Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For A Week: Easy Meals To Save Money

Eating vegetarian doesn’t have to break the bank, nor does it mean sacrificing flavor or variety. In fact, with a little planning and some staple pantry ingredients, you can create a week’s worth of delicious, wholesome vegetarian meals that are easy on your wallet.

Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or just trying to cut back on meat for budget or health reasons, these recipes will show you how satisfying and affordable plant-based cooking can be.

Below, I’m sharing my favorite cheap vegetarian recipes for a week, featuring vibrant veggies, hearty beans, and simple grains. Each recipe is designed to maximize flavor while minimizing cost, and you’ll find plenty of room for substitutions to use up whatever you already have at home.

Let’s dive into seven days of budget-friendly, nutritious, and utterly delicious vegetarian meals!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: All recipes use accessible, affordable ingredients—no fancy superfoods required.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple steps and minimal equipment make these meals perfect for busy cooks or beginners.
• Nutritious: Each dish is packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins for a well-balanced diet.
• Versatile: Recipes are easily adaptable to your tastes and whatever is in your pantry.
• Family-Friendly: These meals are crowd-pleasers, even for picky eaters.
• Meal Prep Smart: Make ahead, store, and enjoy leftovers—saving you time and money all week long.

Cheap Vegetarian Recipes for a Week: The List

1. Day 1: Hearty Lentil & Vegetable Soup

   This warming soup is a classic for a reason—protein-rich lentils and any veggies you’ve got combine for a filling, nourishing meal.

2. Day 2: Chickpea Stir-Fry with Rice

   Chickpeas are tossed with sautéed veggies and served over rice for a satisfying, fiber-rich dinner.

3. Day 3: Cheesy Broccoli & Potato Casserole

   Comfort food at its finest, this casserole uses pantry staples and seasonal veggies for a cozy main.

4. Day 4: Black Bean Tacos

   Quick, customizable, and bursting with flavor—these tacos will become a weeknight favorite.

5. Day 5: Simple Vegetable Fried Rice

   Transform leftover rice and whatever veggies you have into a fragrant, satisfying one-pan dish.

6. Day 6: Spaghetti with Tomato & Lentil Sauce

   A hearty, protein-packed twist on classic marinara, perfect for pasta night.

7. Day 7: Curried Red Lentil Dal with Flatbread

   Fragrant spices and creamy lentils make this meal both comforting and nourishing.

Ingredients

• Note: Customize vegetables based on what’s in season or on sale. Carrots, bell peppers, spinach, and zucchini work wonderfully.

Equipment

• Large saucepan or soup pot
• Nonstick skillet or frying pan
• Baking dish (9×13 for casserole)
• Cutting board & sharp knife
• Colander or strainer
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Mixing bowls

Instructions

1. Hearty Lentil & Vegetable Soup
   1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 chopped carrots; sauté for 5 minutes.
   2. Add 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir in 1 cup dried lentils, 4 cups water or broth, 2 cups chopped vegetables, 1 tsp cumin, and salt & pepper.
   3. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender. Adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
2. Chickpea Stir-Fry with Rice
   1. In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Add 2 cups mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
   2. Add drained chickpeas, 1 tsp curry powder, 1/2 tsp chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 more minutes.
   3. Serve hot over 1 cup cooked rice.
3. Cheesy Broccoli & Potato Casserole
   1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil 2 large potatoes until fork-tender, then cut into cubes.
   2. Steam or microwave 2 cups broccoli florets until just tender.
   3. Mix potatoes, broccoli, 1/2 cup shredded cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
   4. Top with remaining cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Serve warm.
4. Black Bean Tacos
   1. In a pan, heat 1 tbsp oil. Sauté 1 chopped onion for 3 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute.
   2. Add drained black beans, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder, salt, and pepper. Heat through.
   3. Spoon mixture into tortillas, add toppings like lettuce, salsa, or cheese as desired. Fold and serve.
5. Simple Vegetable Fried Rice
   1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet. Add 2 cups mixed veggies and sauté for 5 minutes.
   2. Add 2 cups cooked rice and 2 tbsp soy sauce. Stir-fry for 5 more minutes until heated through. Adjust seasoning.
   3. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if available.
6. Spaghetti with Tomato & Lentil Sauce
   1. Cook 10 oz spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
   2. In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp oil. Sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until soft.
   3. Add 1/2 cup dried lentils, 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
   4. Toss sauce with spaghetti and serve.
7. Curried Red Lentil Dal with Flatbread
   1. In a pot, heat 1 tbsp oil. Sauté 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp curry powder for 3 minutes.
   2. Add 1 cup red lentils and 3 cups water. Simmer for 20 minutes until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
   3. Serve with flatbread or tortillas, and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Swap your veggies: Use whatever is affordable and available—cabbage, kale, sweet potatoes, or frozen vegetables all work beautifully.
• Bulk up with grains: Add cooked quinoa, barley, or bulgur to soups and stir-fries for extra texture and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Adjust spices to your taste. Try smoked paprika, turmeric, or Italian herbs for extra depth.
• Make it vegan: Omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives in the casserole and tacos.
• Double the batch: Most of these dishes freeze well—make extra for lunches or busy nights.

“Cooking at home is one of the easiest ways to eat healthy and save money—you’ll be amazed at how delicious budget vegetarian meals can be!”

Nutrition Facts

• Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

• Lentil Soup: Pair with a slice of hearty bread or a simple green salad.
• Chickpea Stir-Fry: Serve with brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber.
• Casserole: Add a side of roasted carrots or a tangy slaw for crunch.
• Tacos: Top with shredded lettuce, salsa, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Fried Rice: Enjoy with a splash of soy sauce or a drizzle of sriracha.
• Spaghetti: Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or a dusting of parmesan (vegan if preferred).
• Dal: Serve with warm flatbread and a wedge of lemon for brightness.

For more creative vegetarian ideas, check out our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food, or add a sweet finish with this Honey Raisin Challah Recipe. Looking for a unique pasta?

Try the Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for a fresh, vibrant twist!

Conclusion

Eating well on a budget is more than possible with these cheap vegetarian recipes for a week. By building meals around affordable staples like beans, lentils, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables, you can fill your table with satisfying, nutritious dishes any day of the week.

These recipes are not only easy to make and customize, but they’ll also help you save both time and money—without sacrificing taste or variety.

If you’re new to vegetarian cooking, don’t be afraid to experiment with spices, swap ingredients, and make these recipes your own. The beauty of plant-based meals is their flexibility and resourcefulness.

Happy cooking, and here’s to a week of delicious, wallet-friendly eats!