45 Vegan Meal Prep Recipes for Cold Weather When Planning Pays Off

A new season always recharges my love for meal prep, and winter feels like the perfect time for it. Here you’ll find 45 vegan recipes designed for everything from hectic weekdays to slow afternoons or simple dinners at home. The variety means plenty of ways to keep meals interesting while freeing up time for things that matter. It’s nice how a few simple steps can carry you through a stretch of cold weather.

A bowl of tomato-based dip garnished with chopped parsley and walnuts, with pita bread pieces on the side. — Muhammara with Pita Bread. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper. — Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Shiny, golden veggies like this Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze add a little flair to the meal plan. Every forkful feels a bit special, offering sweet notes that balance out heavier dishes. I always look forward to seeing how quickly they disappear in lunchboxes. Quick prep ahead means every dinner gets a restaurant-style kick, just when you need it.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Mushroom Bolognese

A plate of tagliatelle pasta topped with tomato sauce and chopped herbs, with a black fork resting on the side. — Mushroom Bolognese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Deep, comforting flavors stand out in this Mushroom Bolognese whether you serve it for lunch or dinner. Each bite gives a warm, homey feel that helps make even simple noodles shine. I love doubling the batch so all the hard work in the kitchen pays off throughout the week. Clean-up gets easier when one pot does it all.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Bolognese

Golden Roasted Potatoes

Close-up of vegan roasted potato wedges garnished with chopped parsley. The potato skins are slightly crispy and browned, with visible seasoning. — Golden Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Plates are filled with cheer as soon as this Golden Roasted Potatoes takes center stage. Crispy on the outside yet soft in the middle, these potatoes make meal prep actually fun. I stash extra portions in containers for those days when time is short but comfort food calls. Reliable sides like this always keep the menu fresh and everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Potatoes

Thai Peanut Curry

Chilly afternoons feel brighter thanks to the bold flavor of this Thai Peanut Curry. Ladling out a creamy curry makes weeknight dinners a lot less predictable and much more fun. I make enough to cover several lunches—each one just as comforting as the last. Prepping curry in advance helps make the cold season a little less long.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Curry

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole

A baked sweet potato casserole topped with a crunchy pecan and oat crumble, with a serving scooped out, revealing the orange filling. — Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Meals go smoother through the week with this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole on deck. Bringing a sweet and cozy vibe to each lunchbox, it always seems to disappear first. I love knowing there’s a simple meal waiting after a long workday. Recipe prep becomes a breeze when one dish doubles up as both dinner and tomorrow’s leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole

Lentil Bolognese

A pot of pasta with a tomato-based sauce, lentils, mushrooms, and vegetables on a light surface beside a bowl of grated cheese. — Lentil Bolognese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Hearty sauces like this Lentil Bolognese make every day feel comforting and easy to manage. Rushing around gets less stressful with plenty of leftovers, all set for reheating. I enjoy watching this filling dish come together, ready to cover noodles or a quick bowl of rice. Classic meal prep favorites help get you through every temperature drop.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese

Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Vegan Ranch Sauce

Packed lunches look more exciting with this Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Vegan Ranch Sauce smiling back at you. Crunchy, dippable nuggets pair well with creamy sauce for eaters of any age. I make them ahead so snack and meal times stay stress-free. Fun recipes make prepping meals feel a lot less like a chore and more like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Vegan Ranch Sauce

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

Comfort meets easy prep in this Baked Mushroom Rice, which fills lunchboxes with warmth and earthy aroma. Each serving offers something a little different, depending on how you scoop. I lean on simple casseroles for keeping meals on schedule all week. Recipes that mix everything in one pan turn everyday eating into something special.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Marry Me Chickpeas

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

A good meal is just as important the next day, which is why this Marry Me Chickpeas holds up. Thick, creamy goodness brings smiles at dinner before leftovers get scooped into containers for lunch. I depend on chickpea dishes for long-lasting comfort without fuss. Recipes like this keep everyone well fed through the coldest weeks.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chickpeas

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. — Caribbean Rice and Beans. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bright colors and hearty bites fill every container with this Caribbean Rice and Beans ready for the week ahead. Stepping away from standard pasta or bread, rice keeps lunches feeling new. I enjoy sneaking in extra servings to lighten the dinner rush. Easy, flavorful meal prep is the secret to staying happy and well-fed with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Caribbean Rice and Beans

Mushroom Gravy

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with mushroom and onion gravy, garnished with rosemary. — Mushroom Gravy. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Roasts, mashed potatoes, or veggie patties become event-level meals topped with this Mushroom Gravy. Each ladle takes plain sides up a notch and helps keep leftovers from getting dull. I pour this gravy into jars so a great flavor boost is always waiting. Easy sauces that reheat well make winter meal prep so much smoother.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

Layered Moussaka

A pan of cooked lasagna topped with melted cheese, black pepper, and chopped parsley. — Layered Moussaka. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Rich, layered comfort comes together with this Layered Moussaka on the prep list. Every casserole dish looks fancier with thick slices stacked in the fridge. I find that leftovers pack beautifully, creating ready-made lunches that never feel boring. Elegant meal prep can make a regular week shine without fuss or stress.
Get the Recipe: Layered Moussaka

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.

Filling bowls of this Marry Me Lentils help meal prep feel like an act of self-care instead of just a routine. Creamy texture and savory bites welcome anyone who comes by for dinner. I keep a few extra servings in the freezer for surprise guests or busy nights. Plant-based stews offer comfort that doesn’t take extra work.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Lentils

Marry Me Tofu

A bowl of creamy pasta salad with cubed noodles and sun-dried tomatoes, garnished with fresh basil leaves and black pepper, served in a rustic dish on a brown cloth. — Marry Me Tofu. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Satisfying bites highlight this Marry Me Tofu, which looks right at home over grains or veggies. Soft yet still substantial, every portion stays comforting days after cooking. I freeze half for later and love how easy dinner becomes. Prepping dishes like this gives new meaning to planning ahead for cold-weather nights.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Tofu

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.

Slices of this Mushroom Pie appeal both at dinnertime and during the next day’s packed lunch. Flaky pastry and a warm filling stick with you long after the meal ends. I make an extra pie so nobody misses out, no matter how busy the week gets. Savory pies prove great meal prep is also simple comfort.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pie

Overnight Vanilla Oats

Three jars of oatmeal with berries and maple syrup. — Overnight Vanilla Oats. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Early mornings turn calm with this Overnight Vanilla Oats waiting in the fridge. Smooth, cool bites help busy days begin without any rush. I reach for these oats whenever I need breakfast to double as a snack later. Recipes that handle both hunger and time crunches are my best secret during the cold season.
Get the Recipe: Overnight Vanilla Oats

Plant-Based Vegan Spam

Slices of Vegan Spam. — Plant-Based Vegan Spam. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Quick sandwiches turn into exciting meals with neat slices of this Plant-Based Vegan Spam. Vegan takes on classics help solve the lunchbox puzzle again and again. I dice leftovers for salads or wraps, speeding up future meals. Keeping staples like this on hand makes prepping food at home a little adventure every time.
Get the Recipe: Plant-Based Vegan Spam

Red Lentil Soup

A bowl of lentil curry garnished with chopped cilantro and a swirl of cream, with a spoon in the bowl. — Red Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A big batch of this Red Lentil Soup means days of hot, comforting lunches are sorted in advance. Spoonfuls bring out a slow warmth, perfect for colder months. I ladle out portions into containers for quick grab-and-go meals. Soup recipes that scale well make cold and busy weeks way easier to handle.
Get the Recipe: Red Lentil Soup

Rich Vegan Pecan Pie

Slice of pecan pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a white plate, accompanied by two spoons. — Rich Vegan Pecan Pie. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

You know the week will go better with a slice of this Rich Vegan Pecan Pie packed away. Creamy, sweet comfort keeps lunch or dessert just a little special during a busy schedule. I make the full pie ahead for both planned and surprise cravings. Homemade desserts that last a few days always brighten food prep routines.
Get the Recipe: Rich Vegan Pecan Pie

Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

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

Lunch breaks get livelier when tacos filled with this Roasted Cauliflower Tacos are tucked into meal containers. Each taco packs crunch and spice, never falling flat by the second day. I let everyone build their own for a new twist at every meal. Flexible meal prep lets colder days feel exciting, bite by bite.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

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.

Slices from this Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks double as a filling main or a side during meal prep. Each steak brings smoky flavor and hearty texture to everyday meals. I stack leftovers in containers for fast weeknight dinners. Planning ahead pays off big time with plant-based mains that reheat well and taste bold.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

Stuffed Acorn Squash

A roasted acorn squash half filled with a stuffing of couscous, apples, nuts, raisins, and fresh herbs sits on a plate. — Stuffed Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Meals packed with this Stuffed Acorn Squash look cheerful whether it’s for lunch at work or a quick dinner at home. Hearty fillings keep energy up during cool, busy weeks. I appreciate that it reheats well and still feels special. Cozy squash dishes offer rich flavor that lasts beyond just the first meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash

Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

A baked casserole with Brussels sprouts and a crispy, golden-brown topping, garnished with chopped parsley. — Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A bubbly Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole promises warm, hearty bites ready to go all week long. Spreading out servings means less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing after work. I feel confident packing it for both adults and kids, since everyone asks for seconds. Simple casseroles make batch prepping so much more rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

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.

Homemade burgers from this Ultimate Vegan Burger batch promise filling sandwiches anytime hunger strikes. Storing patties ahead means you’re only a quick reheat away from a comforting dinner. I let folks top these how they like, keeping things flexible all week long. Vegan burgers turn boring lunches into something to brag about.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Vegan Burger

Veg Winter Stew

A bowl of lentil stew with potatoes and carrots, garnished with sliced green onions and parsley, accompanied by slices of crusty bread. — Veg Winter Stew. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Fridge shelves fill with color and heartiness when this Veg Winter Stew is part of the plan. Lifting the lid lets out aromatic steam that brings the kitchen to life. I like splitting up big pots into little containers for nearly effortless lunches. Meal prep means more time for warm moments and less cleaning up.
Get the Recipe: Veg Winter Stew

Vegan Apple Crisp

A bowl of apple crisp topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, with a spoon placed in the bowl. — Vegan Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cold mornings after prep day feel sweeter with scoops of this Vegan Apple Crisp for breakfast or dessert. Warm cinnamon pairs up with baked fruit, making every meal a mini treat. I keep a dish in the refrigerator for sneaky snacks and reward bites. Quick desserts that last a few days help make meal prep worth celebrating.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Apple Crisp

Vegan Rasta Pasta

A close-up of penne pasta mixed with red and green bell peppers, onions, grated cheese, and sprinkled with chili flakes. — Vegan Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Fun colors and creamy texture means this Vegan Rasta Pasta stands out in any lunch lineup. Scooping into bold noodles for both lunch and dinner keeps the week moving with ease. I enjoy varying the sides for a different vibe every meal. Prepping vegan pasta dishes makes cold spells so much easier to handle.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Rasta Pasta

Vegan Chocolate Cake

A slice of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting on a plate, with a small piece broken off and crumbs scattered around. — Vegan Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Rich chocolate comfort meets careful planning thanks to this Vegan Chocolate Cake ready-to-serve in the fridge. Slices stay just as good days later, perfect with an afternoon coffee or tea. I keep squares portioned in containers for whenever a sweet craving hits. Batch desserts like this help meal prep feel less like a chore.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Cake

Vegan Enchilada Casserole

Close-up of a layered dish with melted cheese, corn, beans, diced tomatoes, and green onions. — Vegan Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Casserole dishes hold their flavor during the week, especially with this Vegan Enchilada Casserole. Melty, bold layers reheat well for both packed lunches and quick dinners. I make extra so nobody fights over leftovers. Versatile casseroles are the backbone of reliable winter meal prep in my kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Enchilada Casserole

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.

Comfort food feels ready at all times with this Vegan Mac and Cheese divided into single portions. Creamy, warm pasta stands up well to reheating, solving the “what’s for lunch?” question fast. I recommend prepping a full pan so the weeks go by smoother. Nothing cheers up a chilly day like a classic, cheesy dish.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Serving up this Vegan Green Bean Casserole means everyone gets a share of nostalgic comfort all week. Cozy servings stay flavorful for days, speeding up both lunch and dinner prep. I stack containers so reaching for a snack or quick side is easy. Classic side dishes make eating well during cold weather a total breeze.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Vegan Poke Bowl

A bowl of tofu cubes with sliced carrots, radishes, edamame, scallions, and sesame seeds, garnished with sauce, with black chopsticks on the side. — Vegan Poke Bowl. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cold days get a fresh twist from building this Vegan Poke Bowl during meal prep time. Each bowl lets you mix and match toppings for colorful, nourishing lunches. I look for quick ways to customize each serving to keep things interesting. Bowls like this help break up the routine when you’re tired of heavy food.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Poke Bowl

Vegan Hashbrown Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with browned breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, with a serving spoon inside. — Vegan Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Seeing this Vegan Hashbrown Casserole in the fridge means breakfast is on autopilot for the week ahead. Cheesy, crisp edges bring lots of smiles on rushed mornings. I find breakfasts run smoother with one-pan meals made in advance. Warming casseroles ensure nothing gets skipped, even on the chilliest mornings.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Hashbrown Casserole

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.

Cozy nights come together faster with this Vegan Lasagna portioned and waiting to heat up. Satisfying layers keep everyone coming back for more, making meal prep pay off. I wrap servings individually so clean-up takes no time at all. Tried-and-true classics make repeating the same recipe a comforting decision.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Lasagna

Vegan Tikka Masala

A skillet filled with chickpea and tofu curry in a creamy sauce, garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. — Vegan Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Aromatic Vegan Tikka Masala makes every day feel a little more adventurous, even in the middle of winter. Creamy, spiced sauce clings to rice, creating bowls worth looking forward to. I store leftovers in single-serve containers for fast lunches. Having rich, flexible mains pre-prepped takes the edge off a gray week.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tikka Masala

Vegan Pot Pie

Steam escapes with every bite of this Vegan Pot Pie fresh from the microwave. Flaky crust and hearty filling stick with you, making cold days warmer and calmer. I split the pie for several meals so nobody begs for more. Homestyle comfort combined with simple prep makes winter meal planning so much tastier.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pot Pie

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

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

Soft, creamy comfort happens all week when this Vegan Mashed Potatoes sits ready in the fridge. Every container brings the promise of a soothing side, no extra cooking needed. I like having potatoes around for pairing with stews or mains. Simple, home-style sides lighten meal prep and keep everyone reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Vegan Squash Casserole

A bowl of roasted butternut squash and vegetables, garnished with chopped herbs, with a gold fork on the side. — Vegan Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Containers filled with this Vegan Squash Casserole promise golden goodness with every meal. The bubbly top stays inviting even after reheating, perfect for batch cooking. I grab a scoop whenever I need an uplifting lunch or side that feels homey. Classic casseroles can easily be the highlight of winter meal prep days.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Squash Casserole

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Bowls of this Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew smell incredible each day they’re reheated for dinner or lunch. Enough for a few nights, this thick and hearty dish truly makes planning worth it. I save single portions so there’s always an answer to the “what’s for dinner?” question. Hearty stews fight off winter blues with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Vegan Mushroom Soup

A bowl of creamy mushroom soup with sliced mushrooms, herbs, and a spoon, with pieces of bread on the side. — Vegan Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A large pot of this Vegan Mushroom Soup means a quick, flavorful bowl is ready whenever hunger hits. Creamy, rich flavor feels right for cold days and keeps everyone full. I freeze some for the busiest weeks and always come back for more. Soup recipes deliver real comfort without making extra work for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Soup

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Packed meals turn brighter with this Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole included in the mix. Smooth, slightly sweet helpings work well for both special occasions and slow days. I double up on recipes that hold their comfort after reheating. Cozy casseroles that stay good all week make meal prepping a lot less stressful.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Vegan Pizza

Close-up of vegetable pizza with artichokes, mushrooms, zucchini, and red peppers on a baked crust, garnished with fresh herbs. — Vegan Pizza. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Homemade pizza from this Vegan Pizza means lunch is something to look forward to, whether hot or cold. Each slice holds up for days, making repeat meals much more tempting. I love switching up toppings before baking to keep each meal fresh. Easy classics like pizza always have a place in my meal plans during colder weather.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pizza

Vegan Potato Soup

A bowl of chunky potato soup with herbs, diced vegetables, and broth, garnished with chopped parsley and sprinkled with black pepper. — Vegan Potato Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A steaming bowl of this Vegan Potato Soup is a saving grace for rushed or chilly days. Creamy, smooth texture makes everyone lean in for more each time. I divide it into containers for grab-and-go meals that still feel nourishing. Big batches of soup always prove planning meals in cold weather is a smart move.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Potato Soup

Vegetable Casserole

A baked casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping, garnished with fresh herbs. — Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cold evenings get better when a serving of this Vegetable Casserole is ready to go. Layers of veggies make the week more interesting and the clean-up less daunting. I rely on casseroles like this for both planned dinners and last-minute snacks. Keeping the fridge stocked lets me spend less time cooking and more time relaxing.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Muhammara with Pita Bread

Snack attacks get solved ahead of time with this Muhammara with Pita Bread stored for the week. Creamy, nutty red pepper dip pairs with pita for easy lunches or midday fuel. I love having a vegan dip on hand to brighten up usual snacks. Lively recipes turn low-energy afternoons into something to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Muhammara with Pita Bread