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Looking for tasty, cheap vegan meal ideas you can make at home without breaking the bank? From hearty pastas and soups to flavorful stir-fries, these budget-friendly recipes are easy, delicious, and need just a few ingredients. Grab your apron—let’s get cooking!
5 Types of Cheap Meals
To keep these recipes organized, I've organized them into 5 categories. Click the links to jump to what you're craving this week:
- Pasta dishes: Pasta is a budget-friendly meal that can be cooked in a variety of ways with different sauces and toppings.
- Soups and stews: Soups and stews are hearty and filling meals that can be made with inexpensive ingredients like beans, lentils, and vegetables.
- Rice dishes: Rice is one of the most affordable and versatile ingredients that can be used to make a variety of dishes like fried rice, risotto, paella, and rice pilaf.
- Sandwiches, wraps and burgers: Sandwiches and wraps are quick and easy meals that can be made with a variety of cheap vegan fillings. You can never go wrong with a simple peanut butter and jelly.
- Stir-fry dishes and Buddha bowls: Stir-fry dishes are a great way to use up leftover vegetables and can be made with a variety of proteins like tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
These meals are some of the most affordable you can make and can help you lower your grocery bill every month by hundreds of dollars.
Cheap Vegan Meal Ideas
Pasta and Noodle Dishes
1
10 Minute Peanut Noodles
These easy 10 Minute Peanut Noodles are tossed in a delicious peanut sauce and served while warm and creamy. They’re wholesome, comforting, and my favorite last minute dinner! Vegan, Gluten-free option, Oil-free option. These Peanut Noodles are made with your favorite noodles, a few simple sauce ing…
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Credit: frommybowl.com
2
15-Minute One-Pot Pasta
This One-Pot Pasta is the fuss-free, easy dinner that’ll save the day on busy weeknights! It’s easy to make, packed with fresh flavors and made with 10 simple ingredients in just 15 minutes.
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Credit: sweetsimplevegan.com
3
Vegan Tofu Bolognese Sauce
This vegan tofu bolognese sauce is so flavorful yet so quick and simple! All you need is 10 ingredients and 30 minutes.
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4
Lentil Tahini Pasta
This bowl of lentil tahini pasta is one of my favorite vegan pantry meals to make! Packed with protein and quick to put together! Did I mention it is super flavorful? This is a big deal because…just a little secret here…I’m not really a pasta fan. Now don’t get me wrong here! It’s not that
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Credit: plantbasedrdblog.com
5
Cauliflower Alfredo
Cauliflower Alfredo sauce is a creamy vegan, gluten-free, nut-free homemade Alfredo sauce with less fat & less calories as compared with the original recipe
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Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net
6
Vegan Lemon Asparagus Pasta
This creamy vegan lemon pasta is an easy high protein dinner that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s ready in 20 minutes!
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Credit: eatwithclarity.com
7
Easy Garlic Sesame Noodles
Noodles are a girls best friend and these garlic sesame noodles are no doubt my favorite recipe to date and they’re both vegan & gluten free!
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Credit: eatwithclarity.com
8
Vegan Broccoli and Pepper Ramen Noodles
This easy vegan broccoli and pepper ramen noodles are a budget friendly vegan meal that is great for lunch or dinner. Instant noodle recipe.
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Credit: makeitdairyfree.com
9
Classic Vegan Baked Ziti
This Vegan Baked Ziti is reminiscent of the classic Italian pasta bake you grew up with. It’s layered with a homemade marinara sauce, al dente pasta, stretchy vegan mozzarella, and creamy vegan ricotta.
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Credit: sweetsimplevegan.com
10
Vegan Lo Mein by Running on Real Food
This vegan noodle dish is inspired by veggie lo mein! Try this quick and easy 30-minute recipe for a delicious dinner any night of the week.
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Soups and Stews
11
Creamy Lentil Vegetable Soup
This Creamy Lentil Vegetable Soup is a medley of colors, flavors, and textures all in a hearty and inexpensive bowl. It’s vegan, too!
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Credit: budgetbytes.com
12
Vegan Split Pea Soup
This vegan split pea soup is fast, easy, and comforting. It’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly fall and winter days.
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Credit: budgetbytes.com
13
Cabbage Soup Recipe
Forget the cabbage soup diet, you’ll want to eat this super healthy vegetable-filled cabbage soup just because it tastes incredible!
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Credit: budgetbytes.com
14
Instant Pot Black Bean Soup
This Instant Pot Black Bean Soup is healthy, hearty, and easy to make! It’s perfect for Meal Prep and freezes well. All you need is 10 plant-based ingredients, an Instant Pot, and an empty stomach.
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Credit: frommybowl.com
15
Healthy Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe
This Healthy Crockpot Taco Soup recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal made from simple ingredients and pantry staples. It's rich in flavor, high in protein, and easy to customize to suit your family's taste buds. Throw the ingredients in your crockpot tonight and set it and forget it!
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16
Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Soup)
This Sopa de Fideo is a comforting Mexican Noodle soup made with fideo pasta, tomato broth, and simple aromatics. Oil-free option. This Sopa de Fideo recipe is made in just 20 minutes, in one-pot, with only 8 plant-based ingredients. This flavorful Mexican noodle soup recipe is everything you’re loo…
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Credit: frommybowl.com
17
5-Ingredient Vegan Chili
Learn how to make this 5-ingredient vegan chili with just 1 pot and less than 30 minutes of your time. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and easy!
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Credit: sweetsimplevegan.com
18
Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew
Cozy, hearty, and comforting — what more could you ask for in a winter meal? Easy, too? You’ve got it! This 1-pot white bean and mushroom stew is all that
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Credit: minimalistbaker.com
19
Crockpot Potato Leek Soup Recipe
This Crockpot Potato Leek Soup is thick, velvety, and luxurious. Made creamy with a combination of savory leeks, tender potatoes, tangy cream cheese, and my favorite secret ingredient: cauliflower florets!
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20
Vegan Sweet Potato Stew
Vegan Sweet Potato Stew is the perfect easy, fall vegan dinner idea. Ready in 30 minutes and completely Top 8 Allergen Free.
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Credit: makeitdairyfree.com
Rice Dishes
21
Butternut Squash & Brown Rice Casserole (Dump & Bake)
This Butternut Squash & Brown Rice Casserole is packed w/ seasonal veggies, brown rice, & white beans for a well-balanced vegan meal!
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Credit: frommybowl.com
23
Chickpea Coconut Curry
Vegan Chickpea Coconut Curry – Instant Pot or Saucepan. 1 Pot Coconut Chickpea Curry made w/ dried chickpeas, coconut milk.Glutenfree Tomatofree Nutfree Soyfree Recipe
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Credit: veganricha.com
24
Instant Pot Rice and Beans
The EASIEST way to prepare red beans and rice! Made with brown rice, dried beans, and a perfect combination of seasonings.
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Credit: amindfullmom.com
25
Enchilada Rice
Enchilada Rice is a tasty Mexican inspired recipe featuring veggies, black beans, rice and enchilada sauce! Instant Pot + stovetop methods. Vegan recipe.
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Credit: thesimpleveganista.com
26
Crispy Orange Tofu Recipe
Learn how to make the crispiest orange tofu at home with a few simple ingredients and your air fryer! Crispy, chewy tofu coated in a sweet and zesty orange sauce, then served over fluffy white rice with sesame seeds and green onion.
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27
Instant Pot Kitchari Recipe
Learn how to make Kitchari in your Instant Pot – a traditional ayurvedic recipe for easy vegan basmati rice with red lentils and spices
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Credit: veganricha.com
28
Vegan Japanese Curry
This Vegan Japanese Curry is thickened with a curry roux, made with hearty vegetables, and lightly sweetened with grated apple.
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Credit: sweetsimplevegan.com
29
Tofu Edamame Buddha Bow
These colourful vegan rice bowls feature tofu, edamame, brown rice, cabbage, carrot and delicious almond satay sauce. Enjoy for a filling, flavourful and nutritious plant-based meal.
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Credit: runningonrealfood.com
30
Sweet Potato Lentil Curry
This creamy coconut and sweet potato lentil curry is easy to make in 40 minutes, full of flavour and perfect for warming up on a cold day.
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Credit: runningonrealfood.com
Sandwiches, Wraps and Burgers
31
Buffalo Chickpea Wraps
This Buffalo Chickpea Wrap is a super simple and flavor-packed meal that is incredibly easy to put together! It’s great on the go, even as a quick snack, or post workout meal. Enjoy!
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Credit: foodsharingvegan.com
32
Vegan Tofu Egg Salad
This Vegan Tofu Egg Salad is perfect for quick lunches and high-protein vegan meal prep. Make in just 5 minutes with 10 simple ingredients.
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Credit: sweetsimplevegan.com
33
Vegan Black Bean Burgers
These Easy Vegan Black Bean Burgers are made with only 5 pantry staple ingredients, yet are guaranteed to satisfy any burger craving.
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Credit: sweetsimplevegan.com
34
Chickpea Burger
This Chickpea Burger is so delicious and easy to make, no one will miss the meat! Ready in less than 30 minutes.
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Credit: noracooks.com
35
Vegan Freezer Burritos Recipe
These Vegan Freezer Burritos are the best of all time! Made entirely in the crockpot with versatile ingredients. Roll in your favorite flour tortillas and freeze, or freeze the filling on it's own for homemade vegan burrito bowls!
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36
Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe
These Lentil Sloppy Joes are guaranteed to be a big hit on burger night! The lentils are cooked until soft and tender in a homemade sloppy joe sauce that's perfectly sweet and savory. Serve with simple burger toppings, creamy coleslaw, and your favorite potatoes on the side.
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37
Vegan Cheesy Potato Burritos
These super easy vegan cheesy potato burritos pairs deliciously seasoned roasted potatoes, with cilantro lime rice and our vegan nacho cheese sauce.
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Credit: makeitdairyfree.com
38
Crunchy BBQ Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Made with canned chickpeas, mayo, BBQ sauce, red onion, packaged coleslaw, and panko bread crumbs. This BBQ Chickpea Salad Sandwich is quick and easy.
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Credit: veggiefunkitchen.com
39
Vegan Meatball Sub Sandwich
This vegan meatball sub is the ultimate comfort food! It’s filled with protein, has hidden veggies and is easy to freeze and pull out for those busy nights!
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Credit: veggiesdontbite.com
40
Spicy Quinoa-Lentil Wraps + Tahini Sauce
Spicy Quinoa-Lentil Wraps are a Trader Joe’s copycat recipe and perfect for lunch, dinner or make ahead meals! Vegan and gluten-free.
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Credit: simple-veganista.com
Vegan Buddha Bowls and Stir-Fry Recipes
41
Teriyaki Tofu Bowls
Make this Sticky Teriyaki Tofu Recipe for a quick and delicious dinner tonight! Crispy baked tofu is tossed in a homemade vegan teriyaki sauce and served over rice and veggies. Vegan, Gluten-Free Option.
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Credit: frommybowl.com
42
Frozen Vegetable Stir Fry
Frozen Vegetable Stir Fry is an effortless one-pan, 20-minute meal. All you need are pre-cut frozen vegetables, my homemade stir fry sauce, and some rice!
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Credit: noracooks.com
43
Spicy Vegan Peanut Noodle Stir Fry Recipe
This Vegan Peanut Noodle Stir Fry is a great takeout style dish that takes just 30 minutes to make and is made with the easy at home vegan peanut sauce. All you need is 11 ingredients, including udon noodles, soy curls, shredded cabbage and carrots.
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44
Falafel Bowl by Feasting at Home
How to create a delicious Falafel Bowl! Loaded up with veggies,grain of choice, olives, herbs and greens, with Tahini Sauce.
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45
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Skip the Chinese takeout and deep frying with this delicious Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe! Crispy tofu crumbles and shiitake mushrooms pan-fried, then tossed with a deliciously savory sauce and crunchy cabbage. Perfect healthy dinner for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cleaning out the fridge!
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46
Bean and Rice Burrito Bowls
These Bean & Rice Burrito Bowls are the perfect cheap and healthy dinner. Black beans, pinto beans, rice, vegan ranch and avocado salsa!
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Credit: thissavoryvegan.com
47
Dijon Garlic Sheet Pan Veggies & Chickpeas
These Sheet Pan Veggies & Chickpeas are tossed in a quick and easy dijon garlic marinade, then roasted until crispy.
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Credit: frommybowl.com
48
BBQ Bean Bowl with Corn and Coleslaw
A vegan BBQ bowl with smoky BBQ baked beans, creamy coleslaw, and grilled corn or cornbread! A hearty, flavorful, protein- and fiber-rich entrée!
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Credit: minimalistbaker.com
49
Vegan Loaded Mashed Potato Bowls
Vegan loaded mashed potato bowls! So delicious and perfect for holiday leftovers. Vegetarian and gluten free, also. Grab the recipe on Jar Of Lemons!
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Credit: jaroflemons.com
50
Roasted Vegetable & Quinoa Harvest Bowls
Hearty and flavorful harvest bowls with roasted vegetables, quinoa, and a creamy, 3-ingredient tahini dressing! A healthy, plant-based, gluten-free meal!
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Credit: minimalistbaker.com
For more stir-fry recipes, check out these 43 Best Vegan Stir Fry Recipes!
Tips for Cooking Cheap Meals
- Shop your own pantry first: Before heading to the grocery store, take a look in your pantry, fridge, and freezer to see what ingredients you already have on hand. This will help you avoid buying unnecessary items and make use of what you already have.
- Plan your meals: Planning your meals for the week can help you stay organized and avoid buying too much food. Look for recipes that use similar ingredients, so you can buy in bulk and save money. Check out my ultimate guide on How to Meal Plan to Save Money.
- Buy in-season produce: Buying fruits and vegetables that are in season is not only cheaper but also more flavorful and nutritious. Check out your local farmer's market or grocery store flyer for deals on seasonal produce. New deals at grocery stores usually come out every Wednesday!
- Buy in bulk: Buying staples like rice, beans, lentils and pasta in bulk can save you money in the long run. Look for discounts at bulk stores like Costco or Sam's Club or purchase larger packages at regular grocery stores. Check out the 17 Pantry Staples I Buy at Costco to Save Money!
- Use canned or frozen fruits and vegetables: Canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are often cheaper than fresh produce and often just as nutritious. They are also convenient since they have a longer shelf life and can be used in a variety of recipes. If you're looking to cut costs, check out these 25 Dinners to Make with a Bag of Frozen Mixed Vegetables.
- Make your own plant-based milk and cheese: Plant-based milk and cheese can be expensive, but they are easy to make at home with ingredients like nuts, seeds, and oats (my personal favorite!).
- Get creative with leftovers: Don't let leftovers go to waste! Turn them into new meals by adding fresh ingredients or repurposing them into different dishes. Check out the Buddha bowls section below for inspiration on pairing flavors together. Or browse these favorites:
Now use these tips and the recipe ideas below to cook delicious vegan meals on a budget.
And for more meal planning inspiration, check out my free vegan meal plans or subscribe to my email list. Every Sunday I share what I spent on groceries for the week and everything I made in my exclusive series: Budget Eats and Receipts!
Meal Planning Resources You Might Like
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