Cheap Vegan Recipes Cookbook: Delicious Meals on a Budget

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Are you looking for delicious, filling, and budget-friendly vegan meals? You’re in the right place!

The idea behind a cheap vegan recipes cookbook is to show that eating plant-based doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re a student, a family on a budget, or just trying to save money while eating better, vegan cooking can be both affordable and satisfying.

In this post, I’ll share a curated selection of recipes from the ultimate “Cheap Vegan Recipes Cookbook” — each one packed with flavor, nutrition, and easy-to-find ingredients. From hearty stews to vibrant bowls, each recipe is designed to keep your grocery bill low while maximizing taste and health.

Plus, I’m including tips on substitutions, batch cooking, and pantry essentials to help you stretch every dollar. Ready to discover how cheap vegan meals can be the highlight of your week?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Each recipe in this cheap vegan recipes cookbook is designed for real life: quick to make, minimal prep, and always affordable. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with these recipes:

  • Budget-Friendly: Uses staple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
  • Nutritious and Satisfying: Balanced meals that keep you full and energized.
  • Flexible: Easy to adapt based on what’s in season or on sale.
  • Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps make these recipes perfect for all skill levels.
  • Family-Approved: Crowd-pleasers that even picky eaters enjoy.

“With a handful of pantry staples and a dash of creativity, you can enjoy hearty, healthy vegan meals every day—without spending a fortune!”

Cheap Vegan Recipes Cookbook: Top 5 Budget-Friendly Vegan Meals

This mini-cookbook features five of the most popular and affordable vegan recipes. Each one is nourishing, flavorful, and won’t cost you more than a few dollars per serving.

Let’s dive in!

One-Pot Lentil & Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

Ingredient Amount
Lentils (brown or green, dried) 1 cup
Carrots, diced 2 medium
Onion, chopped 1 large
Celery, sliced 2 stalks
Garlic cloves, minced 3
Canned diced tomatoes 1 (14 oz) can
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Dried thyme 1 tsp
Bay leaf 1
Salt & pepper To taste
Oil for sautéing (optional) 1 tbsp

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the lentils, canned tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
  5. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with bread or over rice.

Tips & Variations

  • Bulk up the stew by adding potatoes, kale, or spinach in the last 10 minutes.
  • Spice it up with smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce.
  • No broth? Use water and an extra pinch of salt and herbs.

Lentils are one of the cheapest protein sources—stock up when they’re on sale!

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving Amount
Calories 220
Protein 13g
Fiber 14g
Fat 2g
Carbohydrates 38g

Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy with crusty bread or over brown rice.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
  • Pair with a simple salad for a complete meal.

Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich

Ingredients

Ingredient Amount
Canned chickpeas, drained 1 (15 oz) can
Celery, finely chopped 1 stalk
Red onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp
Dill pickle, chopped 2 tbsp
Vegan mayo 2 tbsp
Lemon juice 1 tbsp
Dijon mustard 1 tsp
Salt & pepper To taste
Bread slices 4

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Knife and cutting board

Instructions

  1. Add chickpeas to a bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher.
  2. Add celery, onion, pickle, vegan mayo, lemon juice, and mustard. Mix well.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Spread onto bread and top with lettuce, tomato, or your favorite sandwich toppings.

Tips & Variations

  • Swap bread for whole-grain wraps or lettuce cups for a lighter option.
  • Mix in capers or nori flakes for a more “seafood” flavor.
  • Great for meal prep—store the filling in the fridge up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Per Sandwich Amount
Calories 270
Protein 11g
Fiber 8g
Fat 7g
Carbohydrates 42g

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side of lemon crackers or crunchy veggies.
  • Add a bowl of fruit for a refreshing lunch.

Creamy Peanut Butter Noodles

Ingredients

Ingredient Amount
Dried spaghetti or ramen noodles 8 oz
Peanut butter (smooth) 1/4 cup
Soy sauce 3 tbsp
Maple syrup or brown sugar 1 tbsp
Rice vinegar or lemon juice 1 tbsp
Garlic powder 1/2 tsp
Hot water 2-4 tbsp
Green onions, chopped 2
Sesame seeds (optional) 1 tbsp

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Colander

Instructions

  1. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, syrup, vinegar, garlic powder, and hot water until smooth and pourable.
  3. Toss noodles with the peanut sauce until well-coated.
  4. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm or cold.

Tips & Variations

  • Add steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, or bell peppers to the noodles for extra nutrition.
  • Switch up the nut butter—try almond or sunflower seed butter for a twist.
  • Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.

“Don’t have maple syrup? Use any sweetener you have on hand for balance.”

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving Amount
Calories 390
Protein 13g
Fiber 4g
Fat 13g
Carbohydrates 55g

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as a main dish with a side of steamed veggies.
  • Pack cold for a lunch on the go.
  • Great with a fresh cucumber salad or some maple bourbon pickles.

Easy Red Beans & Rice

Ingredients

Ingredient Amount
White or brown rice 1 cup (uncooked)
Canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 (15 oz) can
Green bell pepper, diced 1
Onion, chopped 1 small
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Vegetable broth or water 1 cup
Smoked paprika 1 tsp
Thyme (dried or fresh) 1/2 tsp
Oil for sautéing 1 tbsp
Salt & pepper To taste

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan (for rice)
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon

Instructions

  1. Cook rice according to package directions. Set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes.
  3. Stir in beans, broth, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Serve beans mixture over cooked rice.

Tips & Variations

  • Add chopped tomatoes or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
  • Use leftover cooked rice for an even quicker meal.
  • Swap red beans for black beans or pinto beans.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving Amount
Calories 300
Protein 10g
Fiber 7g
Fat 4g
Carbohydrates 54g

Serving Suggestions

  • Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
  • Serve alongside a crisp slaw or salad.
  • Pairs well with a refreshing huckleberry margarita for a fun twist!

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos

Ingredients

Ingredient Amount
Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 2 medium
Canned black beans, drained and rinsed 1 (15 oz) can
Corn tortillas 8
Olive oil 1 tbsp
Cumin 1 tsp
Chili powder 1 tsp
Salt & pepper To taste
Optional: lettuce, salsa, avocado As desired

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board
  • Oven or toaster oven

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Spread potatoes on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and golden.
  3. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  4. Fill tortillas with roasted sweet potatoes and black beans. Top with optional lettuce, salsa, and avocado.

Tips & Variations

  • Add sautéed onions or peppers for extra flavor.
  • Use canned pinto beans or chickpeas if black beans aren’t available.
  • Roasted corn makes a delicious addition!

“Batch roast sweet potatoes for the week and use them in wraps, bowls, and salads.”

Nutrition Facts

Per 2 Tacos Amount
Calories 320
Protein 9g
Fiber 10g
Fat 5g
Carbohydrates 60g

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side of rice or a simple salad.
  • Top with hot sauce or your favorite salsa.
  • Try with a cool vegan yogurt drizzle for contrast.

Tips & Variations for Cheap Vegan Cooking

  • Shop in bulk: Buy lentils, beans, rice, and oats in bulk to save money.
  • Use seasonal produce: Ingredients are freshest and cheapest when in season.
  • Repurpose leftovers: Turn leftover cooked beans or grains into new meals like salads, burritos, or soups.
  • Freeze for later: Many vegan dishes freeze well. Double recipes and freeze portions for quick meals.
  • Customize spices and herbs: Start with basic spices and build your pantry over time for more variety.
  • Plan your meals: Avoid waste by planning recipes around what you already have.

“Cooking vegan on a budget is about creativity and resourcefulness. With a few basics, you can make dozens of delicious meals!”

Nutrition Facts

While each recipe above includes individual nutrition facts, here’s a look at what you can expect from a week of meals from this cookbook:

Average Per Meal Amount
Calories 280-400
Protein 9-14g
Fiber 7-14g
Fat 2-13g
Carbohydrates 38-60g

These meals are naturally high in fiber and plant-based protein, low in saturated fat, and packed with vitamins and minerals from whole foods.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair these dishes with simple sides like steamed greens, roasted vegetables, or fresh fruit.
  • Mix and match: Turn leftovers into bowls, wraps, or salads for new flavors every day.
  • For a filling breakfast, try overnight oats or a harvest hash.
  • Make a big batch of soup or stew for lunches all week long.

Conclusion

Eating delicious, healthy, and filling vegan meals on a budget is absolutely possible with a little planning and creativity. This cheap vegan recipes cookbook is just the starting point—these five recipes can be adapted endlessly with what you have on hand.

Not only are they easy on the wallet, but they’re also packed with nutrients and crowd-pleasing flavors.

Ready to explore even more plant-based recipes? Check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula for a zesty, affordable dinner or dive into the world of savory, protein-packed mushroom dishes with our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.

Eating vegan on a budget has never been easier—or tastier!

With these recipes and tips, you can save money, eat well, and enjoy the endless variety that plant-based cooking has to offer. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: One-Pot Chickpea Tomato Stew

Description: A hearty, budget-friendly vegan stew packed with chickpeas and vegetables. Perfect for a quick and filling meal any night of the week.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and carrot, cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in garlic, cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, and paprika.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. Stir in spinach, cook until wilted.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 230 | Protein: 9g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 38g

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Marta K

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