meals!
Ready in 30 mins
Recipe by: GatheringDreams
Bonus: incredibly easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes!
Flavorful and colorful, this paella is loaded with lots of seasonal rainbow vegetables, and saffron-infused rice. The perfect dish to have for a Sunday family lunch.
Ready in 40 mins
Recipe by: SimplyScrumptious
Bonus: this no-heavy cream is a healthier version of Alfredo
Made with roasted butternut squash, and spinach, this homemade healthy creamy sauce pairs perfectly with your favorite noodles. This dish can be enjoyed all year long, especially during the fall season.
Ready in 20 mins
Recipe by: EasyChickpeasy
Bonus: super delicious, marvelously easy, and (most importantly) wicked fast
After a long day, it is nice to have some quick & healthy recipes that you can throw together without much thought. Plus, the comforting umami quality of this vegan fried rice means you’ll love falling back on this quick recipe again and again.
Ready in 40 mins
Recipe by: ACedarsSpoon
Bonus: not only healthy but a filling meal or side dish
Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Recipe is a hearty vegetarian recipe mixing orzo, chickpeas, fire-roasted tomatoes, warm spices, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and feta cheese. This makes a nice main meal or a delicious side dish!
Ready in 45 mins
Recipe by: AvocadoSkillet
Bonus: vegan risotto that’s so easy to make!
This vegan mushroom lentil risotto is a play on classic risotto, but with much more protein and substance than your standard risotto. It is made in one pot and comes together in less than 40 minutes with plenty of leftovers, making it a perfect meal prep option.
Ready in: 35 mins
Recipe by: TheCleanEatingCouple
Bonus: can be made on the stove, crockpot, or instant pot
The Best Pasta Fagioli Soup recipe that is better than Olive Garden! Healthy, vegetarian & easy to make! No prizes for guessing why this is one of my favorite vegetarian dinner recipes, tho’!
Ready in: 25 mins
Recipe by: WatchLearnEat
Bonus: a dish from Rome that celebrates pasta and chickpeas
This vegetarian pasta e ceci recipe is a quick and easy take on a classic Italian dish that is hearty, flavorful, and sure to please the whole family. This version is also vegan and can easily be made gluten-free using gluten-free pasta.
Stir fries & casseroles
Ready in: 45 mins
Recipe by: LivingLou
Bonus: a simple and tasty Mediterranean-style meal!
A delicious vegetarian weeknight dinner, this tofu bell pepper stir fry is ready in under 45 minutes and is simple to make!
Ready in: 30 mins
Recipe by: SplashOfTaste
Bonus: hearty and meat-free!
Packed with protein and fiber, this casserole is sure to fill you up without weighing you down. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time and can be easily reheated for busy weeknights.
Ready in: 20 mins
Recipe by: ServedFromScratch
Bonus: every cook needs a dump-and-cook recipe in their culinary kitty
This Mediterranean-inspired One Pot 20 Minute Greek Pasta is a dump-and-make vegetarian dinner that’s bound to be a family favorite like it’s become in our house!
Ready in: 40 mins
Recipe by: AllThat’sJas
Bonus: can be eaten as a full meal by itself, or served up with veggie sides
Need a delicious new recipe the whole family will love? This cozy and colorful Dutch Stamppot made with a variety of vegetables is easy and cooks fast. Best of all, this traditional vegetable mash is packed with nutrients.
And that, is that! What a brilliant collection of one-pot recipes this is if I say so myself! Soups, stews, risottos, pasta, rice dishes…. if anything could be made in one pot, it is here! So many great options here to give you ideas, to keep you going during the creeping cold season, eh what?
One-pot Questions
What is meant by ‘one-pot’ meal?
Literally, dishes you can make by throwing together a bunch of ingredients into one pot and letting it all cook together. They are the quintessential easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights and big Sunday meals.
You can make them on your stovetop in a big saucepan / Dutch oven, in a pressure cooker, slow cooker, or in an instant pot.
What are the benefits of one-pot meals?
The top one and the most attractive one is that one-pot meals cut down on washing up. No need to brace yourself to face a mountain of dishes post-dinner with one-pot dinners!
As the ingredients all cook together in one pot, there’s no loss of nutrient value – provided you don’t let your pot burn, that is! If you have fussy eaters at home, one-pot meals are a great way of sneaking in some added nutrition in the form of purees and sauces.
How can I adapt instant pot recipes if I don’t have an instant pot?
Most recipes provide stove top or pressure cooker options. If they don’t, the best way to adapt is to give it a go on a lazy Sunday afternoon. On a low to medium flame, follow the instant pot steps to your stove top pot and keep an eye on it so it doesn’t spill over or catch the bottom and burn.
Are pressure cookers safe for cooking? What can I make in one?
Pressure cookers are totally safe for use. The lids have a safety valve and their only purpose for being is to stop the pressure from building too much and blowing up.
So as long as you look after your pressure cooker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding usage and ensure the safety valve is in good nick, you ought to be able to get some excellent cooking done, thanks to your pressure cooker.
So, what is the verdict? Which vegetarian one-pot meals recipe gets your thumbs up? How did you deviate from the recipe instructions and what happened as a result? Do share your experiences with me in the comments section below.
