Best Vegetarian Recipes With No Vegetables for Every Meal

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Best Vegetarian Recipes with No Vegetables

When most people think of vegetarian dishes, they often imagine plates brimming with vibrant vegetables. But what if you want delicious, hearty vegetarian meals that don’t include any vegetables at all?

Whether you’re catering to picky eaters, dealing with dietary restrictions, or simply craving something different, there are plenty of vegetarian recipes that focus on grains, dairy, legumes, and other plant-based ingredients—without a single veggie in sight.

In this blog post, I’ll share a collection of the best vegetarian recipes with no vegetables that are flavorful, filling, and easy to prepare. These dishes prove that you don’t need veggies to enjoy a satisfying vegetarian meal!

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

Vegetarian doesn’t always mean veggie-packed. These recipes highlight the versatility of plant-based ingredients beyond the garden’s bounty.

You’ll find rich flavors from cheeses, nuts, grains, and legumes, all coming together to create meals that feel indulgent yet wholesome.

These recipes are perfect for those who:

  • Prefer simple ingredient lists without leafy greens or root vegetables.
  • Want to explore vegetarian dishes that emphasize texture and flavor from other sources.
  • Need comforting meals that are quick and easy to make.

Plus, these recipes will delight your taste buds and keep you full for hours. Ready to dive into a world of creative vegetarian cooking without vegetables?

Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Recipe Main Ingredients
Cheesy Spinach-Free Mac & Cheese Elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, milk, butter, flour, garlic powder, black pepper
Chickpea Flour Pancakes Chickpea flour, water, salt, cumin, olive oil, yogurt (optional)
Herbed Ricotta & Walnut Stuffed Bread Ricotta cheese, walnuts, fresh herbs (parsley, basil), garlic powder, salt, bread dough
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Quesadilla Mashed sweet potato, black beans, shredded cheese, tortillas, cumin, chili powder

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Baking sheet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions

Cheesy Spinach-Free Mac & Cheese

  1. Cook 8 ounces of elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  3. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Season with 1 teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
  6. Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in the pot. Stir well and serve warm.

Chickpea Flour Pancakes

  1. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup chickpea flour, 1 cup water, and ½ teaspoon salt until smooth.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon ground cumin and mix thoroughly.
  3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and brush lightly with olive oil.
  4. Pour ¼ cup batter for each pancake into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form.
  5. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Serve with a dollop of yogurt or your favorite chutney.

Herbed Ricotta & Walnut Stuffed Bread

  1. In a bowl, mix 1 cup ricotta cheese, ½ cup chopped walnuts, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley and basil), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
  2. Roll out prepared bread dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches.
  3. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. Roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the edges to seal.
  5. Place on a baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Quesadilla

  1. Cook and mash 1 medium sweet potato until smooth.
  2. In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potato with 1 cup rinsed black beans, 1 teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon chili powder.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place a tortilla in it.
  4. Spread half of the sweet potato mixture over the tortilla, sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheese on top, and cover with another tortilla.
  5. Cook for 3-4 minutes each side, pressing gently, until the cheese melts and tortillas are golden.
  6. Cut into wedges and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses and spices to suit your taste. For example, swap cheddar for mozzarella or add smoked paprika for a smoky twist.

Want to add crunch? Toasted nuts like walnuts or pine nuts work beautifully in the stuffed bread or even sprinkled on the mac & cheese.

For a gluten-free option, try chickpea flour pancakes with gluten-free flour blends or make quesadillas with corn tortillas.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Calories (per serving) Protein (g) Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g)
Cheesy Mac & Cheese 450 18 20 50
Chickpea Flour Pancakes 180 9 4 25
Ricotta & Walnut Bread 320 12 15 30
Sweet Potato Quesadilla 400 14 12 50

Serving Suggestions

These no-vegetable vegetarian recipes pair wonderfully with simple sides like:

  • Fresh bread or garlic knots
  • Light salads featuring fruits or nuts instead of vegetables
  • Yogurt or sour cream dips
  • Warm beverages like herbal teas or lightly spiced coffees

For a comforting dessert after your meal, try the delightful Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe. Or if you want to explore more cheesy goodness, check out the Cheese Penny Recipe for a fun twist on pasta and cheese.

Conclusion

Vegetarian cooking without vegetables might sound challenging, but with the right ingredients and creativity, it can be both enjoyable and delicious. These recipes showcase how you can make fulfilling meals relying on cheeses, legumes, grains, nuts, and spices.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking for yourself, these dishes are easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Embrace the versatility of vegetarian cuisine in a new light and surprise your palate with these vegetable-free delights. For more inspiration and to expand your recipe collection, don’t forget to explore other fantastic dishes like the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe, which brings creamy richness to any pasta night.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegetarian Recipes with No Vegetables

Description: Delicious vegetarian dishes that completely avoid vegetables, focusing on grains, dairy, and legumes. Perfect for those who want hearty meals without any veggies.

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

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
  2. Cook quinoa in 2 cups water until fluffy, about 15 minutes.
  3. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  4. Add black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Mix cooked quinoa with bean mixture and sour cream.
  6. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and walnuts.
  7. Serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 420 kcal | Protein: 22 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 40 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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