This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission for my recommendations at no additional cost to you. By browsing this website, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use.
Looking for kid-friendly vegetarian meals that won't bust your budget? These simple, meatless recipes are easy to make, familiar to kids, and perfect for keeping your grocery bill low!
Feeding kids can be a challenge, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget and keep meals meatless. Luckily, vegetarian meals don’t have to be complicated or expensive.
In fact, veggie ingredients like beans, pasta, cheese, tortillas, and seasonal vegetables are some of the most affordable foods you can buy! Especially when you pick them up from the Top 10 Cheapest Grocery Stores. So whether you’re looking to cut back on meat for health reasons or just trying to meal plan to save money, these kid-friendly meatless meals are guaranteed to please.
They're not only packed with flavor but also easy on the wallet. Perfect for cheap meal plans, these recipes will keep both your little ones and your budget happy!
For more family friendly meatless meals, check out my Top 40 Meatless Monday Dinner Recipes and 25 Dinners to Make with a Bag of Frozen Mixed Vegetables.
Pasta and Noodle Recipes
1
Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese
Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese sneaks in extra nutrients with hidden veggies, while still delivering the cheesy flavor kids love.
Get The Recipe
Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net
2
World’s BEST Spaghetti RAO’s Homemade Marinara
Spaghetti is a classic dish with simple ingredients, easy to customize with mild sauces for picky eaters.
Get The Recipe
Credit: honeywhatscooking.com
3
Easy Ravioli Sauce
Ravioli is fun and easy to eat, with soft pasta pillows filled with cheese or veggies. This recipe is made with a creamy ravioli sauce that the kids will love!
Get The Recipe
Credit: thecozycook.com
4
15 Minute Lo Mein
Veggie Lo Mein offers a kid-friendly introduction to veggies in a flavorful, noodle-based dish. Swap in your kiddos favorite veggies and serve up!
Get The Recipe
Credit: pinchofyum.com
5
Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo is creamy and rich, with familiar flavors that appeal to kids’ palates.
Add some broccoli for a kid-approved veggie boost.
Get The Recipe
Credit: modernhoney.com
6
Easy Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe (No Ricotta!)
Vegetarian Lasagna (no ricotta) layers pasta and veggies in a kid-approved, cheesy bake without strong flavors. Most kids don't love ricotta, so this lasagna is the perfect recipe.
Get The Recipe
Credit: liveeatlearn.com
7
Kids Pasta Primavera
Kid’s Pasta Primavera adds colorful veggies to a light, kid-friendly pasta dish. Moms and dads love this recipe too!
Get The Recipe
Credit: livlaughcook.com
8
Three Cheese Baked Ziti
Three Cheese Baked Ziti combines gooey, melty cheese with pasta in a comforting dish that’s easy to love.
Get The Recipe
Credit: pinchofyum.com
9
Creamy Cheese Tortellini
Creamy Cheese Tortellini provides bite-sized pasta that’s easy for kids to eat and packed with cheesy flavor. Just 8 ingredients and 15 minutes required to make this fast meatless meal!
Get The Recipe
Credit: thereciperebel.com
10
Dump-and-Bake Wagon Wheel Pasta Casserole
Dump-and-Bake Wagon Wheel Pasta Casserole is a fun, hearty meal that uses kid-favorite wagon wheel pasta with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights between sports practices!
Get The Recipe
Credit: theseasonedmom.com
Pizza Recipes
11
Best Cheese Pizza Recipe
Cheese Pizza is a simple, classic favorite that kids can customize with their favorite toppings. Feel free to load it up with your kids' favorite veggies or keep it classic and dunk in ranch dressing.
Get The Recipe
Credit: joyfoodsunshine.com
12
Tortilla Pizza
Tortilla Pizza is an easy, crispy alternative to traditional pizza, perfect for quick meals or snacks.
Get The Recipe
Credit: feelgoodfoodie.net
13
Vegetarian Pizza Rolls {Oven or Air Fryer}
Vegetarian Pizza Rolls turn pizza into bite-sized snacks, making them fun for kids to eat.
Get The Recipe
Credit: cookitrealgood.com
14
Kid-Friendly Pizza Quesadillas
These easy kid-friendly pizza quesadilla recipe can be customized with your favorite pizza toppings. Perfect for lunch or a snack!
Get The Recipe
Credit: theseasonedmom.com
15
Rainbow Bagel Pizzas
So fun for kids to cook! Rainbow Bagel Pizzas are an easy, healthy meal the whole family can make together. Plus, a no-cook veggie sauce recipe!
Get The Recipe
Credit: happykidskitchen.com
16
Fried panzerotti (calzone)
Panzerotti (Calzone) is a fun, handheld version of pizza that’s easy for kids to eat on the go.
Get The Recipe
Credit: giallozafferano.com
Mexican Recipes
17
Crispy Refried Bean Tacos Recipe
Switch things up on Taco Tuesday with these Crispy Refried Bean Tacos! Creamy refried beans and cheese folded in a buttery flour tortilla, then pan-fried until ultra crispy. It's the perfect weeknight meal when you're short on time and fresh ingredients.
Get The Recipe
18
Bean and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe
Bean and Cheese Enchiladas make an easy dinner for Mexican night. These delicious vegetarian enchiladas go from oven to table in about 20 minutes.
Get The Recipe
Credit: eatingonadime.com
19
Air Fryer Quesadillas
Air Fryer Quesadillas are quick, crispy, and packed with melted cheese, making them a kid-approved favorite.
Get The Recipe
Credit: cookingitrealgood.com
20
Vegetarian Nachos
Vegetarian Nachos are fun for kids to build their own meal with beans, cheese, and mild toppings.
Get The Recipe
Credit: chelseasmessyapron.com
21
Bean and Cheese Burritos (With Seasoned Rice)
Bean and Cheese Burritos are simple, handheld meals with a mild, comforting flavor.
Get The Recipe
Credit: chelseasmessyapron.com
22
Bean & Rice Burrito Bowls
Bean and Rice Burrito Bowls let kids build their own bowl with favorite toppings and mild flavors.
Get The Recipe
Credit: thissavoryvegan.com
23
Easy Black Bean Enchiladas
Black Bean Enchiladas are packed with protein and topped with melted cheese, making them a nutritious kid-friendly option.
Get The Recipe
Credit: isabeleats.com
24
Oven Fried Vegan Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)
Potato Tacos combine soft, comforting potatoes with a crispy taco shell, perfect for picky eaters.
Get The Recipe
25
Cheesy Vegetarian Taco Casserole Recipe (Easy!)
Vegetarian Taco Casserole Recipe layers beans, cheese, and tortillas into a simple, crowd-pleasing dish.
Get The Recipe
Credit: supermomeats.com
26
Crockpot Vegan Tamale Pie Recipe
Tamale Pie Crockpot Recipe offers a mild, comforting blend of cornbread and beans that’s perfect for little ones.
Get The Recipe
27
Mexican Vegetable Soup
Mexican Vegetable Soup provides a warm, veggie-packed option with mild flavors that kids will enjoy.
Get The Recipe
Credit: runningtothekitchen.com
Burger and Sandwich Recipes
28
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a classic, cheesy meal that’s easy to make and loved by most kids.
Get The Recipe
Credit: loveandlemons.com
29
Veggie Black Bean Burger (Kid-Friendly)
Black Bean Burgers provide a soft, familiar texture with a mild flavor that’s easy to top with favorite condiments.
Get The Recipe
Credit: happyhealthyeaters.com
30
Best Veggie Hummus Sandwich (Easy + Healthy)
My favorite veggie hummus sandwich with avocado and summer vegetables is a delcious quick and easy, healthy lunch! Vegan + WFPB recipe.
Get The Recipe
Credit: thesimpleveganista.com
31
Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe
Lentil Sloppy Joes offer a healthier twist on the classic, with a sweet and tangy sauce kids will love.
Get The Recipe
32
Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Jackfruit BBQ Pulled Pork mimics the texture of pulled pork with a sweet, mild BBQ sauce that’s perfect for little ones.
Get The Recipe
33
Chickpea Avocado Salad Sandwich
This chickpea avocado salad is a healthy twist on the classic tuna sandwich.
Get The Recipe
34
TTLA Sandwich (Whole Foods copycat)
TTLA Sandwich is a kid-friendly version of a BLT using tempeh, lettuce, tomato, and avocado in a sandwich kids will enjoy.
Get The Recipe
35
Cucumber Sandwiches
Cucumber Sandwiches are a made with layers of thin cucumbers and fresh herbed cream cheese sandwiched in soft bread and cut into bite sized pieces.
Get The Recipe
Credit: spendwithpennies.com
Casseroles and Bakes
36
The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked Mac and Cheese is a comforting, cheesy classic that kids can’t resist.
Get The Recipe
Credit: momontimeout.com
37
Lentil Shepherd's Pie Recipe
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie offers a hearty, veggie-filled twist on a traditional dish that’s perfect for picky eaters.
Get The Recipe
38
Cheap and Easy Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Tater Tot Casserole Vegetarian combines crispy tots with a creamy veggie filling, making it a fun, satisfying dish for kids.
Get The Recipe
39
Creamy Vegan Pesto Pasta Bake
Vegan Pesto Pasta Bake with Broccoli is a creamy, cheesy bake with hidden veggies that even picky eaters will enjoy. Skip the kale and you'll be good to go!
Get The Recipe
40
Vegan Chickpea & Rice Casserole (Dump and Bake)
Chickpea and Rice Casserole is a mild, hearty dish with soft textures and kid-friendly flavors.
Get The Recipe
Credit: frommybowl.com
Finger Food Recipes
41
Baked Tofu Chicken Nuggets (Vegan Dino Nuggets)
Tofu Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender inside, offering a fun, plant-based alternative to traditional nuggets.
42
Kid-Friendly Baked Vegetable Tots
Tater tots taken to a whole new level. These are loaded with zucchini, cauliflower, and carrots, and is the perfect way to get kids to eat their veggies!
Get The Recipe
Credit: sweetsimplevegan.com
43
Easy Pinwheel Sandwiches
Change up the usual sandwich lunch for these easy and fun pinwheel sandwiches. With easy options for the filling to please a variety of eaters, this is a great kids lunch option.
Get The Recipe
Credit: yummytoddlerfood.com
44
Roasted Cauliflower Nuggets
Perfect for kids and adults alike, these crispy, savory roasted cauliflower nuggets are as tasty as can be, with lots of possible flavor twists to try!
Get The Recipe
Credit: happyveggiekitchen.com
45
Kids Sushi Recipe: Easy Avocado Rolls
Introduce your child to sushi with this easy-to-make avocado sushi recipe. Follow the recipe or add your kid’s favorite ingredients and roll up this tasty dish.
Get The Recipe
Credit: kidseatincolor.com
Soup and Stew Recipes
46
Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is creamy and cheesy with tender broccoli, making it a comforting, kid-friendly soup.
Get The Recipe
Credit: thegirlwhoateeverything.com
47
Chickpea Noodle Soup
Chickpea Noodle Soup offers a comforting, protein-packed alternative to traditional chicken noodle soup.
Get The Recipe
Credit: cookieandkate.com
48
Vegetarian Potato Soup
Vegetarian Potato Soup is creamy, mild, and filling, perfect for kids who love simple flavors.
Get The Recipe
Credit: forkinthekitchen.com
49
Better-For-You Homemade Spaghetti-Os | Ambitious Kitchen
Homemade Spaghetti-Os are a fun, healthier twist on the canned favorite that kids will recognize and love.
Get The Recipe
Credit: ambitiouskitchen.com
50
Homemade Alphabet Vegetable Soup
Homemade Alphabet Vegetable Soup is a fun, interactive soup filled with soft pasta letters and mild vegetables perfect for young eaters.
Get The Recipe
Credit: sallysbakingaddiction.com
Want to Save this Recipe?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
