I Didn’t Have The Energy To Plan, So I Stuck With These 29 Vegan Dinners

No energy to plan, so stuck with these 29 vegan dinners. Each one was easy to make and brought comfort to the table. No need to think too much or try something new. The meals were simple, filling, and always ready to help. Hard days felt better with something warm and familiar. Quiet nights became easier with less stress about food. These dinners made everything feel calm and steady.

Close-up of a vegan pot pie with a flaky crust, featuring visible corn, peas, carrots, and a creamy filling. A sprig of fresh herb and a sprinkle of black pepper garnish the pie. — Homemade Vegan Pot Pie. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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Baked Mushroom Rice

A plate of mushroom baked rice served next to a cast iron skillet. — Baked Mushroom Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

After a long day, it’s nice to have something simple yet flavorful waiting for you, like Baked Mushroom Rice. The tender mushrooms paired with perfectly cooked rice create a cozy dish that’s easy to enjoy. It’s not a complicated recipe, but it feels wholesome and filling. There’s something about the texture that keeps it comforting and tasty. Plus, it’s easy enough to pull together when planning feels a bit overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Ultimate Vegan Burger

A close-up of a plant-based burger with layers of creamy sauce, sliced cucumbers, red onions, and a brioche bun. — Ultimate Vegan Burger. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sometimes you just need a classic that hits the right spot, and Ultimate Vegan Burger gets it done perfectly. Packed with good ingredients, it’s hearty and works well when you’re short on energy. Great for a low-effort but high-impact dinner, it doesn’t require too much fuss. It’s easy to customize with whatever toppings you enjoy. Pair it with something simple on the side, and dinner’s handled.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Vegan Burger

Baked Tofu

Crispy tofu cubes piled on a plate with a dish of green dipping sauce in the background. — Baked Tofu. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

On those nights when you don’t want to overthink dinner, Baked Tofu can save the day. It turns out crispy on the edges and soft on the inside, making it easy to love. You can add seasonings that match whatever mood you’re in, or keep it straightforward. It’s one of those meals that works well when you just need to keep things simple. And it’s great for a no energy dinner plan.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

Vegan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

Warm, comforting, and straightforward, Vegan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew fits perfectly into the I need dinner fast category. It balances the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the boldness of chickpeas, making it filling without being too much work. No need to get fancy; it makes itself into a great option on tired nights. It’s a perfect way to create something warming without overthinking.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

Easy Vegan Chili Pizza

When you’re torn between making a snack or dinner, going for Easy Vegan Chili Pizza feels like a genius move. It combines bold flavors with the fun of pizza in a way that doesn’t take much effort. Whether you’re eating solo or sharing, it’s delicious without being complicated. It’s quick, enjoyable, and doesn’t leave you standing in the kitchen for too long. Great option for those late and tired evenings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Chili Pizza

Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

There’s something so comforting about food with great texture, and Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes fits the bill nicely. Soft inside and crispy outside, they’re perfect for nights when you just grab what’s easy. They work well as a dish on their own or alongside something quick. No need to put too much thought into it; they’ve already got the crunch and coziness you need. Perfect for low-energy nights.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

A close-up of a pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, red onions, and seasonings in a white bowl. — Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Grilling gives your veggies an extra bite of flavor, and when paired with pasta in Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad, it feels balanced and easy. It’s not overly fussy and makes a great dinner option when you’re looking for a light but filling choice. You don’t need energy to make it feel like a complete dish it just works. It also allows you to throw together what you already have. Perfect for lazy evening meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Vegan Ranch Sauce

Sometimes you want something crispy and dunkable, and Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Vegan Ranch Sauce tick all the right boxes. The air fryer gets them crispy without the hassle of frying, making it a great option for tired nights. The ranch sauce adds a creamy touch that pairs perfectly with the nuggets. It’s simple, fast, and doesn’t require much planning. It’s one of those meals that’s perfect when energy is running low.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Vegan Ranch Sauce

Harvest Salad

A mix of fresh and wholesome ingredients makes Harvest Salad a go-to choice when dinner feels overwhelming. It’s easy to throw together and feels like more effort than it really is. Perfect for moments where you don’t want a heavy meal but still need something filling. Toss everything together, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

A white dish with roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, red onions, and sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh dill and thyme. — Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When planning seems out of reach, Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables comes to the rescue. Everything cooks together on one tray, simplifying your evening without sacrificing flavor. You’re left with tender, flavorful veggies that feel like a full meal with little effort. The clean-up is minimal, which is always a bonus when energy is low. A perfect no-fuss dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale

No need to overthink meals with this one. Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale is the kind of dish that comes together in one pan without requiring much from you. It’s warm, hearty, and fills you up without you spending ages in the kitchen. Perfect for nights where effort feels like something you don’t have. Simple ingredients make it all work with minimal hassle.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale

Homemade Ratatouille

A close up of food. — Homemade Ratatouille. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Quiet evenings call for something simple, and Homemade Ratatouille gives you both flavor and ease. You can layer your vegetables without overthinking, and the result is a comforting dish that works every time. It’s one of those meals that feels more effort than it needs. Easy to assemble with a no-fancy approach, yet it still feels complete. Perfect for an energy-saving dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Creamy and earthy, Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta is just what you’d reach for when you don’t have time to plan. It’s rich without being overly heavy, giving you a meal that feels perfect. The sauce comes together quickly, letting you enjoy a hearty dish without needing extra steps. It keeps dinner simple while still feeling complete. Great choice when you want something relatively quick but comforting.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Marry Me Chickpeas

Skillet with creamy chickpeas, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, garnished with herbs. — Marry Me Chickpeas. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Nights when energy is low deserve something like Marry Me Chickpeas because they’re simple yet filling. Cooked chickpeas are tossed together to make the dish complete without much effort. It’s easy to pull together, works well on its own, and makes eating feel effortless. It’s one of those recipes that doesn’t ask for much but delivers on flavor. Perfect for a no-energy dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chickpeas

Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

A bowl of cooked rice mixed with kidney beans, garnished with chopped herbs on top, placed on a light-colored surface with fresh greens on a wooden board in the background. — Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

With minimal thought required, Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans can turn into comfort food for your evening. The flavors blend together effortlessly to create a filling dish that works when you’re tired. You don’t need many steps or energy to pull this one off. It’s reliable and always feels balanced. Definitely one to keep in mind for lazy nights or quick meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

A gochujang cabbage steak on a bed of white rice. — Gochujang Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bold but simple, Gochujang Cabbage Steaks work well when you’re looking for something different but low-effort. The flavors are strong enough to make them the center of the meal. You can easily roast or grill them, making it stress-free. Perfect for nights when you just want something straightforward yet interesting. Adding minimal touches, it turns out complete without too much work.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

A salad with arugula, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a drizzle of creamy dressing on a white plate. — Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Some evenings you just want something quick but still hearty. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad does the trick with minimal effort. Its combination is filling yet doesn’t overcomplicate things. Toss everything together, and you’ll find it’s just what you needed for a simple dinner solution. Perfect for those nights where cooking feels like too much work.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Copycat Impossible Burger

Close-up of a burger with a plant-based patty, lettuce, and sauce in a bun. — Copycat Impossible Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you’re not up for anything elaborate, Copycat Impossible Burger makes life so much simpler. Throw it together without overthinking and enjoy something tasty on your plate. It’s a straightforward option that doesn’t require much beyond the basics. Grill, assemble, and it’s ready to eat in no time. Perfect for moments when you just want to relax and keep things easy.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Impossible Burger

Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

A plate of roasted cauliflower steaks garnished with chopped pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and fresh parsley. — Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A quick option that feels a little fancy without being a lot of work. Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks can easily be thrown in the oven when you want something warm and filling. It’s paired with simple flavors that come together without too much hassle. Great if energy for cooking is running low but you still want a decent meal. Everything about this dish keeps it simple without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

Sesame Soba Noodles

Two bowls of soba noodle salad with carrots, edamame, and radish slices, placed on a patterned cloth with wooden chopsticks beside them. — Sesame Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

On nights when you’re after something easy, Sesame Soba Noodles deliver with zero stress. Toss the noodles and sauce together, and you’ve got a dinner that works without much planning. Light yet delicious, it’s the kind of meal that’s ready in mere minutes. Doesn’t require anything fancy, just the staples you’d probably have on hand. Perfect for when cooking feels like too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Keeping it simple is key when energy’s low, and Asparagus and White Bean Risotto fits that need. Just combine the ingredients and let it all come together in one pot. The creamy texture makes it comforting without being too complicated to make. It’s a wholesome option when you don’t want a lot of fuss. A true one-pot solution for easy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Vegan Alfredo Pasta

A plate of creamy fettuccine alfredo garnished with chopped parsley. — Vegan Alfredo Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cooking doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially with Vegan Alfredo Pasta. It combines creamy flavors into an easy dish that’s quick to whip up. You don’t need to spend hours making something elaborate to feel satisfied. A comforting plate for moments when energy is running out. In the time it takes to boil some pasta, you’re halfway done and ready to dig in.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Alfredo Pasta

Marry Me Lentils

A pan of lentil dish with spinach, fresh basil, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, garnished with lemon wedges. — Marry Me Lentils. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When cooking feels like too much, Marry Me Lentils are here for you. One pot is all it takes, and the flavors combine effortlessly. It’s hearty while still being super approachable to make. Nothing overwhelming in terms of preparation or cleanup afterward. An ideal solution for those nights where easy is the key word.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Lentils

Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

A casserole dish brimming with golden-brown bread crumbs, tender rice, and vibrant broccoli florets, this vegan cheesy broccoli and rice casserole is a delightful blend of flavors. — Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A no-fuss kind of recipe for when you don’t have energy. Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole goes in the oven and does all the hard work for you. It’s made with simple ingredients; no need to overdo anything. You pop it in, let it bake, and dinner is done. Great for nights where convenience matters most.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Certain nights call for quick comfort without too much effort. Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta brings that to your plate in record time. Boil some pasta, toss together the sauce, and you’re good to go. Everything blends into a warm and filling meal, perfect for when cooking seems like a chore. An excellent go-to for keeping things simple but still flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Best Vegan Nut Roast

Close-up of a nut roast topped with cranberry sauce and garnished with fresh herbs, served on a white plate. — Best Vegan Nut Roast. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Easy dinners don’t have to lack substance, which is where Best Vegan Nut Roast comes in. All you need is to toss it together, bake, and let the flavors come together lazily in the oven. It’s warm, hearty, and doesn’t require too much prep work. A solid option for those evenings where you’re relying on basic staples.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Nut Roast

Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

Tofu Vegetable Noodle Stir Fry. Photo Credits: Two City Vegans — Tofu Vegan Stir Fry. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

If you want something quick and packed with fresh veggies, Tofu Vegan Stir Fry works without feeling overwhelming. Toss everything in a hot pan, and dinner pretty much makes itself. It’s a minimal-effort dish that doesn’t skimp on feeling filling. Easy cleanup after too, since it’s all done in one pan. Perfect for nights where cooking feels like too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

Easy Vegan Falafel Bowl

No energy to cook? Easy Vegan Falafel Bowl is here to make dinner low-maintenance. You can toss the ingredients together and have everything ready to go in barely any time. A mix of simple flavors that are filling without exhausting your last bits of motivation. Perfect when you need something easy but still worth sitting down for. It’s all about keeping things doable yet delicious.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Falafel Bowl

Homemade Vegan Pot Pie

For a comforting dinner that doesn’t overcomplicate your evening, Homemade Vegan Pot Pie is the way to go. You can assemble everything quickly without feeling overwhelmed. The combination of flaky crust and warm filling comes together nicely with very little work involved. Great for those slower dinners where laying low feels just right. It’s low-effort but more than enough to enjoy thoroughly.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Vegan Pot Pie