Easy Meat-Free Dinners That Actually Fill You Up

Meat-free, not joy-free

A good vegetarian dinner is not about leaving something out, it is about building flavour and substance in other ways. Get a few principles right and you will not miss the meat at all.

Build your meal around pulses

Lentils, chickpeas and beans are the secret to a filling meat-free meal. They are cheap, packed with protein and fibre, and soak up spice beautifully, which keeps you full for hours. A bowl of smoky lentil chili with squash is every bit as hearty as a meaty one. Browse more in our chickpea recipes collection.

Chase savoury depth

Meat brings a savoury, umami richness, so meat-free cooking works best when you build that flavour from other sources:

• Mushrooms for a deep, meaty bite.
• Tomato paste, soy sauce, miso or parmesan for instant savoury depth.
• Browning and roasting to caramelise vegetables, as in these grilled aubergines with spicy chickpeas.
• Spices and herbs layered generously, not timidly.

Make vegetables the main event

Give vegetables the starring role rather than a supporting one. A vegetable shepherd's pie or a creamy spinach and ricotta cannelloni feels every bit as comforting as a meat dish, because the vegetables are treated with the same care. For more greens, see our spinach recipes.

Keep it simple on busy nights

Meat-free food is often the fastest food, since there is no raw meat to handle or cook through. A few good store-cupboard staples (a tin of beans, some lentils, tomatoes and spices) turn into dinner in minutes. Try a roasted eggplant with tahini, pine nuts and lentils, or browse our simple few-ingredient recipes.

Quick answers

How do I make a meat-free meal filling? Centre it on pulses or whole grains for protein and fibre, and include some healthy fat (oil, nuts, cheese, avocado) to keep you satisfied.

Where does the protein come from? Lentils, chickpeas, beans, tofu, eggs, dairy, nuts and seeds are all excellent sources, and combining them through the day covers everything you need.

Can these freeze? Most bean and lentil dishes freeze brilliantly, so they are perfect for batch cooking.

Want more ideas? Explore all our recipe collections.