Cheap Easy Vegan Recipes Chart for Quick Healthy Meals

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Eating vegan doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, with the right ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can whip up delicious, nutritious meals that are both wallet-friendly and easy to prepare.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned plant-based eater, having a handy chart of cheap and easy vegan recipes can make mealtime a breeze. These recipes focus on staple ingredients that are affordable, versatile, and widely available, ensuring you get maximum flavor without breaking the bank.

In this blog post, we’ll explore a curated chart of simple vegan recipes that anyone can make at home. From hearty stews to refreshing salads and comforting pasta dishes, these recipes are designed to be quick, affordable, and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Plus, we’ll share tips to customize each dish to your taste and lifestyle. Ready to dive into budget-friendly vegan cooking?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Chart

This collection of cheap, easy vegan recipes is perfect for anyone looking to save time and money while enjoying flavorful, plant-based meals. The recipes use common pantry staples like beans, rice, lentils, and seasonal vegetables, which keep costs low and preparation simple.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, these dishes are designed to be flexible and forgiving, making them ideal for vegan beginners and busy cooks alike. Plus, each recipe is balanced with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, so you can feel good about what you’re eating.

Discover the joy of cooking vegan meals that don’t require a long list of exotic ingredients or hours in the kitchen. From quick one-pot dishes to make-ahead meals, you’ll find something here to suit every mood and schedule.

Ingredients Chart for Cheap Easy Vegan Recipes

Recipe Main Ingredients Estimated Cost Prep Time Difficulty
Chickpea & Spinach Curry Chickpeas, spinach, canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, curry powder $5 30 minutes Easy
Simple Lentil Soup Brown lentils, carrots, celery, onion, vegetable broth, garlic $4 40 minutes Easy
Peanut Noodle Stir-Fry Rice noodles, peanut butter, soy sauce, mixed veggies, garlic, ginger $6 25 minutes Easy
Black Bean Tacos Canned black beans, corn tortillas, avocado, salsa, lime, cilantro $5 20 minutes Easy
Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl Quinoa, seasonal vegetables, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs $7 35 minutes Easy

Equipment

  • Large pot or saucepan – for soups, curries, and boiling grains
  • Medium skillet or frying pan – for stir-fries and sautéing vegetables
  • Baking sheet – for roasting vegetables
  • Mixing bowls – for tossing salads and mixing sauces
  • Cutting board and knife – essential for prepping fresh produce
  • Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions
  • Colander or sieve – for rinsing beans, lentils, and grains

Instructions for the Featured Recipes

Chickpea & Spinach Curry

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté until soft.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon curry powder and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in 1 can of drained chickpeas and 1 can of diced tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Add 4 cups fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with rice or flatbread.

Simple Lentil Soup

  1. In a large pot, heat oil and sauté 1 diced onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 celery stalks for 5 minutes.
  2. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute.
  3. Pour in 1 cup brown lentils, 4 cups vegetable broth, and 2 cups water.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Peanut Noodle Stir-Fry

  1. Cook 8 oz rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons peanut butter, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup.
  3. Sauté 1 cup mixed chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas) with 1 minced garlic clove and 1 teaspoon grated ginger in a skillet.
  4. Add noodles and peanut sauce to the skillet, toss well to combine and heat through.
  5. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro if desired.

Black Bean Tacos

  1. Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat.
  2. In a pan, heat 1 can drained black beans with 1 teaspoon cumin and a pinch of chili powder.
  3. Fill each tortilla with beans, sliced avocado, salsa, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
  4. Top with chopped cilantro and enjoy immediately.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Chop 3 cups seasonal vegetables (such as sweet potato, zucchini, and bell peppers). Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
  3. Spread vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, turning halfway through.
  4. Meanwhile, cook 1 cup quinoa according to package instructions.
  5. Assemble bowls with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of lemon juice or tahini sauce.

Tips & Variations

“Batch cook staples like beans, lentils, and grains at the start of the week to save time on busy days.”

Feel free to swap in whatever vegetables are in season or on sale. Frozen veggies work perfectly for these recipes, too.

If you want more protein, add tofu, tempeh, or edamame to your meals. For extra flavor, experiment with different spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or garam masala.

To make your meals even quicker, use canned beans and pre-chopped veggies when possible. Leftovers can often be repurposed into wraps, salads, or bowls for next-day lunches.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Calories Protein (g) Carbs (g) Fat (g) Fiber (g)
Chickpea & Spinach Curry 350 15 45 8 12
Simple Lentil Soup 320 18 40 4 14
Peanut Noodle Stir-Fry 450 12 60 15 8
Black Bean Tacos 300 14 38 7 10
Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl 400 14 50 10 9

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve Chickpea & Spinach Curry with steamed basmati rice or warm naan for a comforting meal.
  • Simple Lentil Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
  • Peanut Noodle Stir-Fry is delicious topped with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
  • Enjoy Black Bean Tacos with a side of Mexican street corn or a simple cabbage slaw.
  • Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl can be enhanced with a dollop of hummus or a drizzle of your favorite vegan dressing.

Conclusion

Eating vegan on a budget is easier than ever with these cheap and easy recipes. By focusing on simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, you can enjoy flavorful, nutritious meals that fit your lifestyle and your wallet.

These recipes prove that plant-based eating doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming—just a matter of smart shopping and a little kitchen creativity.

Try out these dishes and feel free to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand. For more inspiration, check out other delicious recipes like our Harvest Hash Recipe, a hearty vegan breakfast option, or the flavorful Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.

If you’re looking for something cozy and pasta-based, don’t miss the Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Happy cooking and enjoy your journey into affordable, easy vegan meals!

📖 Recipe Card: Cheap Easy Vegan Chili

Description: A simple and budget-friendly vegan chili packed with protein and flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
  3. Add bell pepper and cook for 3 more minutes.
  4. Stir in chili powder and cumin; cook 1 minute.
  5. Add beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  7. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve chili over cooked rice if desired.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 15g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 55g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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