The 29 Vegan Dinners I Made When I Just Needed To Feel Okay

When things felt heavy and the day just wouldn’t quit, these 29 plant-based dinners were what hit the spot without trying too hard. They weren’t flashy, just dependable in that low-key way you need when your brain is buffering. Nothing about them shouted for attention, but they managed to do their job anyway. They were the edible equivalent of sweatpants, functional, presentable, and exactly what the evening called for.

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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Egg Rolls

Egg rolls are a quick option when you need something warm and crispy. With every bite, they bring a comforting mix of textures that work well together. The heart of Egg Rolls is their versatile filling, which feels like a hug in food form. They’re also easy to pair with dips that can bring in a little something extra.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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

A simple approach to cabbage transforms it into a rich and fulfilling meal. The smoky kick from Gochujang Cabbage Steaks feels bold without being overpowering. It’s a nice shift from lighter salads or plain veggies. Plus, they’re solid by themselves or as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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.

Dense and hearty, Best Vegan Nut Roast always feels like a centerpiece dish. It brings together such a unique range of textures in a way that makes it unforgettable for dinner. You don’t need a fancy occasion to enjoy it, either. It’s the kind of recipe that feels filling without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Nut Roast

Homemade Ratatouille

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

A mix of layered veggies makes Homemade Ratatouille stand out as a classic comfort option. You can sense the depth of flavors stacking together without it feeling overly complicated. It’s an adaptable dish that plays well with others on the table. Each bite is warm and reminds you how versatile vegetables can be.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

Vegan Ham Recipe

A glazed meatloaf with a crosshatch pattern sits on a white platter, garnished with parsley. Two slices are cut from one end. — Vegan Ham Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Taking plant-based meat alternatives to another level, Vegan Ham Recipe delivers a dense and chewy texture. It holds a place among dishes that serve as a good replacement for traditional meat-based options. It’s surprisingly versatile when paired with other entrees or as an ingredient. Whether sliced or diced, it’s a solid choice for a “main”.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ham Recipe

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Creamy and earthy elements combine perfectly in Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta, making this dish simple yet rich. The sauce has a comforting depth that brings out the flavor of every strand of pasta. It’s easy to put together and surprisingly filling for a pasta dish. You often find yourself going back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Mixed Bean Chili

This one shines with its hearty blend of beans and rich flavors. Mixed Bean Chili feels substantial enough for colder evenings but still works any time. It’s the kind of dish you can have in a bowl or use as a topping for something else. With just a little bit of crunch on top, this chili is incredibly versatile.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Bean Chili

Vegan Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy dish with a spoon, likely consisting of mashed potatoes or a similar textured food. The mixture appears smooth and slightly chunky. — Vegan Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

You don’t have to miss out on cheesy comfort when you try Vegan Mac and Cheese. It packs in the same creamy vibes as the classic, but with a lighter twist that’s fully plant-based. It’s one of those meals that hits the sweet spot between nostalgia and something new. Perfect for days when you crave simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese

Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Light and creamy are the themes of Asparagus and White Bean Risotto, with tender asparagus pieces that balance everything out. The beans add density without making things too overwhelming. It’s nice when paired with a side salad or just by itself for a complete meal. It feels fancy without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Easy Vegan Chili Pizza

This pizza has quite a bold flavor twist thanks to the addition of chili. Easy Vegan Chili Pizza is proof you can throw unusual combos onto dough and walk away with something memorable. Every slice comes with a mix of spice and crunch that works better than you’d expect. It’s perfect for pizza nights when you want something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Chili Pizza

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.

These noodles are all about balance–light with a bit of nutty depth. Sesame Soba Noodles make for a quick option when you want something filling but not complicated. They’re good for both dinner or prepping ahead for next-day meals. Plus, they play nicely with added veggies.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

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.

Plant-based burgers like Copycat Impossible Burger nail the meaty texture you might miss. They fit well into your favorite burger night setups, complete with toppings you love. What makes this recipe special is how close it comes to traditional patties but without real meat. It’s a fun way to surprise yourself or someone new to vegan eating.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Impossible Burger

Harvest Salad

Salads don’t always have to feel plain, and Harvest Salad proves that with bold additions like hearty grains and roasted elements. It’s a meal on its own but doesn’t feel heavy at all. It’s perfect when you want something fresh but not too light. Pairs well with some crusty bread or just as is.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

Mushroom Pie

Four individual pot pies with flaky crusts on a round tray, one open to reveal a mushroom filling. — Mushroom Pie. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Thick and layered, Mushroom Pie steps in as a great alternative to those heavy meat-based ones. Each slice is packed full of rich textures, and the mushrooms bring a chewy feel to the dish. It works for special meals or even everyday dinners. This dish doesn’t try too hard but still surprises you.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pie

Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

A plate of tacos with red cabbage and cauliflower slaw. — Roasted Cauliflower Tacos. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

These tacos rely on roasted cauliflower to pack a punch without the need for meat. Roasted Cauliflower Tacos feel filling but light enough for a quick dinner. Their crisp texture works so well with the soft taco shells. They’re ideal for mixing up your regular taco night routine.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

Best Vegan Minestrone Soup Recipe

Soup fans will love the hearty vibe of Best Vegan Minestrone Soup Recipe without missing out on traditional ingredients. It’s all about warming bowls and rich flavors that come together effortlessly. It’s adaptable and pairs nicely with bread on the side. Great for days when simplicity feels right.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Minestrone Soup Recipe

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.

Adding grilled veggies to pasta salad takes it in a new direction. Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad feels both robust enough to stand alone and light enough for a side dish. This recipe is great for using leftovers or fresh ingredients on hand. Also, it’s surprisingly amazing chilled.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with chopped chives and black pepper. — Vegan Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Creamy and soft, Vegan Mashed Potatoes manage to bring comfort without relying on dairy. They feel like a side dish but also work as a foundation for other foods. Every bite feels warm and nostalgic, whether paired with veggies or plant-based proteins. You’ll want to keep making them because they’re just that versatile.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

Adding tofu to a couscous salad creates a balance between hearty and light textures. Vegan Couscous Salad with Tofu feels satisfying in a way you don’t normally expect from salads. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners yet fun to serve for gatherings. It’s a simple one you’ll keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

Homemade Vegan Pot Pie

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.

This recipe flips regular pot pies into something plant-based but still cozy and filling. Homemade Vegan Pot Pie features rich layers and a smooth, comforting bite every time. Perfect on colder nights or when you need something substantial. There’s no need to miss out on that flaky crust vibe.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Vegan Pot Pie

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.

Turning cauliflower into roasted “steaks” introduces a fun way to enjoy this veggie. Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks feel hearty enough for lighter dinner days but flexible enough for fancier occasions. They are flavorful without ever feeling heavy. Serve them alongside grains or greens for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

Vegan Lasagna

Close-up of a slice of vegetable lasagna showing layers of pasta, assorted vegetables, ricotta cheese, and tomato sauce with a breadcrumb topping. — Vegan Lasagna. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Lasagna layers without meat or cheese bring unique flavors different from the traditional kind. Vegan Lasagna feels homely in every bite while bringing new textures to the table. Each slice offers warm comfort perfect for a group meal. You won’t miss the original layers once you get used to it.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Lasagna

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.

Simple, dense, and ready to stack, Ultimate Vegan Burger reminds you plant-based burgers can be bold. It’s built for those lazy burger nights, where customization is everything. The texture holds together perfectly without falling apart mid-bite. Toss in whatever toppings you’re craving today.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Vegan Burger

Best Vegan Chili

Close-up of a bowl of chili, topped with chopped cilantro, sliced red onions, and a dollop of sour cream. The chili contains beans, tomatoes, and other visible vegetables. — Best Vegan Chili. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

With bold yet approachable flavors, Best Vegan Chili works great for solo meals or sharing. Each spoonful brings richness with depth that feels warm. Pair it with simple sides like cornbread or baked potatoes. It’s one of those dishes you’ll keep in your rotation for older pairings.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Chili

Vegan Alfredo Pasta

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

With creamy, plant-based sauce, Vegan Alfredo Pasta keeps things simple yet comforting. It’s rich and filling without relying on heavy dairy ingredients. Toss on extra veggies or keep it plain—it’ll work either way. This is a solid choice for when pasta cravings strike.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Alfredo Pasta

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

Combining mushrooms with baked rice adds texture to a standard dish. Baked Mushroom Rice feels hearty while keeping everything light. It’s perfect for weeknight meals or potlucks because it holds flavor well. Make it your go-to when you want a comfort option but nothing fancy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

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.

Cooking everything together on one pan makes dinner feel simple. Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables ensures the whole dish comes out perfectly with minimal effort. Roasted roots bring a natural sweetness combined with a soft texture that works any time. Great when you want food that’s warm but without major prep.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Tofu Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with grilled tofu, diced carrots, peas, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of dark sauce, served on a red cloth. — Tofu Fried Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Easy and fast, Tofu Fried Rice brings a nice mix of textures to the table. It’s a recipe you can modify with whatever extras you have around. The tofu chunks add a chewy point to the rice and veggies mix. This dish has that “I’ll toss together whatever’s left” kind of vibe.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

Thick sauce paired with hearty mushrooms makes Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff a great one-pot meal. It’s simple but doesn’t feel repetitive after a few bites. The creamy texture makes it filling without overwhelming, so you want it on rotation for quick meals. Serve it over noodles or rice, and you have dinner sorted.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff