Eating vegan doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With the right recipes, you can enjoy flavorful, nutritious meals that won’t break the bank.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro looking for wallet-friendly ideas, having a handy budget friendly vegan recipes PDF can be a game changer. These recipes focus on wholesome ingredients like beans, grains, vegetables, and affordable plant-based proteins that are easy to find and prepare.
Plus, they’re designed to minimize food waste and maximize taste.
In this post, we’re sharing a collection of delicious and economical vegan recipes that you can save as a PDF for easy access in your kitchen. From hearty stews to fresh salads and comforting pastas, these ideas will inspire you to eat well without overspending.
If you want to explore more vegan options, make sure to check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe and the tasty Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.
Why You’ll Love These Budget Friendly Vegan Recipes
These recipes are designed with simplicity and cost-effectiveness in mind. Using pantry staples and seasonal produce, they reduce grocery bills while delivering big on flavor and nutrition.
Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, the dishes offer flexibility to customize with whatever you have on hand.
Each recipe emphasizes whole foods and minimizes processed ingredients, making them healthier and more satisfying. Plus, by cooking at home with these plant-based meals, you’re supporting sustainable eating habits that benefit both your wallet and the planet.
Ingredients
- Dried beans or lentils (e.g., black beans, chickpeas, red lentils) – affordable protein sources
- Brown rice or quinoa – budget grains that bulk up meals
- Seasonal fresh vegetables (carrots, potatoes, kale, bell peppers)
- Canned tomatoes – great for sauces and stews
- Onions and garlic – foundational flavor enhancers
- Vegetable broth or bouillon cubes
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Spices: cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, turmeric, salt, pepper
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley (optional but adds freshness)
- Nut butters (optional for creaminess)
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven – for soups and stews
- Medium saucepan – for grains
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander or strainer – for rinsing beans and grains
- Blender or immersion blender (optional) – for creamy sauces or soups
Instructions
- Prepare the beans or lentils: Rinse dried beans thoroughly. Soak overnight if using larger beans like chickpeas or black beans. Lentils can be rinsed and used directly.
- Cook the grains: Rinse your chosen grain (rice or quinoa). Cook according to package instructions, typically simmering in water or vegetable broth until tender.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Chop seasonal vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Add to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to soften.
- Add spices and canned tomatoes: Stir in spices like cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Pour in canned tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add beans or lentils: Drain soaked beans and add to the pot. For lentils, add rinsed lentils directly. Cover and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until beans are tender.
- Adjust seasoning and consistency: Taste and add more salt or spices as needed. If stew is too thick, add water or broth to reach desired consistency.
- Optional creamy touch: Stir in a spoonful of nut butter or blend a portion of the stew for a creamier texture.
- Serve: Spoon over cooked grains or enjoy as a hearty soup. Garnish with fresh herbs if available.
Tips & Variations
Batch cook grains and beans at the start of the week to save time on busy days.
Use frozen vegetables when fresh ones aren’t in season or are expensive.
Swap out spices depending on your flavor preference—add curry powder for an Indian twist or oregano and basil for Italian vibes.
Turn leftovers into wraps or salads for quick lunches.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 15g |
Carbohydrates | 55g |
Fiber | 12g |
Fat | 5g |
Vitamins & Minerals | Rich in iron, potassium, vitamin C (from veggies) |
Serving Suggestions
Serve these budget friendly vegan dishes with a side of crusty whole grain bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a refreshing contrast, try a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon juice and olive oil.
You can also top with avocado slices or a dollop of your favorite vegan yogurt for creaminess.
If you enjoy these recipes, don’t miss out on other creative dishes like our vibrant Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or the flavorful Cajun Ranch Wing Sauce Recipe that pairs well with roasted veggies or tofu.
Budget Friendly Vegan Recipes PDF Collection
To make your meal planning even easier, here’s a list of three more budget friendly vegan recipes that you can add to your repertoire. These recipes are carefully selected to keep costs low without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Lentil and Vegetable Stew
- Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils, 2 carrots, 1 onion, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp cumin, salt and pepper.
- Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic, add carrots and spices, then lentils, broth, and tomatoes. Simmer until lentils are soft.
- Why it’s budget friendly: Lentils are inexpensive and cook quickly, while canned tomatoes and broth add deep flavor at low cost.
Chickpea Curry
- Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas (drained), 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp curry powder, 1 can coconut milk, 1 cup spinach or kale, oil, salt.
- Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic, stir in curry powder, add chickpeas and coconut milk, simmer 15 minutes, add greens to wilt before serving.
- Why it’s budget friendly: Canned chickpeas and coconut milk are affordable pantry staples that create a creamy, satisfying dish.
Vegetable Fried Rice
- Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day old), 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 green onions, 1 tbsp oil, 1 tsp ginger (optional).
- Instructions: Heat oil, sauté green onions and ginger, add vegetables and rice, stir fry with soy sauce until heated through.
- Why it’s budget friendly: Uses leftover rice and frozen veggies, making it a perfect zero-waste meal.
- Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas (drained), 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp curry powder, 1 can coconut milk, 1 cup spinach or kale, oil, salt.
- Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic, stir in curry powder, add chickpeas and coconut milk, simmer 15 minutes, add greens to wilt before serving.
- Why it’s budget friendly: Canned chickpeas and coconut milk are affordable pantry staples that create a creamy, satisfying dish.
Vegetable Fried Rice
- Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day old), 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 green onions, 1 tbsp oil, 1 tsp ginger (optional).
- Instructions: Heat oil, sauté green onions and ginger, add vegetables and rice, stir fry with soy sauce until heated through.
- Why it’s budget friendly: Uses leftover rice and frozen veggies, making it a perfect zero-waste meal.
Download and print these recipes in a handy PDF format to keep in your kitchen or share with friends who want to eat delicious vegan meals on a budget.
Conclusion
Eating vegan on a budget is completely achievable with a little planning and creativity. These recipes show that you don’t need expensive ingredients or complicated techniques to enjoy wholesome, delicious meals.
By focusing on affordable staples like beans, grains, and seasonal vegetables, you can nourish your body and delight your taste buds without overspending.
We hope this collection inspires you to cook more plant-based meals that are both cost-effective and tasty. Remember, cooking at home is one of the best ways to save money and control what goes into your food.
For more inspiring recipes, check out our blog sections featuring dishes like Horse Cough Syrup Recipe for wellness and the savory Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe. Happy cooking and eating well!
📖 Recipe Card: Budget Friendly Vegan Chili
Description: A hearty and affordable vegan chili packed with beans and vegetables. Perfect for meal prep and feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add black beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and corn.
- Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with rice or tortilla chips.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 45 g
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