50+ Cheap Vegan Dinners You Can Make with Potatoes

Looking for satisfying, cheap vegan dinners that use up potatoes? This list of 50+ vegan potato dinners has hearty, budget-friendly main courses that prove potatoes can be the delicious star of any meal.

Potatoes are a cornerstone pantry staple in any budget-friendly diet because they’re incredibly affordable, versatile, and nutrient-dense. Whether you’re buying russet, Yukon gold, or sweet potatoes, they all come at a low cost per pound compared to most other produce, allowing you to stock up on a filling ingredient without overspending.

Potatoes are also available year-round, making them accessible and affordable across all seasons, which is especially helpful for those looking to keep grocery costs down all year long.

Now, it's not difficult to come by potato side dishes – think:

• Mashed Potatoes,
• “Baked” Potatoes,
• Oven Roasted Potatoes,
• Hash Browns from Scratch,
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• etc.

But while there’s no shortage of creative potato side dishes, finding cheap vegan meals that make the humble potato the star can be surprisingly tricky. That’s why I put together this ultimate meal planning guide filled with potato-based dinners.

In this guide, you’ll find satisfying vegan dinners that are perfect for any night of the week. From savory soups and stews to hearty casseroles to vegan-friendly bowls, these recipes showcase everything potatoes have to offer.

How to Get the Best Deals on Potatoes

Potatoes are naturally cheap, but there are a few ways to get them for as cheap as possible:

1. Buy in bulk: Large bags offer a lower price per pound, and if stored well, potatoes will last for weeks.
2. Shop seasonally: Potatoes are cheap year-round, but they are cheapest during fall and winter, so increase potatoes in your diet during these cooler months!
3. Look for “imperfect” or discount potatoes: “Ugly” potatoes with minor blemishes are usually cheaper but just as nutritious.
4. Shop around: Check the weekly sales at the cheapest grocery stores for the best deals.
5. Buy loose potatoes when needed: If you're cooking for two on a budget, purchasing just a few loose potatoes at a time can help avoid extra costs and reduce food waste.

Cheap Vegan Potato Dinners

Browse these ideas based on what kind of potatoes you have on hand and what you're craving:

Gold Potatoes (Yellow Potatoes)

Gold potatoes (often called Yukon Gold Potatoes or yellow potatoes) are one of my favorite types of potatoes. 

Their buttery flavor and creamy texture, making them ideal for dishes where richness is key. They hold their shape well and have a smooth, thin skin, which means they don’t need peeling and are perfect for quick-prep meals.

Vegan Soups & Stews with Gold Potatoes

Gold Potato Dinners

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are starchy, with a fluffy texture when cooked, making them ideal for dishes that need structure or crispiness. 

Russets absorb flavors beautifully and are often the top choice for soups, stews, and casseroles where they can break down a bit, thickening the dish.

When it comes to cost, russet potatoes are typically among the cheapest varieties, especially when bought in large bags. Their affordability and versatility make them a staple in budget-friendly meal planning.

Vegan Soups with Russet Potatoes

Russet Potato Dinners

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense and naturally sweet, with a creamy, smooth texture when cooked, making them perfect for both savory and sweet dishes. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully in dishes like curries, stews, and casseroles, while their sturdiness makes them great for baking, roasting, and mashing.

Though slightly pricier than russets or gold potatoes, sweet potatoes remain an affordable option and pack a lot of nutrition for the cost.

Vegan Soups and Stews with Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potato Dinners