Thu. Mar 13th, 2025
Vegan Meal Prep Dinner Ideas

Any week is more healthy whenever you’ve gotten nutritious, home-cooked meals inside the fridge, able to be reheated on the end of an prolonged day. On this submit, I share a couple of of my favorite vegan meal prep dinner ideas, along with concepts of freezing and reheating. Begin your week with the knowledge that dinner is taken care of!

Now that I’ve shared a couple of of my favorite meal prep breakfast ideas and lunch ideas, it’s time to take care of dinner.

The price of a meal prep dinner

For a really very long time, dinner was the meal that I was least vulnerable to meal prep.

On the time, I had further flexibility in my schedule. I assumed to myself that if I’d put collectively one factor on the end of the day, I must.

Proper right here’s what I’ve realized:

Just because I can prepare dinner dinner on the end of the day, it doesn’t suggest that I must.

I don’t put collectively good meals as soon as I’m drained. After I do that, I usually rush by the use of the tactic, and my meals endure for it.

There’s no bigger bummer of spending time, vitality, and elements on a recipe—to not point out on a weeknight—and having it not show properly.

Selection fatigue isn’t my good good friend.

Like most people, I’ve to make various decisions over the course of a median work day.

If I arrive at dinnertime and never utilizing a way of what I’m making, then I’ll most likely stare into my fridge blankly. I’ll do this even after I’ve elements for an outstanding meal in there.

The difficulty at the moment isn’t what’s accessible. The difficulty is that I lack the motivation and creativity to provide you ideas.

Some nights I merely don’t actually really feel like cooking—and that’s OK.

That’s most nights, actually. Notably weeknights.

There are quite a few points I’d reasonably do after an prolonged day than prepare dinner dinner. They embrace catching up on my notes, talking with associates, watching TV, and finding out. Or getting out of my rental for a while.

People have family members they’d want to be talking to or children who need to be put to mattress.

If dinner has been meal prepped, then your full weeknight is accessible for family, work, and much-needed rest.

The underside line is that this: if cooking looks as if a relaxing, end-of-day ritual for you, then prepare dinner dinner your coronary coronary heart out.

However when cooking on weeknights looks as if a chore, you’ll nonetheless uncover a method to eat healthful meals all week prolonged.

You could have the benefit of home-cooked dinners with out feeling rushed or falling into meals ruts.

Vegan meal prep dinners could also be your reply.

There’s a great deal of knowledge on this submit, and I’m sharing various recipe ideas, too! I’ve broken points down into sections, in order to navigate by the use of it merely.

  1. Vegan meal prep dinner requirements
  2. Safe freezing and storage
  3. Storage
  4. The way in which to serve vegan meal prep dinners
  5. Vegan meal prep dinner recipe ideas
  6. A snug vegan meal prep casserole
A zoomed in image of a white bowl that has been piled with spinach, onions, chickpeas, and yellow turmeric-spiced rice.A zoomed in image of a white bowl that has been piled with spinach, onions, chickpeas, and yellow turmeric-spiced rice.

My vegan meal prep dinner requirements

Listed below are the problems that I would like from my night time meal:

Stability

I’ll positively sound like a broken report if I level out that I like my meal prep dinners to be vitality plates.

Nonetheless within the occasion you’re a model new reader and in addition you’re questioning what an affect plate is, it’s straightforward! It’s solely a meal that intentionally encompasses a provide of protein, a provide of healthful fat, and a provide of sophisticated carbs.

Vitality plates are near and expensive to my coronary coronary heart.

After I used to be in consuming dysfunction restoration, finding out to prioritize macronutrient steadiness was an unlimited drawback—and later, an unlimited victory.

I was proof towards dietary steadiness for a really very long time. My relationship with meals turned so much further grounded and optimistic as soon as I started along with all macronutrients with all meals.

I wrote a whole cookbook about vitality plates. It was a tribute to the tactic of finding out to supply my physique the dietary developing blocks that it wished.

Now, as soon as I do my weekly vegan meal prep, macronutrient steadiness is the organizational principle that I make the most of to plan.

The Vegan Week

Embrace the enjoyment of consuming selfmade meals on each day foundation with the hearty and healthful recipes in The Vegan Week.

Whether or not or not you have gotten three, two, and even just one hour of time to spare, The Vegan Week will current you the way one can batch prepare dinner dinner assorted, vibrant, and comforting dishes over the weekend.

Comfort

Meals is a provide of comfort for me at any time of day. Nonetheless I would like for dinner, better than breakfast or lunch, to be cozy and comforting.

“Cozy” and “comfort” can seem like so many different points. Usually a comfort meals meal is a bowl of soup.

A bowl of red lentil butternut soup has been topped with crispy roasted chickpeas.A bowl of red lentil butternut soup has been topped with crispy roasted chickpeas.

On totally different nights, it’s prone to be a nourishing grain bowl with seasonal veggies.

Usually fairly easy and healthful meals is what feels further comforting than something.

A white bowl has been filled with tomato, zucchini, eggplant, whole grains, and legumes. It rests on a white cloth.A white bowl has been filled with tomato, zucchini, eggplant, whole grains, and legumes. It rests on a white cloth.

And sometimes I would like fundamental comfort meals: one factor hearty, warming, and evocative of childhood favorites.

There are various recipes from this web site that I’d put into that class. Nonetheless some highlights are my carrot mac n’ cheese, skillet lasagna or lasagna rolls, sweet potato lentil shepherd’s pie, quinoa broccoli bake, and loaded garlic kale potatoes.

Each single a sort of decisions could also be meal prepped.

Freezer potential

It isn’t vital {{that a}} vegan meal prep dinner be freezer-friendly, nevertheless it optimistic is a pleasing perk.

I’m joyful to prep a straightforward vegan meal prep lunch recipe and have it last 2-4 days. However after I make an unlimited, hearty casserole as a meal prep dinner, then I would love it to last.

Most of my favorite vegan meal prep dinners could also be frozen due to this.

Since I dwell alone, I normally freeze half the recipe as shortly as I make it.

For many who feed an even bigger family at dwelling, nevertheless you’d nonetheless like leftover to freeze, you’ll double the recipe. Make it as quickly as, have the benefit of it anew in some unspecified time sooner or later ultimately, in order for you per week off from dinner prep.

Safe freezing and storage

Which vegan dishes could also be frozen?

I’m normally requested about what’s and isn’t freezer nice. The reply is that various cooked meals could also be frozen!

There are some meals which can lose a couple of of their genuine texture after defrosting. I uncover that that’s normally true of cooked rice—though it doesn’t stop me from freezing leftovers of rice dishes.

Many up to date greens don’t preserve up properly to freezing, nevertheless they may merely be frozen after cooking. I routinely freeze my favorite braised cabbage, cooked sweet potatoes, sautéed kale or broccoli rabe, and steamed broccoli.

I moreover freeze sauces and dressings, hummus, pesto, cashew cheese and cashew cream, my 20-minute marinara sauce, vegan feta, vegan ricotta, and selfmade vegan mayo.

For many who love dessert as so much as I do and want to embrace it in your meal prep, good news! So many desserts freeze fantastically.

This consists of vegan cake, brownies, cookies, tofu whipped cream, silken tofu chocolate pudding, cashew chocolate pudding, cobbler, buckle, pie, and further.

Safe freezing and defrosting

After I took meals safety as part of my teaching to show right into a dietitian, I shuddered to contemplate what variety of situations I had defrosted meals by leaving it on my counter in a single day. Yikes!

Anyway, now I do know that essentially the most safe approach to defrost meals is always inside the fridge. Counting on the meals in question, defrosting might take wherever from 12-36 hours.

There are totally different protected defrosting methods. You could microwave meals from frozen, using your microwave’s defrosting setting.

It is also doable to soundly prepare dinner dinner frozen meals immediately from its frozen state.

I’ve been recognized to pop frozen cubes of my balsamic tofu correct into the air fryer or oven for reheating.

Usually I defrost a batch of chili or soup merely ample inside the fridge to get it out of its container, then finish cooking in my pot.

For many who prepare dinner dinner meals immediately from frozen, do not forget that the meals must be consumed immediately after cooking.

Refreezing

One other phrase about freezing: usually I’ll thaw one factor, then discover that I don’t need it (however) on account of I’ve prepared one factor else.

In these situations, it’s protected and fully OK to refreeze the thawed meals. Merely do not forget that the texture of the meals might change a bit on account of the thawing and refreezing.

Moreover ensure you not at all devour, to not point out refreeze, meals that has been at room temperature for better than 2 hours.

Reheating

The minimal protected temperature for reheating leftovers is 165°F.

You could make your meals attain this temperature on the stovetop, inside the oven, or inside the microwave—it’s all good. You merely need to get it to not lower than that temperature.

Guarantee to stir your meals or rotate it whereas reheating, so that it heats evenly and via.

For many who don’t have one, a probe thermometer makes it easy to tell whether or not or not meals is satisfactorily scorching and fit to be eaten.

And you’ll uncover further elementary recommendations on reheating, freezing, defrosting, and refreezing proper right here!

Storage

For many who don’t plan to utilize your freezer for a couple of of your meal prep dinner leftovers, you’ll want to retailer them in airtight containers inside the fridge.

People who I make the most of most regularly are these 3 cup, rectangular containers and these glasslock, divided containers.

A variety of the recipes I’ve linked to—or meal prep dinner ideas that I’ve talked about—could also be saved inside the fridge for as a lot as 4 days.

The way in which to serve vegan meal prep dinners

Some recipes desire a aspect dish, accompaniment, or extra half in order to actually really feel like a satisfying meal.

Vegetable sides

My customary vegan dinner meal prep routine is to arrange some vital dishes for the week—stew, pasta, chili, casserole, stir fry, or irrespective of—and along with set up some straightforward vegetable sides that I’ll be able to serve with these recipes.

That is prone to be an unlimited batch of steamed broccoli, bok choy, or roasted cauliflower. It might probably be sautéed, darkish leafy greens, grilled strips of zucchini, roasted asparagus, or glazed carrots.

A wide-mouthed, glass jar is holding a vinaigrette salad dressing. It rests on a white surface.A wide-mouthed, glass jar is holding a vinaigrette salad dressing. It rests on a white surface.

Simple salads

I moreover normally maintain washed, ready-to-eat salad greens inside the fridge, along with actually considered one of my favorite dressings. My Greek vinaigrette takes no time the least bit to make, and my balsamic Dijon tahini dressing is usually a favorite.

With some leafy greens and one vinaigrette, it’s easy to whip up a aspect salad for a meal prep dinner at a second’s uncover.

Massaged kale salads are moreover easy to arrange upfront, as kale can resist being dressed and saved for quite a lot of days with out going soggy.

Frozen veggies

Usually, if I haven’t had so much time to stock my fridge with produce, a vegetable aspect will merely be some frozen veggies.

I always maintain frozen broccoli and cauliflower florets, inexperienced beans, and peas at dwelling. It’s easy to microwave prepare dinner dinner them and serve them with considerably vegan butter, salt, and pepper.

Frozen veggies are a lifesaver for busy of us who don’t want to waste money on produce which can go unhealthy if it isn’t cooked in a nicely timed vogue!

Your meal prep dinner recipes might in all probability not desire a aspect dish. Some is also substantial ample and have ample veggies for that to be pointless.

Nonetheless I always want to have ample veggies accessible for making my dinners further well-rounded and filling.

Toast, baguettes, focaccia, cornbread, and so forth.

A variety of my favorite recipes, along with soup and various grain bowls or salads, are further full with one factor bread-like, be it toast or cornbread or a sliced baguette.

I always have a bread, and usually various kinds of bread, available. I pull them from the freezer or slice them from up to date to serve with recipes as wished.

Vegan meal prep dinner recipe ideas

With all of that talked about, let’s chat ideas!

There are literally so many kinds of vegan dinners which may be made ahead and liked as you’re ready. Nonetheless listed beneath are quite a lot of the ideas and recipes that I flip to repeatedly.

Pasta bakes

There’s no meals that I actually like better than pasta. Pasta bakes are a easy approach to place collectively an unlimited, generous batch of pasta, incorporating quite a lot of veggies and/or protein and an vital sauce.

Listed below are quite a lot of those that I return to repeatedly:

Vegan Pasta Bake with Ricotta

This delicious vegan pasta bake makes use of vegan ricotta cheese to create layers of creamy, comforting goodness. It’s a cozy, baked pasta dish which you can also make with selfmade staples, and it’s the epitome of healthful comfort meals!

A white, rectangular baking dish holds a vegan pasta bake with ricotta and roasted summer vegetables.A white, rectangular baking dish holds a vegan pasta bake with ricotta and roasted summer vegetables.

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Vegan Eggplant Baked Rigatoni

A great dish to make collectively together with your late summer season season eggplant, your favorite pasta kind, and a jar of your favorite marinara sauce. Simple, vegan comfort meals at its best.

A small bowl of vegan eggplant baked rigatoniA small bowl of vegan eggplant baked rigatoni

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Soup & stew

All 12 months lengthy, and positively in cooler months, soup and stew are an vital part of my dinner meal prep.

A hearty bowl of soup, plus a slice of wonderful bread, is an outstanding meal. Soups and stews can also be paired with salads or totally different veggie sides, in truth.

Listed below are a couple of of my all-time favorites:

Chickpea Miso Vegetable Stew

This creamy chickpea miso vegetable stew has a deep, savory style, due to the utilization of miso for seasoning. It’s hearty and healthful, and you can even make it with irrespective of greens you have gotten!

A white soup bowl is filled with a miso vegetable stew. Small pieces of toast are in the soup and lying next to the soup bowl.A white soup bowl is filled with a miso vegetable stew. Small pieces of toast are in the soup and lying next to the soup bowl.

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Creamy, Turmeric Spiced Cauliflower Kale Soup

This turmeric spiced cauliflower kale soup is good nourishment for winter. It’s purchased a rich, creamy texture, and it’s so healthful.

A bowl of golden hued cauliflower kale soup is served with flatbread. It's held in a gray ceramic bowl.A bowl of golden hued cauliflower kale soup is served with flatbread. It's held in a gray ceramic bowl.

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Lentil Tomato Pasta Stew

This one-pot, plant-based lentil tomato pasta stew is so cozy, hearty, and comforting! It is usually full of vitamin from greens and legumes. Easy to make gluten free!

A round bowl of vegan lentil tomato pasta stew is accompanied by pinch bowls of herbs and plant-based parmesan cheese.A round bowl of vegan lentil tomato pasta stew is accompanied by pinch bowls of herbs and plant-based parmesan cheese.

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Hearty Butternut Squash Kale & Lentil Soup

This butternut squash, kale and lentil soup recipe with dried herbs is so warmingand nourishing! It’s a perfectvegan soupfor in case you crave somethingwholesome and grounding. A easy from-scratch soup that’s made in a single potand ready in about one hour!

An angled photograph of two bowls of a vegan lentil, kale, and winter squash soup, which are served with toast points.An angled photograph of two bowls of a vegan lentil, kale, and winter squash soup, which are served with toast points.

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Hearty Vegan French Lentil Soup

This vegan French lentil soup recipe is easy and quick to make. It’s a nourishing soup for dinner that’s filling, and good with a slice of toast. French lentils are smaller and rounder than brown and inexperienced lentils. They’re moreover considerably firmer and preserve their kind properly when cooked, which makes them an exquisite addition in soups, salads, and grain bowls, too.

A cream colored soup bowl has been filled with a plant-based, French lentil soup.A cream colored soup bowl has been filled with a plant-based, French lentil soup.

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Creamy Vegan Potato Leek Soup

This creamy vegan potato leek soup is likely one of the greatest, heartiest soup for cold local weather! It’s very easy to make, and it’s as delicious because it’s comforting.

Two white bowls of a creamy vegan potato leek soup rest on a white surface. They're topped with coconut bacon and greens.Two white bowls of a creamy vegan potato leek soup rest on a white surface. They're topped with coconut bacon and greens.

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Spicy Cabbage Chickpea Soup

A warming, nourishing bowl of plant-based goodness, this vegan spicy cabbage chickpea soup is easy to arrange and incorporates a spicy kick.

A bowl of spicy cabbage chickpea soup rests on a folded, gray linen napkin.A bowl of spicy cabbage chickpea soup rests on a folded, gray linen napkin.

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Sluggish Cooker Black Bean Butternut Chili

This make-ahead gradual cooker black bean butternut chili is good nutritious vegan comfort meals. Made with protein rich beans and quinoa along with filling butternut squash. It is a perfect recipe to your weekly meal prep, and it freezes properly!

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A hearty grain bowl

For many who make the elements of an vital vegan bowl ahead of time, then they may flip into satisfying and healthful dinners by the use of the week.

Substance is important for a dinner bowl. Just a few of my favorite, filling vegan bowl recipes embrace:

Quinoa Protein Bowl

Quinoa, kale, butternut squash, and edamame are launched together with a creamy sauce on this protein-packed vegan recipe. The meal has about 20 grams of protein and tons of vitamin. Easy to make ahead and glorious for busy nights!

An overhead image of a round white bowl, which has been filled with a golden-hued mixture of quinoa, edamame, and butternut squash.An overhead image of a round white bowl, which has been filled with a golden-hued mixture of quinoa, edamame, and butternut squash.

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Vegan Mashed Potato Bowls with Tempeh Gravy

These vegan mashed potato bowls with tempeh gravy are so festive and pleasant! They’re the correct approach to have an excellent time an intimate, low-key trip or to channel the spirit of the holidays at any time. The bowls attribute fluffy mashed potatoes and a savory, protein-packed tempeh gravy. For many who’ve purchased a soy allergy, I’ve purchased you: there’s an option to make the gravy with chickpeas, too.

A bowl of vegan holiday food, including mashed potatoes, tempeh and gravy, green beans, and a little scoop of cranberry sauce.A bowl of vegan holiday food, including mashed potatoes, tempeh and gravy, green beans, and a little scoop of cranberry sauce.

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Chickpea Burrito Bowls

These vegan chickpea burrito bowls are easy to meal prep and so delicious! They attribute chickpeas which have been seasoned with salsa for practically instantaneous style, along with tender rice and crunchy cabbage and romaine lettuce. Prime them with my creamy cashew queso sauce for a vibrant and filling meal.

A close up, overhead image of a vibrant and colorful vegan chickpea burrito bowl. It's topped with a creamy cashew-based sauce.A close up, overhead image of a vibrant and colorful vegan chickpea burrito bowl. It's topped with a creamy cashew-based sauce.

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Tempeh Vegetable Pasta Bowls

These easy vegan lemon pepper tempeh vegetable pasta bowls are hearty, healthful, and full of protein! They’re easy to meal prep for school, work, or work-from-home lunches.

A round, white ceramic bowl has been filled with a colorful tempeh vegetable pasta dish. It rests on a white surface.A round, white ceramic bowl has been filled with a colorful tempeh vegetable pasta dish. It rests on a white surface.

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Turmeric Rice Bowls

Turmeric rice bowls are vibrant, nutritious, and really easy to make! Once you make the turmeric rice, you’ll not be able to get ample of it. It’s a full plant-based meal that comes collectively merely.

Turmeric rice bowls have been created with chickpeas, turmeric spiced rice, pickled onions, and greens. They're served in two white bowls.Turmeric rice bowls have been created with chickpeas, turmeric spiced rice, pickled onions, and greens. They're served in two white bowls.

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Vegan Harvest Bowls with Tempeh & Roasted Root Greens from Vitality Plates

These vegan harvest bowls attribute sweet and salty cider baked tempeh, roasted root greens, and a cooked whole grain. They’re balanced, filling, and an beautiful celebration of the autumn season. They’re moreover actually considered one of my favorite recipes from my cookbook, Vitality Plates!

An overhead image of vegan harvest bowls, made with tempeh and root vegetables and drizzled with a mustard-based sauce.An overhead image of vegan harvest bowls, made with tempeh and root vegetables and drizzled with a mustard-based sauce.

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A troublesome-working whole grain + protein duo

Some weeks I don’t put collectively a recipe or two so much as quite a lot of elements that I can use in a number of strategies.

Among the many best strategies to ensure a rotation of vegan meal prep dinners is to make an outstanding, versatile whole grain dish, along with a versatile plant protein.

You could pair these dishes together with a vegetable for a easy, balanced dinner plate. You may additionally use them in numerous preparations by the use of the week.

As an example, balsamic tofu or quinoa with roasted cherry tomatoes and chickpeas can each be added to a lunch salad.

Listed below are a couple of of my favorite, straightforward grain dishes from the weblog:

Simple, Savory Mushroom Farro

This easy, savory mushroom farro dish is an easy, versatile, whole grain aspect dish.

A dish of whole grain farro and mushrooms is on a white, fluted plate.A dish of whole grain farro and mushrooms is on a white, fluted plate.

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Tomato Quinoa & Chickpeas

This recipe for tomato quinoa & chickpeas is so fast and simple to make! It’s a good, nutritious aspect dish for dwelling cooks in a rush. You could add greens or totally different accompaniments to the recipe in order to make it a whole meal.

A round, white plate has been topped with grape tomatoes, baby spinach, and quinoa that has been seasoned with tomato.A round, white plate has been topped with grape tomatoes, baby spinach, and quinoa that has been seasoned with tomato.

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Butternut Squash Rice

This gingery roasted butternut squash rice with onions and peas has every savory and sweet notes. It is a perfect aspect dish for the autumn months, and it is extremely straightforward to make.

A white, ceramic bowl holds a mixture of roasted butternut squash, rice, and peas.A white, ceramic bowl holds a mixture of roasted butternut squash, rice, and peas.

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Farro Salad with Beets and Carrots

This carrot beet farro salad is full of whole grain goodness and nutritious veggies! It is a crucial make-ahead salad, which tastes greater after a day or two inside the fridge. Glorious for meal prep and packed lunches.

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Quinoa with Garlic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes & Chickpeas

Quinoa with roasted tomatoes and chickpeas is the correct, easy summer season season vegan aspect dish. It’s straightforward to make, nevertheless it is so flavorful, due to juicy and sweet burst cherry tomatoes. Chickpeas add some plant protein to this versatile recipe.

Quinoa with Garlic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes & Chickpeas | The Full HelpingQuinoa with Garlic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes & Chickpeas | The Full Helping

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And listed beneath are a couple of of my favorite, multitasking proteins (these are moreover good to make to your meal prep breakfasts and lunches!):

Baked & Marinated Balsamic Tofu

Baked balsamic tofu cubes are actually considered one of my favorite versatile, regularly plant proteins to keep up in my fridge. I make the most of them in salads, bowls, pasta dishes, in wraps, and similtaneously a nutritious snack meals. Uncover methods to place collectively this easy and flavorful vegan staple!

Deep, reddish brown cubes of baked balsamic tofu are resting on a white surface.Deep, reddish brown cubes of baked balsamic tofu are resting on a white surface.

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Favorite Lemon Pepper Baked Tempeh Cubes

This lemon pepper baked tempeh is so flavorful and versatile! Use it in bowls, salads, wraps, and further! It’s plant-based and full of protein.

Two ceramic bowls hold baked lemon pepper tempeh cubes, roasted broccoli, and white rice. Two serving forks are resting nearby.Two ceramic bowls hold baked lemon pepper tempeh cubes, roasted broccoli, and white rice. Two serving forks are resting nearby.

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Baked, Crispy Tempeh Bacon

That’s my favorite recipe for vegan tempeh “bacon,” a smoky, salty staple in my sandwiches, wraps, salads, breakfast plates, and further. This tempeh is versatile, easy to arrange, and an vital provide of plant-based protein.

Two small baking sheets are lined with parchment paper and strips of vegan tempeh Two small baking sheets are lined with parchment paper and strips of vegan tempeh

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Easy BBQ Lentils

These BBQ lentils couldn’t be easier or sooner to make. I put collectively them with my naturally sweetened, date BBQ sauce, and I make the most of them as a staple in my vegan meal prep. They’re an incredible versatile plant protein.

A sesame seed burger bun has been piled with BBQ lentils and a curly piece of bright green lettuce.A sesame seed burger bun has been piled with BBQ lentils and a curly piece of bright green lettuce.

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Easy Cuban-Vogue Sluggish Cooker Black Beans

These easy gradual cooker black beans are impressed by Cuban delicacies and seasoned with onion, pepper, garlic, cumin, and vinegar. They’re practically straightforward: whenever you chop your greens, you merely add all elements to the gradual cooker and let the tools do the work! That could be a cost-effective vegan recipe which will imply you’ll be able to put collectively nutritious black beans from scratch.

An overhead image of an asymmetrical white bowl, which has been filled with slow cooker black beans.An overhead image of an asymmetrical white bowl, which has been filled with slow cooker black beans.

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Biggest Brothy White Beans

These are among the finest brothy white beans! Flip a pound of dry white beans right into a younger, savory, all-purpose vegan protein. It’s a one-pot recipe that’s versatile, straightforward to make, and freezer-friendly.

Two matching, white bowls are filled with beans, broth, and torn pieces of fresh bread.Two matching, white bowls are filled with beans, broth, and torn pieces of fresh bread.

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A snug casserole

Oh, how I actually like a snug casserole.

Casseroles are nostalgic, comforting, and filling. Usually they take a while to make, nevertheless whenever you bake them, they’re very generous with their leftover decisions.

I’ve many favorite casserole recipes. They’ve all flip into widespread elements of my meal prep routine at dwelling, and they also’re normally to be current in my freezer.

Listed below are some highlights:

Vegan Broccoli Quinoa Bake

This cheesy vegan quinoa broccoli bake is the epitome of comfort meals, nevertheless it is made with healthful, plant-based elements, along with quinoa, beans, and broccoli. It’s kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and simple to make ahead.

A ceramic plate rests on a gray linen cloth. It holds a cheesy vegan quinoa bake.A ceramic plate rests on a gray linen cloth. It holds a cheesy vegan quinoa bake.

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Vegan Sweet Potato and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Vegan sweet potato lentil shepherd’s pie is the correct hearty and healthful vital dish to your trip desk. It’s an untraditional mannequin of the essential dish, made with layers of herbed lentils and pillowy mashed sweet potatoes.

A small, rectangular baking dish is filled with a vegan sweet potato lentil shepherds pie.A small, rectangular baking dish is filled with a vegan sweet potato lentil shepherds pie.

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Vegan Cauliflower Gratin

This cozy vegan cauliflower gratin is pure comfort meals with a healthful twist. Cauliflower is baked with a creamy, cashew-based sauce and crispy breadcrumbs. It is a perfect dish for sharing and an easy make-ahead selection for the holidays.

A white, rectangular baking dish has been filled with a cauliflower gratin and topped with breadcrumbs. It rests on a white cloth against a white surface.A white, rectangular baking dish has been filled with a cauliflower gratin and topped with breadcrumbs. It rests on a white cloth against a white surface.

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Healthful Vegan Lentil, Mushroom & Kale Lasagna

This healthful vegan lentil kale mushroom lasagna is a non-traditional spin on fundamental comfort meals! It’s full of nutritious legumes, greens, and leafy greens. It makes for a filling and full meal, and it’s straightforward to make ahead.

A slice of kale lasagna, topped with red sauce, is served on a small, round, white plate. It rests on a white surface.A slice of kale lasagna, topped with red sauce, is served on a small, round, white plate. It rests on a white surface.

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A stuffed vegetable

Stuffed, baked greens are an vital strategy of crafting dinners which is likely to be every plant-forward and hearty.

I actually like stuffed greens by the use of all of the seasons. Throughout the fall, there are winter squashes, potato, and cabbage leaves for stuffing. Within the summertime, there are zucchini and eggplants and tomatoes.

Among the many stuffed vegetable recipes that I flip to repeatedly:

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Rice, Lentils, and Currants

These vegan cabbage rolls are full of a mixture of rice, lentils, currants, and spices. They’re flavorful, filling, and a really perfect dish to make for entertaining!

Two stuffed cabbage rolls are laid out, side by side, on a plate. One has been cut into and the filling is spilling out.Two stuffed cabbage rolls are laid out, side by side, on a plate. One has been cut into and the filling is spilling out.

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Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins

These vegan quinoa and kale stuffed sweet potato skins are great nutritious and hearty. Plus, they appear to be an excellent approach to profit from sweet potato skins, which can be full of gut-friendly fiber!

Two baked sweet potatoes have been stuffed with a colorful mixture of kale, raw vegetables, and almonds.Two baked sweet potatoes have been stuffed with a colorful mixture of kale, raw vegetables, and almonds.

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Bulgur Stuffed Eggplants with Tamarind, Currants & Pine Nuts

These bulgur stuffed eggplants with tamarind, currants & pine nuts are bursting with style and full of vitamin. They’re significantly good for entertaining and serving to associates!

A sumptuous, plant-based stuffed eggplant with bulgur, currants, and pine nutsA sumptuous, plant-based stuffed eggplant with bulgur, currants, and pine nuts

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Pizza night time time! (Or frozen pizza night time time)

Frozen vegan pizza nights are a further widespread prevalence spherical proper right here today than me making a selfmade pie. Nonetheless in each case, a pair slices pizza with a pleasing big salad is an outstanding dinner.

And even though pizza couldn’t immediately spring to ideas as a make-ahead selection, it actually works properly for meal prep. Merely ensure you reheat slices inside the oven or air fryer sooner than you eat, in order to guard the crispiness of the crust.

Reheating pizza, by the way in which wherein, has flip into the #1 trigger that I make the most of my air fryer.

For many who actually really feel like making from scratch, my favorites are:

Vegan Butternut Crimson Onion Pizza

That’s the plant-based autumn pizza of your targets! Made with savory roasted butternut squash, sweet, caramelized pink onions, cashew cheese, and zippy arugula. A great get collectively appetizer or flavorful vegan meal.

An overhead photo of vegan butternut red onion pizza, garnished generously with fresh arugula and drizzled with balsamic vinegar.An overhead photo of vegan butternut red onion pizza, garnished generously with fresh arugula and drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

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Easy Vegan Tortilla Pizzas

These easy vegan tortilla pizzas are quick, helpful, and satisfying. They’re a great way to incorporate your favorite greens proper right into a healthful lunch or gentle dinner. You could customise them based totally on what you have gotten in your fridge and pantry!

Easy Vegan Tortilla Pizza | The Full HelpingEasy Vegan Tortilla Pizza | The Full Helping

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My favorite vegan store-bought ‘za is the veggie lover’s vegan pizza from SweetEarth.

One factor stir fried

Stir fry dishes are quick to make and endlessly adaptable.

I usually stir fry rice as my grain, nevertheless you’ll stir fry noodles and totally different whole grains as properly. Tofu is an outstanding protein for stir fries, nevertheless you might also use tempeh, seitan, beans, or lentils.

The {photograph} on the prime of this submit is a “pepper steak” mannequin soy curl dish from The Vegan Week. It’s not pretty a stir fry, nevertheless it’s shut, and I always serve it over cooked rice.

Listed below are one other stir fried grain and protein dishes that I actually like:

Brown Rice Lentil Stir Fry with Peanut Butter Sauce

This quick, easy vegan brown rice lentil stir fry will flip into your go-to weeknight dinner! Lentils and rice meet shredded cabbage, carrots, and broccoli in a nutritious plant-based meal. Make the stir fry full with a versatile and delicious peanut butter sauce.

A dish of cabbage, broccoli, whole grains, and legumes has been plated in a ceramic bowl that's resting on a light gray colored cloth. There's a small bowl of peanut sauce near the bowl.A dish of cabbage, broccoli, whole grains, and legumes has been plated in a ceramic bowl that's resting on a light gray colored cloth. There's a small bowl of peanut sauce near the bowl.

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Cumin Spiced Lentils and Rice with Every Day Lemon Tahini Dressing

This skillet meal of cumin-spiced lentils & rice couldn’t be easier to make! It’s flavorful, nutritious, and plant-based.

A round, white plate is covered with cumin-spiced lentils & rice, a serving fork, and a drizzle of pale-colored tahini sauce.A round, white plate is covered with cumin-spiced lentils & rice, a serving fork, and a drizzle of pale-colored tahini sauce.

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Veggie burgers (+ fixings)

It’s pleasant to have a vegan burger night time time, and veggie burgers happen to be glorious for meal prep.

As you meal prep the burger itself, you may additionally want to make some fixings and aspect dishes to serve it with. As an example:

Veggie burger nights are ample of a routine prevalence in my dwelling that virtually always maintain whole grain burger buns in my freezer.

I moreover are prone to have frozen, cubed sweet or widespread potatoes or frozen fries, merely in case I’m too drained to peel and scale back potatoes myself.

Listed below are quite a lot of the vegan burger recipes that I cherish:

Unfussy Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers

These unfussy sweet potato black bean burgers come collectively merely, nevertheless they pack various style! They’re moreover full of healthful elements, along with black beans, sweet potatoes, rolled oats, and pumpkin seeds. Good for meal prepping and freezing.

A plant-based burger is piled onto a simple burger bun with mayonnaise and ketchup. It's resting on a small piece of parchment paper.A plant-based burger is piled onto a simple burger bun with mayonnaise and ketchup. It's resting on a small piece of parchment paper.

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Artichoke, White Bean & Quinoa Burgers

These vegan artichoke white bean burgers are full of Mediterranean style and healthful elements! They’re moreover gluten free and great versatile.

An angled photograph of a vegan artichoke white bean burger, served on a bun with greens and a creamy dip.An angled photograph of a vegan artichoke white bean burger, served on a bun with greens and a creamy dip.

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Za’atar Spiced Chickpea Quinoa Burgers (Vegan)

These za’atar spiced chickpea quinoa burgers are full of savory style and have a company texture with crispy edges. They’re seasoned with za’atar spice and sun-dried tomatoes. On account of a nutritious base of pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and cooked quinoa, the burgers won’t be solely vegan, however as well as gluten-free! I want to serve them on pita or a bun with crisp, up to date greens and lemon tahini dressing.

An image of a plump, crispy chickpea quinoa burger, which is piled onto a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy dressing.An image of a plump, crispy chickpea quinoa burger, which is piled onto a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy dressing.

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Sweet Potato Chickpea Burgers

These sweet potato chickpea burgers are vegan, gluten-free, and very easy to make. They’re moreover a versatile plant-based protein! Serve them traditionally, in a burger bun, or add them to bowls, wraps, and salads.

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Vegan meal prep tacos

Merely as you’ll meal prep a burger night time time ahead of time, you’ll be able to even meal prep vegan tacos ahead of time.

To do this, you’ll merely put collectively irrespective of elements go into the taco (proteins, grains, irrespective of) and any sauces that you just might use for them.

It is also doable to prep greens sides that you just’d want to serve the tacos with. You might take some time to chop lettuce, tomato, or another crunch issue that you just’d like in order so as to add correct sooner than you serve your vegan tacos.

Taco night time time classics in my rental:

Easy Vegan Tacos with Crumbled Tempeh

These easy vegan tacos are made with crumbled and marinated tempeh for a satisfying totally different to meat. They’re full of daring and tangy chili lime style.

Tangy Chili Lime Tempeh Tacos | The Full HelpingTangy Chili Lime Tempeh Tacos | The Full Helping

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Vegan Sweet Potato Tacos with Black Bean Unfold

Take your sweet potato tacos to new heights with selfmade black bean unfold!These vegan tacos are a terrific plant-based meal and quick to make. Prime with selfmade vegan feta or my go-to cashew cheese recipe, and enjoy!
Two tacos, prepared with plant based ingredients, have been laid out on a white sheet of parchment paper.Two tacos, prepared with plant based ingredients, have been laid out on a white sheet of parchment paper.

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Cumin Roasted Carrot and Lentil Tacos

These spice roasted carrot lentil tacos are a hearty, healthful vegan meal! You’ll not miss the meat with these nutritious fillings.

Three vegan roasted carrot lentil tacos with avocado slices.Three vegan roasted carrot lentil tacos with avocado slices.

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Crispy Cauliflower Chimichurri Tacos

These crispy cauliflower chimichurri tacos are a vibrant, vibrant, and gluten-free plant-based meal which is likely to be good for sharing with associates! Crispy roasted cauliflower makes a satisfying and nutritious filling. Shredded, crunchy cabbage gives texture, whereas an excellent chimichurri gives these tacos tons of herbaceous style.

Crispy Cauliflower Chimichurri Tacos | The Full HelpingCrispy Cauliflower Chimichurri Tacos | The Full Helping

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Cauliflower and Oyster Mushroom Tacos from Food52 Vegan (gluten free)

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A snug vegan meal prep casserole

After I want to meal prep a vegan dinner that may in all probability be hearty, satisfying, easy to freeze/defrost, and supremely comforting, I make a casserole.

And there’s one casserole from this web site that I’ve made better than another.

A glass casserole dish is filled with baked whole grains and broccoli. It's being portioned with a silver spoon.A glass casserole dish is filled with baked whole grains and broccoli. It's being portioned with a silver spoon.

It’s the cheesy vegan broccoli quinoa bake that you just seen amongst totally different baked dishes above.

This recipe has 5 star scores and has gotten various love inside the years since I posted it. I’ve had readers write to tell me that it’s their go-to dish for family gatherings.

One reader talked about that she normally bakes it when a neighbor has a model new youngster and needs a provide of selfmade meals.

It’s not exhausting for me to know why people love this recipe. I adore it, too. It’s flavorful, nutrient-dense and rich in plant protein, and pretty easy to make. The leftovers maintain moderately nicely and could also be frozen.

Higher of all, it’s filling, and it delivers—big time—on cozy vibes.

For many who’re kicking off a vegan meal prep dinner routine and in addition you want a spot to start, this quinoa bake is a superb place. Proper right here’s the recipe.

A cheesy vegan quinoa bake has been portioned onto a light gray ceramic plate.A cheesy vegan quinoa bake has been portioned onto a light gray ceramic plate.
A ceramic plate rests on a gray linen cloth. It holds a cheesy vegan quinoa bake.

Vegan Meal Prep Dinner Ideas: Vegan Quinoa Bake

Author – Gena Hamshaw

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Put together dinner Time: 50 minutes

Cooling time 15 minutes

Full Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Yields: 6 servings

For the quinoa bake

  • 4 cups chopped broccoli florets (360g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 white or yellow onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cups cooked quinoa (600g)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (30g; non-compulsory, for topping; you can even make your particular person by pulsing two slices of toasted whole grain bread in a meals processor, or you need to use a gluten free mannequin)

For the cheesy sauce:

  • 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked for not lower than 2 hours and drained (70g sooner than soaking)
  • 1 cup cooked white beans or chickpeas (160g)
  • 1/2 cup dietary yeast (40g)
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 1/4 cups water (300ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons white miso (30g)
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Fill a medium sized pot with water and match with a steamer attachment. Carry the water to a boil and steam the broccoli florets until crisp-tender (about 3-4 minutes). Take away them from heat.

  • Combine all of the sauce elements collectively in a extreme velocity blender or a meals processor until they’re fully clear.

  • Heat the olive oil in an enormous skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and celery, and sauté the greens until the onion is obvious and delicate (about 7 minutes). Add the quinoa and the broccoli to the skillet. Add the sauce and stir each half to heat it by the use of.

  • Swap all elements to an oiled 7×11 or 8×12 baking dish. Prime with breadcrumbs, if using. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is effervescent gently and the breadcrumbs are golden. Allow to sit back for 15-20 minutes sooner than slicing into squares and serving.

A gift to your future self

The subtitle of The Vegan Week is “meal prep recipes to feed your future self.”

I these phrases with all of my coronary coronary heart. Meal prep isn’t always easy to make time for. Nonetheless as soon as I do it, I do know that I’m creating one factor that my future self will be glad about.

This week happens to point out the aim. I’ve been unusually busy, nevertheless I’m a lot much less wired than I usually am when my workload is principally full.

Part of the reason is that it’s a sort of stunning weeks the place I’ve so much inside the freezer that I can merely defrost, each day.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinners have been taken care of. I’ve been able to realize into the fridge and have a time-efficient lunch break midday, due to meal prep lunches.

And it’s so good wrapping up work, even when it’s late, determining that dinner will in all probability be no further effort than reheating.

Hope these ideas give you a manner of the good nourishment that you just might give to future you, too.

Till shortly,

xo

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