Contrary to popular belief, eating vegetarian doesn’t have to mean expensive meat substitutes or specialty ingredients. Some of the cheapest, most filling meals you can make are naturally meat-free — built around beans, rice, pasta, eggs, and vegetables. Whether you’re vegetarian full-time, trying to cut back on meat to save money, or just looking for a few extra meatless nights each week, plant-based cooking is one of the most budget-friendly approaches available.
This list of 18 cheap vegetarian meals is designed to give you enough variety for every day of the week (and then some), without relying on expensive meat alternatives.
Why Vegetarian Meals Are Often Cheaper
Meat is typically one of the most expensive items on a grocery list, meaning that meals built around plant-based proteins — beans, lentils, eggs, tofu — are almost always cheaper per serving. Dried beans and lentils, in particular, cost just a few cents per serving and are packed with protein and fiber, making them an excellent base for filling, satisfying meals. Combined with affordable staples like rice, pasta, and seasonal vegetables, a vegetarian diet can significantly reduce your overall grocery spending.
18 Cheap Vegetarian Meals for Every Day
- Black bean and rice bowls – Seasoned black beans over rice, topped with salsa and cheese.
- Vegetable fried rice – Rice, eggs, and frozen vegetables stir-fried together for a quick, filling meal.
- Lentil soup – Dried lentils simmered with vegetables and broth for a hearty, protein-rich soup.
- Bean and cheese quesadillas – Refried beans and cheese folded into tortillas and pan-fried until crispy.
- Pasta with marinara sauce – A simple, affordable classic that works well with any vegetables you have on hand.
- Vegetable and bean chili – Canned beans, tomatoes, and vegetables simmered together for a filling, meatless chili.
- Egg fried rice – A quick, protein-packed meal using leftover rice and pantry staples.
- Chickpea curry – Canned chickpeas simmered in a simple curry sauce, served over rice.
- Veggie and cheese omelet – A fast, affordable dinner option that works any time of day.
- Bean burritos – Refried or black beans, rice, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla.
- Vegetable soup with pasta – A simple, customizable soup using seasonal or leftover vegetables.
- Baked ziti (vegetarian) – Pasta, marinara, and cheese baked together for a filling, meat-free dinner.
- Stuffed peppers with rice and beans – Bell peppers filled with a seasoned rice and bean mixture, then baked.
- Vegetable stir-fry with peanut sauce – Stir-fried vegetables tossed in a simple peanut butter and soy sauce mixture, served over rice.
- Hummus and vegetable wraps – A no-cook option that’s quick, cheap, and filling.
- Chana masala (chickpea curry) – A flavorful, budget-friendly Indian-inspired dish made with canned chickpeas.
- Cheesy vegetable and rice casserole – Rice, vegetables, and cheese baked together into a comforting casserole.
- Grilled cheese with tomato soup – A simple, nostalgic combination that costs very little per serving.
Tips for Cheap Vegetarian Cooking
Build meals around dried beans and lentils. These are some of the least expensive proteins available and can be used in soups, chilis, curries, and bowls.
Buy vegetables in season. Seasonal produce is typically cheaper and fresher than out-of-season options, so plan your meals around whatever’s currently in season at your local grocery store.
Use canned vegetables and beans as a backup. While dried beans are cheaper overall, canned beans are a convenient, affordable option when you’re short on time, since they don’t require soaking or long cooking times.
Don’t skip eggs. Eggs are an inexpensive, versatile source of protein that work in breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes alike, making them a valuable staple for any budget-conscious vegetarian kitchen.
Batch cook grains and beans. Cooking a large pot of rice or a big batch of beans at the start of the week means you can quickly assemble several different meals without repeating the same cooking process every day.
Making Vegetarian Meals Filling and Satisfying
One common concern about vegetarian meals is that they won’t be filling enough, especially for anyone used to meat-based dinners. The key is combining complementary proteins and hearty ingredients — beans and rice together, for example, form a complete protein and are just as filling as a meat-based dish. Adding healthy fats, like a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of cheese, also helps round out a meal and keep you satisfied longer.
Building meals with a good mix of protein (beans, lentils, eggs), a hearty carbohydrate (rice, pasta, tortillas), and vegetables ensures that vegetarian dinners feel just as complete and satisfying as their meat-based counterparts, all while keeping your grocery bill significantly lower.
Final Thoughts
Eating vegetarian doesn’t have to mean expensive specialty ingredients or complicated recipes. With these 18 cheap vegetarian meals, you have plenty of filling, affordable options to rotate through, whether you’re vegetarian full-time or just looking to cut back on your grocery spending with a few extra meatless nights each week. Save this list, pick a few new recipes to try, and discover just how affordable and satisfying plant-based cooking can be.
I’m Grayson Watson, your frugal companion and the brain behind this money-saving extravaganza. Strap yourself in, because we’re about to embark on a wallet-friendly adventure like no other. Learn More!