Cheap Vegetarian Recipes Buzzfeed: Easy Meals On A Budget

Looking to eat well without breaking the bank? You’re in the right place!

Cheap vegetarian recipes have become a staple for anyone who wants delicious, filling meals that are easy on the wallet and big on taste. Thanks to creative cooks and platforms like BuzzFeed, there’s never been a better time to enjoy plant-based dishes that are both affordable and satisfying.

Whether you’re a student, busy parent, or just looking to save some money, these recipes prove that you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to enjoy a hearty meal.

From comforting curries to one-pot pastas, these recipes are ideal for meal prepping, quick weeknight dinners, or even impressing friends at a potluck. With simple pantry staples and seasonal produce, you’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can get for just a few dollars per serving.

Ready to dive into the best cheap vegetarian recipes BuzzFeed has inspired? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: Each dish uses affordable ingredients, so you can save money while eating well.
• Quick and Easy: Most recipes require minimal prep and cook time, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious: Packed with veggies, legumes, and whole grains for a balanced meal.
• Versatile: Easily adapt these recipes to your taste or what you have on hand.
• Family-Approved: These meals are crowd-pleasers, even for picky eaters.

Cheap Vegetarian Recipes BuzzFeed Loves

Let’s explore a list of some of the most beloved, cost-conscious vegetarian recipes inspired by BuzzFeed’s viral hits. Each option is packed with flavor, nutrition, and simplicity.

Chickpea & Spinach Curry

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Can opener
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened.
2. Add garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle in curry powder and stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
4. Pour in canned tomatoes (with juices) and coconut milk. Stir to combine.
5. Add chickpeas and let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes.
6. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with rice or naan.

Tips & Variations

• Swap spinach for kale or collard greens if you prefer.
• Add diced potatoes or carrots for a heartier dish.
• Use light coconut milk for a lower-calorie version.
• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a chopped chili.

Tip: This curry is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Spoon over fluffy white or brown rice for a complete meal.
• Pair with warm naan or pita bread.
• Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt to cool things down.
• Add a side salad of cucumber and tomato for extra crunch.

Creamy Garlic Pasta with Peas

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Add the peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in Parmesan (or nutritional yeast), and season with salt and pepper.
6. Toss sauce with pasta and peas, mixing well. Serve immediately with extra cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use whole-wheat pasta for more fiber and nutrients.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
• Make it vegan by using plant milk, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for a hint of warmth.

Quote: “Creamy pasta never tasted so good—or so affordable!”

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple green salad and crusty bread.
• Top with extra Parmesan or lemon zest for brightness.
• Pair with Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula for a pasta night feast.

Sheet Pan Veggie Fajitas

Ingredients

Equipment

• Sheet pan
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment if desired.
2. In a bowl, toss peppers and onion with olive oil and fajita seasoning until well coated.
3. Spread veggies on the sheet pan in a single layer. Roast for 18-20 minutes, stirring halfway.
4. Add black beans to the pan for the last 5 minutes to warm through.
5. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
6. Serve veggies and beans in tortillas, topped with lime juice and cilantro.

Tips & Variations

• Use pinto beans or kidney beans for variety.
• Add sliced mushrooms or zucchini for more veggies.
• Top with avocado, salsa, or vegan cheese.
• This filling makes a great burrito bowl, too!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with guacamole, salsa, or hot sauce on the side.
• Pair with a side of Harvest Hash for extra texture and flavor.
• Great for a taco night or packed lunch the next day.

One-Pot Lentil Soup

Ingredients

Equipment

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

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
3. Stir in lentils, tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until lentils are tender.
5. Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot. Enjoy with crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

• Add spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes for extra greens.
• Spice it up with smoked paprika or cumin.
• Use red lentils for a quicker-cooking soup.
• Freeze leftovers for future easy meals.

“Hearty, healthy, and under $1 per serving—lentil soup is a classic for a reason!”

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Low Salt Biscuits or crusty bread.
• Top with a squeeze of lemon and fresh parsley.
• Pair with a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Tips & Variations (All Recipes)

• Buy beans and lentils in bulk for extra savings.
• Choose seasonal veggies for the freshest flavor and lowest price.
• Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients based on what you have—these recipes are flexible!
• Double the batch and freeze portions for busy nights.
• Try adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Nutrition Facts (Comparison Table)

Serving Suggestions (All Recipes)

• Round out your table with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Try making Kolasnittar for dessert—a sweet Swedish treat!
• Pair these meals with a refreshing Grapefruit Gimlet for a complete dinner experience.
• Pack leftovers for lunch—they hold up beautifully and taste even better the next day.

Conclusion

Eating delicious, nutritious vegetarian meals doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With these cheap vegetarian recipes BuzzFeed fans rave about, you can create satisfying dishes using simple, affordable ingredients—no culinary degree required!

Each recipe is crafted to stretch your grocery budget while delivering big on flavor, comfort, and nutrition.

Whether you’re trying to reduce your meat intake, save money, or simply eat more veggies, these recipes are a fantastic starting point. Try them out, make them your own, and enjoy the incredible variety and value that plant-based eating has to offer.

For even more inspiration, don’t forget to explore recipes like Lion’s Mane Mushroom Crumble or indulge your sweet tooth with a Honey Raisin Challah. Happy cooking and happy eating!

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