Cheap Vegetarian Recipes Reddit: Tasty Meals on a Budget

When it comes to eating well on a budget, few communities are as creative and resourceful as Reddit’s home cooks. If you’ve ever searched for cheap vegetarian recipes on Reddit, you’ll know there’s a treasure trove of flavorful, filling, and affordable plant-based meals just waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re a student trying to save money, a family looking to stretch your grocery bill, or just someone who loves a simple, satisfying dinner, these recipes deliver big taste without breaking the bank.

In this post, I’m sharing three of the most beloved and easy cheap vegetarian recipes from Reddit: Lentil & Rice One-Pot Dinner, Chickpea Curry, and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce. Each recipe is packed with pantry staples, comes together in under an hour, and is fully customizable to what you have on hand.

Plus, I’ll include tips, nutrition facts, and serving suggestions so you can make the most of your plant-based meals every time!

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

• Budget-Friendly: All ingredients are affordable and easy to find at any grocery store.
• Healthy & Filling: Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner all week long.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies, beans, or grains for endless variation.
• Family-Friendly: Kid-approved flavors that even picky eaters will love.

Lentil & Rice One-Pot Dinner

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup white or brown rice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth or water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1/2 tsp chili powder or red pepper flakes

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven with lid
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander (for rinsing lentils and rice)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in your large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the lentils, rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), and vegetable broth to the pot. Mix well.
5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until lentils and rice are tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Check occasionally and add a splash of water if the mixture looks too dry before the grains are cooked.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Swap in red lentils for a quicker-cooking meal, but reduce the simmer time to 20 minutes.
• Add frozen peas, spinach, or chopped kale in the last 5 minutes for extra nutrition.
• Use any color of bell pepper, or try zucchini or mushrooms as substitutes.
• Top with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or a dollop of Greek yogurt (if not vegan).
• Turn leftovers into burrito filling or a base for veggie burgers!

“For extra flavor, toast your spices in the oil before adding the veggies. It makes a world of difference!”

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm naan, pita, or crusty bread for a more filling meal.
• Pair with a simple green salad or cucumber-tomato salad for freshness.
• Try alongside Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula for a flavor-packed vegetarian spread.

Chickpea Curry (Chana Masala-Inspired)

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp garam masala (or curry powder)
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup water
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet or saucepan
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes more.
3. Add the cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, salt, and cayenne. Stir well and cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and water. Mix and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the chickpeas. Simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
6. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir. Taste and adjust salt or heat as desired.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use canned white beans or kidney beans if you’re out of chickpeas.
• Stir in a handful of baby spinach at the end for color and nutrition.
• For a creamy twist, add 1/4 cup coconut milk before serving.
• Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes along with the chickpeas for extra heartiness.
• Freeze leftovers in single portions for easy lunches.

“Redditors love this recipe because it’s so forgiving—use what you have, and it’ll still turn out delicious!”

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed basmati rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
• Pair with homemade Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes for a full dinner party spread.
• Enjoy with warm naan or flatbread to scoop up every last bite.
• Top with a dollop of plain yogurt or vegan yogurt for extra creaminess.

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 broccoli crown, cut into florets
• 1 large carrot, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 3 cups cooked rice or noodles
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or sugar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup water (to thin sauce)
• Optional: chopped peanuts and green onions for topping

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowl (for sauce)
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, garlic powder, and water until smooth. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the broccoli, carrot, bell pepper, and zucchini. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
4. Add the cooked rice or noodles to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the veggies.
5. Pour in the peanut sauce and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
6. Serve immediately, topped with chopped peanuts and sliced green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use whatever veggies are cheapest or in season—cabbage, snap peas, or mushrooms are great swaps.
• Add tofu or edamame for a protein boost.
• Double the sauce if you love extra flavor!
• Spice it up with a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
• This sauce also pairs perfectly with cold soba noodles or as a salad dressing.

“A simple peanut sauce can turn any veggie medley into a crave-worthy dinner—Reddit’s top tip for veggie stir-fry!”

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with lime wedges and extra peanuts for crunch.
• Pair with a refreshing drink, like this Huckleberry Margarita, for a fun dinner night.
• Enjoy as a main dish or as a side alongside other Asian-inspired meals.

More Cheap Vegetarian Recipes Reddit Loves

• Rice and Beans: Simmer cooked beans (black, pinto, or kidney) with garlic, onion, cumin, and serve over rice for a protein-rich meal.
• Pasta Primavera: Toss cooked pasta with sautéed seasonal veggies, olive oil, and a sprinkle of parmesan or nutritional yeast.
• Vegetarian Chili: Combine canned beans, tomatoes, corn, and spices in a pot for a hearty, warming dish. Try with cornbread on the side!
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill halved peppers with a mixture of rice, beans, veggies, and top with cheese or vegan cheese, then bake until bubbly.
• Potato & Veggie Hash: Sauté diced potatoes with any leftover veggies and your favorite seasonings for a savory breakfast or dinner.

Conclusion

Eating vegetarian on a budget doesn’t have to be boring or repetitive. As the Reddit community has shown, the possibilities for cheap vegetarian recipes are truly endless.

By using pantry staples, seasonal produce, and a bit of creativity, you can whip up hearty, healthy, and mouthwatering meals that everyone will love. These recipes are perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or even impressing your friends at your next potluck.

If you enjoyed these ideas, be sure to check out more inventive recipes like Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or explore unique flavor combinations in dishes such as Maple Bourbon Pickles Recipe.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just starting your journey, these cheap vegetarian recipes from Reddit are sure to become staples in your kitchen. Happy cooking!

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