Bbcgood Food Vegetarian Recipes for Tasty Meat-Free Meals

Updated On: September 30, 2025

If you’re looking for vibrant, healthy, and utterly delicious meals, bbcgood food vegetarian recipes are a treasure trove of inspiration. Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian or simply wish to add more plant-based dishes to your weekly menu, BBC Good Food’s collection consistently delivers recipes that are big on flavor, satisfying in texture, and accessible for home cooks.

The beauty of vegetarian cooking lies in its diversity—think hearty stews, fresh salads, creamy pastas, and inventive bakes, all showcasing the best of seasonal produce. In this post, I’m sharing a curated list of some of the most beloved BBC Good Food vegetarian recipes, complete with ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and creative serving suggestions.

By the end, you’ll have a bundle of easy, nourishing meal ideas ready for your next kitchen adventure!

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

BBC Good Food vegetarian recipes are crafted with both flavor and nutrition in mind. Each dish is packed with wholesome ingredients, making them perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining friends.

Whether you’re after a warming soup, a protein-rich curry, or a show-stopping pie, you’ll discover recipes that are:

  • Simple to prepare—most use everyday pantry staples and fresh vegetables.
  • Versatile—easily adaptable for gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free preferences.
  • Balanced and nourishing—packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and essential vitamins.
  • Delicious—layered with herbs, spices, and globally-inspired flavors.

“Vegetarian cooking is about more than just removing meat—it’s about celebrating the colors, textures, and tastes of vegetables in all their glory!”

BBC Good Food Vegetarian Recipe List

Below you’ll find a hand-picked selection of BBC Good Food vegetarian recipes that have become favorites for cooks around the world. For each featured recipe, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, equipment, instructions, tips, nutrition, and serving ideas.

Ultimate Veggie Chili

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Red onion 1 large, diced
Garlic cloves 3, minced
Red bell pepper 1, chopped
Yellow bell pepper 1, chopped
Carrots 2, diced
Celery stalks 2, diced
Chopped tomatoes 2 x 400g cans
Kidney beans 1 x 400g can, drained
Black beans 1 x 400g can, drained
Corn 1 cup (frozen or canned)
Chili powder 2 tsp
Ground cumin 1 1/2 tsp
Smoked paprika 1 tsp
Vegetable stock 500ml
Salt & black pepper To taste
Fresh coriander (cilantro) Small bunch, chopped

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chopping board and sharp knife
  • Can opener
  • Ladle for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  2. Add garlic, bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices, allowing them to become fragrant (about 1 minute).
  4. Add chopped tomatoes, beans, corn, and vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for an extra 10 minutes.
  7. Stir through fresh coriander just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.

Tips & Variations

  • Add heat with a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Bulk up the chili with sweet potatoes or zucchini.
  • Serve leftovers over rice or baked potatoes for a hearty lunch.

Letting your chili rest for a few hours (or overnight in the fridge) deepens the flavors—perfect for meal prep!

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1/6 recipe)
Calories 245
Protein 10g
Fat 6g
Carbohydrates 38g
Fiber 11g

Serving Suggestions

  • Top with avocado slices, fresh lime, and extra coriander.
  • Serve with tortilla chips or over brown rice for a filling meal.
  • Pair with homemade vegan bread for dipping.

Tips & Variations

  • For a smoky twist, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
  • Use different beans like pinto or cannellini for variety.
  • For a vegan chili con carne, try adding soy mince or lentils.

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Tagliatelle or fettuccine 350g
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Mixed mushrooms (button, chestnut, shiitake) 400g, sliced
Garlic cloves 2, minced
Shallots 2, finely chopped
Vegetable stock 150ml
Double cream or plant-based cream 150ml
Fresh thyme 1 tsp, leaves only
Parmesan or vegan parmesan 50g, grated
Salt & black pepper To taste

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Frying pan
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon
  • Grater

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Sauté shallots and garlic for 2 minutes until softened.
  3. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until golden and tender.
  4. Stir in thyme, then pour in vegetable stock. Simmer for 2 minutes, letting the liquid reduce slightly.
  5. Add cream and most of the parmesan, stirring to combine. Season with salt and black pepper.
  6. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh thyme.

Tips & Variations

  • Swap thyme for fresh tarragon or parsley for a different herbal note.
  • For a vegan option, use oat or cashew cream and vegan parmesan.
  • Add spinach or peas for extra greens and texture.

Creamy pasta is even better with homemade vegan béchamel sauce—try it for an extra-silky finish!

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1/4 recipe)
Calories 420
Protein 13g
Fat 17g
Carbohydrates 55g
Fiber 4g

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus.
  • Serve alongside homemade vegetable crackers for a crunchy side.
  • Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil for a luxurious touch.

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Lasagna sheets 12-14
Eggplant (aubergine) 1 large, sliced
Zucchini (courgette) 2, sliced
Red bell pepper 1, sliced
Yellow bell pepper 1, sliced
Olive oil 3 tbsp
Chopped tomatoes 2 x 400g cans
Onion 1, finely chopped
Garlic cloves 2, minced
Dried oregano 1 tsp
Ricotta cheese (or vegan ricotta) 250g
Spinach 100g, wilted
Mozzarella (or vegan cheese) 125g, sliced
Parmesan (or vegan parmesan) 40g, grated
Salt & black pepper To taste

Equipment

  • Large roasting tray
  • Baking dish (9×13-inch)
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Aluminum foil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F. Toss sliced vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a roasting tray and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and lightly golden.
  2. While the veggies roast, heat a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic for 3-4 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes and oregano, simmer for 10 minutes. Season to taste.
  3. Mix wilted spinach with ricotta and a pinch of salt.
  4. Layer the lasagna: Spoon a little tomato sauce into a baking dish, top with lasagna sheets, then half the roasted veggies, ricotta-spinach, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with tomato sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan.
  5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for a further 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  6. Allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1/6 recipe)
Calories 370
Protein 15g
Fat 14g
Carbohydrates 44g
Fiber 7g

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
  • A spoonful of Lipton vegetable dip on the side is a unique, tangy accompaniment.
  • Leftovers are perfect for lunchboxes and taste even better the next day!

Spiced Sweet Potato Soup

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Sweet potatoes 700g, peeled and cubed
Carrots 2 large, chopped
Onion 1, chopped
Garlic cloves 2, minced
Fresh ginger 2cm piece, grated
Ground cumin 1 tsp
Ground coriander 1/2 tsp
Vegetable stock 1 liter
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Salt & black pepper To taste
Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt For serving (optional)

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Chopping board and knife
  • Ladle

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add ground cumin and coriander, stirring for 1 minute.
  3. Stir in sweet potatoes and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Pour in vegetable stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  5. Blend until smooth with a blender or immersion blender. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve hot, topped with a swirl of yogurt and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Tips & Variations

  • Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat.
  • Stir in coconut milk for extra creaminess.
  • Pair with Swiss chard fritters for a heartier meal.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1/4 recipe)
Calories 162
Protein 3g
Fat 4g
Carbohydrates 30g
Fiber 5g

Serving Suggestions

  • Top with roasted pumpkin seeds or croutons for crunch.
  • Serve with crusty bread or warm pita.
  • For a complete meal, pair with a vegetarian alfredo bake.

Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Bell peppers (any color) 4, halved and deseeded
Quinoa or couscous 100g
Cherry tomatoes 150g, halved
Olives 50g, sliced
Feta cheese (or vegan feta) 75g, crumbled
Red onion 1/2, finely chopped
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Fresh basil or parsley Small handful, chopped
Salt & black pepper To taste

Equipment

  • Baking tray
  • Mixing bowl
  • Chopping board and knife
  • Aluminum foil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 190°C (170°C fan)/375°F. Place pepper halves cut side up on a baking tray.
  2. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and roast for 15 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, cook quinoa or couscous according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
  4. In a bowl, combine cooked grain, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta, red onion, basil, and remaining olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Spoon the mixture into the roasted pepper halves. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
  6. Remove foil and bake for a final 5 minutes until the tops are golden and the filling is hot.

Tips & Variations

  • Make it vegan by using vegan feta or skipping cheese entirely.
  • Add toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
  • For a spicy kick, stir in a little harissa paste to the filling.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1/2 pepper)
Calories 180
Protein 6g
Fat 8g
Carbohydrates 20g
Fiber 4g

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as a light lunch with a crisp green salad.
  • Pair with vegetarian date cake for a sweet finish.
  • Delicious alongside grilled vegetables or a simple lentil soup.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or just looking to embrace more meat-free meals, these bbcgood food vegetarian recipes bring together the best of fresh produce, hearty grains, and bold flavors. Each recipe is crafted to be approachable for weekday cooking yet special enough for gatherings or celebrations.

From the comforting warmth of Ultimate Veggie Chili to the Mediterranean flair of stuffed peppers, there’s something here to please every palate and occasion. Don’t forget to explore more plant-based inspiration—try cozy slow cooker meals from Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas or spice things up with Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners.

Happy cooking—and may your kitchen be filled with color, aroma, and joy!

đź“– Recipe Card: Vegetarian Chickpea Curry

Description: A hearty and flavorful chickpea curry packed with spices and vegetables. Perfect for a quick and satisfying vegetarian dinner.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 400g can chopped tomatoes
  • 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 100g spinach leaves
  • 200ml vegetable stock
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic and curry powder, cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes, chickpeas, carrot, and vegetable stock.
  5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
  6. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
  7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 270 kcal | Protein: 10g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 40g

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Marta K

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