When time is tight, these make-ahead vegetarian meals offer comfort and convenience without skimping on flavor. Just reheat soups, pastas or bakes for a warm dinner with little effort.
25 Make-Ahead Vegetarian Meals for Busy Nights
1/25
Stuffed Shells
From the Recipe Creator:
More cheese, please! You'll get your fill from saucy jumbo pasta shells loaded with four kinds—mozzarella, Asiago, ricotta and cottage cheese. Do the prep work, and then freeze according to the recipe directions to have a ready-to-bake meal for a future busy night. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 376 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 959mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
2/25
Smoky Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas
From the Recipe Creator:
My hearty, delicious and nutrient-packed vegetarian dish is amazingly healthy. Everyone I've made it for has loved it—even carnivores! I always make two batches and freeze one. You'll want to eat this every week! —Elizabeth Lindemann, Salem, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 399 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 18g protein.
3/25
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Mushrooms, carrots, celery, peas and potatoes pack this full-flavored meal-maker. In fact, you’ll never even miss the meat. It’s that rich and satisfying! —Kim Hammond, Kingwood, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 223 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 753mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
4/25
Falafel
From the Recipe Creator:
Falafel is a common street food in the Middle East. They are gluten free, crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor from cilantro, mint, coriander and nutty sesame seeds. Parsley can be added or used instead of mint. The classic version is deep-fried, but they can also be pan-fried, baked or cooked in an air fryer. Serve in or alongside pita bread with red onion, tomato, pickled cucumber and tahini sauce. —Nithya Narasimhan, Chennai, India
Nutrition Facts:
4 pieces: 224 calories, 13g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 760mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 16g fiber), 9g protein.
5/25
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
These filling and flavorful vegetarian stuffed peppers are an updated version of my mom's stuffed peppers, which were a favorite when I was growing up in upstate New York. Whenever I make them, I'm reminded of home. —Melissa McCabe, Long Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 261 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
6/25
Vegetable Strata
From the Recipe Creator:
We always serve food at our Bunco games, and since one of us is a vegetarian we like to make fun meatless dishes we can all enjoy. This strata can easily be doubled and tastes fantastic hot or at room temperature. —Doris Mancini, Port Orchard, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 677 calories, 36g fat (15g saturated fat), 244mg cholesterol, 940mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 35g protein.
7/25
Cheddar Bean Burritos
From the Recipe Creator:
My family goes meatless several nights a week, and this recipe is one of our favorites. I usually puree a can or two of chipotle peppers in adobo and freeze them in ice cube trays so I can use a small amount when I need it. —Amy Bravo, Ames, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 410 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 726mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 8g fiber), 16g protein.
8/25
Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno
From the Recipe Creator:
After having the five-cheese ziti at Olive Garden, I tried to make my own homemade version—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this and freeze the second one for another meal. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 449 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 960mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
9/25
Easy Chana Masala
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this quick and healthy Indian-inspired dish so much I always make sure to have the ingredients stocked in my pantry. It makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special. —Janeen Judah, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup garbanzo bean mixture with 3/4 cup rice: 359 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein.
10/25
Cabbage Barley Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My neighbor had an abundance of cabbage, so a group of us had a contest to see who could come up with the best cabbage dish. My vegetarian soup was the clear winner. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 197 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
11/25
Three-Cheese Quiche
From the Recipe Creator:
Try eggs and cheese at their best. Guests often comment on how tall, light and fluffy this crustless entree is. You'll love it! —Judy Reagan, Hannibal, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 449 calories, 37g fat (21g saturated fat), 524mg cholesterol, 316mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein.
12/25
Tomato Tortellini Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
No one will guess that you cheated by using canned tomato soup. This lovely soup tastes homemade all the way! —Sandra Fick, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 245 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 756mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
13/25
Pumpkin Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
I especially like this comforting fall dish because it's vegetarian. Even friends who aren't big fans of pumpkin are surprised by this delectable lasagna. Canned pumpkin and no-cook noodles make it a cinch to prepare. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 310 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 497mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 lean meat.
14/25
Slow-Cooker Minestrone
From the Recipe Creator:
There's nothing quite like the comfort of warm homemade soup, and it's even better when your slow cooker will do most of the work for you! This minestrone is easy to put together but has all the flavor of a high-effort dish. —Erin Raatjes, New Lenox, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 165 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 813mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 7g protein.
15/25
Veggie Calzones
From the Recipe Creator:
Bread dough makes it a breeze to assemble these savory turnovers. If you have a favorite pizza dough, use it instead. These freeze well and once they are frozen, they can be heated in half an hour. —Lee Ann Lowe, Gray, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 calzone: 503 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 953mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein.
16/25
Tomato & Garlic Butter Bean Dinner
From the Recipe Creator:
On the days I get home late and just want a warm meal, I stir together tomatoes, garlic and butter beans. Ladle it over noodles if you're in the mood for pasta. —Jessica Meyers, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups (calculated without pasta and cheese): 147 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
17/25
Whole Wheat Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
To fix a large batch of tender pancakes for my five children, I rely on this quick and wholesome recipe. It calls for whole wheat flour and buttermilk, which make the pancakes filling but also light. Serve them with hot chocolate for a breakfast that's sure to delight little ones. —Line Walter, Wayne, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 157 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 335mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
18/25
Cheese Enchiladas
From the Recipe Creator:
You won't bring home leftovers when you take these easy enchiladas to a potluck. With a homemade tomato sauce and cheesy filling, they always go fast. You can substitute any type of cheese you wish. —Ashley Schackow, Defiance, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 778 calories, 42g fat (23g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 1741mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 34g protein.
19/25
Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I love mushrooms and am learning how to make heartier dishes out of my old favorites. This delicious vegan cream of mushroom soup is low in fat and high in nutrition, and it meets my dietary restrictions. Tofu, used in place of cream, provides a silky texture, but keeps the soup vegan and dairy free. —Maria Davis, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 85 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 574mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
20/25
Lemony Chickpeas
From the Recipe Creator:
These saucy chickpeas add just a little heat to meatless Mondays. They're especially good over hot, fluffy brown rice. —April Strevell, Red Bank, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chickpea mixture with 1 cup rice: 433 calories, 9g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 679mg sodium, 76g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 12g fiber), 13g protein.
21/25
Tortellini Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
One year I had so much summer squash, I was desperate for different ways to prepare it. That's when I came up with this recipe. Serve it as a side dish or on its own as a light meal. —Donald Roberts, Amherst, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 219 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
22/25
Spinach Manicotti
From the Recipe Creator:
When I invite people to dinner, many have started requesting this pasta bake ahead of time because it's that good. Plus, the manicotti is stuffed before it's cooked, making it even more convenient. —Christy Freeman, Central Point, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed manicotti shells: 363 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 822mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein.
23/25
Tex-Mex Bean Bake with Cornbread Topping
From the Recipe Creator:
I frequently cooked this dish when I was on the cross-country team in college. We loved this veggie-packed bake so much I would have to make two! For a meaty version, substitute shredded chicken for half of the potato. —Samantha Westveer, Kentwood, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 310 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 645mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein.
24/25
Slow-Cooker Ratatouille
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only does this classic recipe make a phenomenal side dish, you can also serve it with sliced French bread for a warm and easy appetizer. Try it in the summer with your garden-fresh vegetables. —Jolene Walters, North Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 116 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
25/25
Whole Wheat Pecan Waffles
From the Recipe Creator:
We bought a new waffle maker, and a recipe came along with it. We finally tried it, and after a few changes to suit our tastes, these delicious waffles were the result. —Sarah Morris, Joplin, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 (4-in.) waffles: 241 calories, 14g fat (1g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 338mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
Make-Ahead Vegetarian Meals FAQ
What are some vegetarian meal prep ideas?
The best vegetarian meal prep ideas are easy to make in large batches and hold up over several days in the refrigerator or months in the freezer. Big bowls of quinoa salad can be portioned into smaller containers to eat throughout the week, and hearty sandwiches are ideal grab-and-go lunches. Most recipes can be adjusted based on what you have on hand. Try sweet potatoes instead of regular ones, canned beans in place of cooked lentils or a different pasta shape that cooks in a similar amount of time.
What are the best freezer-friendly vegetarian recipes?
The best freezer-friendly vegetarian recipes hold up well in the freezer without becoming soggy or curdled when reheated. Casseroles, egg-based dishes and hearty soups and stews are great choices to fill your freezer, either in large containers or individual portions. If you’re cooking for a group, these great big-batch meal-prep tips will help utilize your fridge and freezer space wisely.
What vegetarian foods don’t freeze well?
Some vegetarian ingredients don’t hold up in the freezer, especially high-moisture foods like cucumbers, lettuce and fresh tomatoes. These tend to break down and turn mushy when thawed, so eat that mint-cucumber tomato sandwich or cucumber salad when it’s freshly made. Dairy-heavy sauces, like Alfredo or cheese-based bechamel, can be frozen, but they have to be reheated gently so they don’t separate or become grainy. When planning easy make-ahead freezer meals, stick with dishes that reheat well and don’t suffer in texture or flavor after freezing.
