There’s nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a classic roast dinner, especially when it’s packed with wholesome, vibrant vegetarian ingredients. Whether you’re a committed vegetarian, looking to reduce your meat consumption, or simply craving a hearty meal brimming with flavor, this best vegetarian roast dinner recipe is guaranteed to impress.
It combines crispy roasted vegetables, savory stuffing, fluffy mashed potatoes, and a rich, homemade gravy that will leave everyone around your table asking for seconds.
Perfect for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or festive occasions, this recipe is easy to follow and uses accessible ingredients available year-round. You’ll discover how to turn simple veggies into a mouthwatering centerpiece that rivals any traditional roast.
Plus, with helpful tips and delicious variations, you can tailor this meal to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian roast dinner is a perfect blend of texture and flavor, offering the comforting feel of a traditional roast without the meat. The combination of roasted root vegetables, crispy nuts, and savory herbs creates a meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
It’s also highly adaptable—whether you want to swap out vegetables based on seasonality or add a new stuffing twist, this recipe welcomes your creativity. The homemade gravy ties everything together, adding depth and warmth to every bite.
Best of all? It’s a balanced meal that can easily satisfy vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the roast:
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 red onion, quartered
- 200g chestnut mushrooms, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the stuffing:
- 200g chestnut or button mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 100g breadcrumbs
- 50g walnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the mashed potatoes:
- 1kg floury potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 50g butter or vegan spread
- 100ml milk or plant-based milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the gravy:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 500ml vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dried sage
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment
- Large roasting tray
- Mixing bowls
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Masher or potato ricer
- Frying pan
- Baking dish for stuffing
- Sharp knife and chopping board
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). In a large bowl, toss the carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, butternut squash, red onion, and mushrooms with olive oil, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a roasting tray.
- Roast the vegetables: Place the tray in the oven and roast for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until vegetables are tender and caramelized.
- Make the stuffing: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 7-8 minutes.
- Combine stuffing ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in breadcrumbs, walnuts, parsley, soy sauce, and seasoning. Mix well until the mixture holds together when pressed. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Bake the stuffing: Place the baking dish in the oven alongside the vegetables and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden on top.
- Prepare mashed potatoes: While vegetables and stuffing roast, boil potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season to taste.
- Make the gravy: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in vegetable stock, soy sauce, and sage. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Arrange roasted vegetables and stuffing on plates, add a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, and drizzle with warm gravy.
Tips & Variations
For extra flavor, marinate the vegetables in a mix of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and rosemary before roasting.
Feel free to swap the stuffing ingredients to suit your preferences. For example, try adding cranberries or apricots for a sweet note, or replace walnuts with pecans or pine nuts.
If you want to add protein, serve your roast with crispy roasted chickpeas or a lentil loaf. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with cooked quinoa.
Don’t forget to baste your vegetables halfway through roasting with any pan juices to keep them extra moist and flavorful.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (serves 4) |
---|---|
Calories | 420 kcal |
Protein | 8 g |
Carbohydrates | 60 g |
Fat | 14 g |
Fiber | 9 g |
Sugar | 12 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian roast pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal greens such as kale or green beans. For an extra indulgent touch, serve alongside Yorkshire puddings or a warm crusty bread to mop up the delicious gravy.
To add a festive flair, consider serving with a tangy cranberry sauce or a dollop of mint-infused yogurt. And if you’re looking for a dessert to complement this hearty meal, try the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe or the decadent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.
Conclusion
This best vegetarian roast dinner is a celebration of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors that will satisfy vegetarians and omnivores alike. With its colorful array of roasted vegetables, savory herb stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy, it’s a meal that brings warmth and joy to any dining table.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also versatile, allowing you to tailor the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy Sunday meal, this recipe will become a cherished classic in your kitchen.
For more inspiration, explore other hearty recipes like the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or the lighter, warming Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe.
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegetarian Roast Dinner
Description: A hearty and flavorful vegetarian roast dinner perfect for any occasion. Packed with roasted vegetables, nut roast, and rich gravy.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT1H10M
Total Time: PT1H30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, cashews, almonds)
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 large parsnip, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Toss carrots, potatoes, and parsnip with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary; roast for 40 minutes.
- Pulse nuts in a food processor until coarse.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Mix nuts, lentils, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Press mixture into a loaf tin and bake for 30 minutes.
- Make gravy by whisking flour into vegetable broth and simmering until thickened.
- Serve nut roast with roasted vegetables and gravy.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 45 g
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