From creamy pastas and hearty stews to crisp-tender vegetables and gorgeous homemade bread, these vegetarian Dutch oven recipes offer easy meat-free ideas for dinner, sides and dessert.
1/39
Meatless Chili Mac
From the Recipe Creator:
I came across this recipe in a newspaper years ago and it’s been a hit at our house ever since. It’s fast and flavorful, and it appeals to all ages. —Cindy Ragan, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 206 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable,1 lean meat.
By the way, here’s what you should know before giving up meat.
2/39
Walnut Raisin Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
On a cold day, nothing is better than a warm, crusty Dutch oven raisin bread filled with walnuts. —Catherine Ward, Taste of Home Prep Kitchen Manager
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 130 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
3/39
Summer Bounty Ratatouille
From the Recipe Creator:
Make use of your garden's surplus with this comforting dish from the Provence region of France. It's a vegetable dish traditionally made with eggplant, tomatoes, onions, zucchini, garlic, bell peppers and various herbs. I highly recommend accompanying it with some freshly baked bread. —Phyllis Jacques, Venice, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup ratatouille with 1 cup bread cubes: 205 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 7g protein.
4/39
Copycat Panera Tomato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Using high-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano is the key to a delicious soup. Sprinkle servings with additional minced fresh basil for even more flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 162 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 553mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
5/39
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.
6/39
Green Beans with Creamy Pistachio Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
I was asked to bring vegetables for a party and wasn’t feeling inspired until I remembered Mom served green beans with butter and evaporated milk. I love pistachios, so I added those instead of almonds. Everybody wanted the recipe, and I was really pleased—very little work and lots of happy family and friends! —Loretta Ouellette, Pompano Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 177 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 365mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
These are our favorite Dutch ovens on the market.
7/39
Freezer Salsa
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids in the home economics class at the school where I teach were making this freezer salsa, and it smelled so good that I got the recipe. It's a great way to use up garden produce. —Deanna Richter, Elmore, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 22 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 375mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
8/39
Chunky Vegetarian Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
This robust chili teams rice, kidney and pinto beans, and a variety of colorful vegetables for a hearty meatless meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 196 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 424mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch.
9/39
Ravioli with Creamy Squash Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
Store-bought ravioli speeds assembly of this cozy, restaurant-quality dish. It tastes so good that your family won't notice it's meatless. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 671 calories, 51g fat (22g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 578mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 18g protein.
Cozy up to this vegetarian shepherd’s pie too.
10/39
Italian White Bean Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
A bowlful of this soup is so satisfying, it's hard to believe it's actually good for you too. I crave it all the time. With lots of beans and potatoes, it is filling and even hits the spot with meat lovers. —Kristina Krummel, Elkins, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 164 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 714mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.
11/39
Spaghetti Sauce Without Meat
From the Recipe Creator:
When my tomatoes ripen, the first things I make are BLTs and this homemade spaghetti sauce. —Sondra Bergy, Lowell, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 133 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
What even is a Dutch oven? Find out here.
12/39
Celeriac & Garlic Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
My family can’t get enough of this comforting fall favorite, especially at Thanksgiving. I love the addition of the celeriac. Its mild celery flavor pairs well with the garlic and potato. —Lynelle Martinson, Plover, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 135 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
13/39
Summer Zucchini Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always experimenting when my garden is cranking out zucchini and summer squash. This simple and healthy summer zucchini pasta is one of my latest wins. It’s meatless, but you can add shredded chicken or grilled salmon for a heartier dish. —Beth Berlin, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 254 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
14/39
Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens
From the Recipe Creator:
Time to gather round the table, y'all! This dish has special meaning on New Year's Day, when Southerners eat greens for future wealth and black-eyed peas for prosperity. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 177 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 412mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
15/39
Mamma’s Caponata
From the Recipe Creator:
This is fabulous as an appetizer, but you can easily turn it into a meal. Instead of having it on bread, serve it over warm pasta. —Georgette Stubin, Canton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 57 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
16/39
One-Pot Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
This one-pot mac and cheese is a family favorite, and my 3-year-old is always thrilled to see it coming to the dinner table. We love to add sliced smoked sausage to this creamy mac recipe! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 344 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
17/39
Caribbean Potato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My bright and hearty soup features an unusual blend of ingredients, including okra, kale and black-eyed peas. No kale on hand? Use spinach instead. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 213 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 954mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein.
18/39
Peach Crumble
From the Recipe Creator:
We save our forks after dinner so we can enjoy this yummy old-fashioned peach crumble dessert. It’s delicious, so easy to make and wonderful with ice cream. —Nancy Horsburgh, Everett, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 237 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
19/39
Moroccan Chickpea Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
When I'm invited to a potluck, I easily double or triple this healthy Moroccan chickpea stew to treat the crowd to an exotic dish of enticing, bold flavors. —Heather Demeritte, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 217 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 7g protein.
20/39
Makeover Creamed Corn
From the Recipe Creator:
This healthy creamed corn has all the rich feel and flavor of the original but only about half the calories and a third of the saturated fat. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 234 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 574mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
21/39
Spicy Applesauce
From the Recipe Creator:
We have an apple-picking party every year. It's a bushel of fun, and I always look forward to cooking a batch of this easy applesauce seasoned with cinnamon, cloves and allspice. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 94 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fruit.
22/39
Bean & Bulgur Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
A hot bowl of this zesty bulgur and bean chili will warm you throughout the year. The bulgur adds amazing texture and heartiness, so you won’t miss the meat. —Tari Ambler, Shorewood, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 240 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 578mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 12g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
23/39
Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler
From the Recipe Creator:
This warm Dutch oven cobbler is one of our favorite ways to end a busy day of fishing, hiking, swimming or rafting. It's yummy with ice cream—and so easy to make! —June Dress, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 342 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
24/39
Vegan Squash Soup with Naan Croutons
From the Recipe Creator:
This butternut squash soup is so full of flavor that you won't miss the meat or dairy! The added can of pumpkin helps make the soup creamy and smooth, while the coconut milk adds a light sweetness. I love to make this soup as the seasons change. —Audrey Fell, Nashville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 249 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 506mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 4g protein.
25/39
Maple-Ginger Glazed Carrots
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made this dish for my family and friends one Thanksgiving. Not only are the carrots lovely on the table, they taste terrific too! —Jeannette Sabo, Lexington Park, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 83 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
26/39
Vegan Jambalaya
From the Recipe Creator:
This flavorful entree won’t leave you hungry since it uses convenient canned beans in place of meat. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 281 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 796mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein.
27/39
Fried Pickles
From the Recipe Creator:
You may be surprised when you see how easy it is to make a batch of these fried pickles. They'll get snatched up in a flash! —Eloise Maynor, Scottsboro, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 94 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1237mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
28/39
Hearty Vegetarian Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich and flavorful, this chili is absolutely packed with fun veggies like mushrooms, beans and sun-dried tomatoes. It's so filling, you'll win over any meat lover. —Pam Ivbuls, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 238 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
29/39
Spiced Tea Poached Pears
From the Recipe Creator:
Pears are among my favorite fall fruits. This lovely dessert makes them especially spectacular. It's easy elegance at its best—and that's important around the holidays. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 poached pear with 2 teaspoons syrup and 2 teaspoons sauce: 175 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 5g fiber), 1g protein.
30/39
Creamed Spinach
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother made a variety of spinach dishes when I was growing up. This rich, delicious creamed version is the only recipe that stayed with me through the years. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 129 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
31/39
Contest-Winning Vegetarian Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love vegetarian Dutch oven recipes—and this vegetarian chili is one of our favorites. It makes a huge pot that's chock-full of color and flavor. And once the chopping is done, it's quick to cook. —Marilyn Barilleaux, Bothell, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 131 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
32/39
Cherry Grunt
From the Recipe Creator:
Back when I was cooking the hot lunch main dish for about 1,300 students a day, I liked to make this simple old-time dessert for my husband and sons. A scoop of ice cream is perfect on top. —Judy Meikle, Cherokee, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 183 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
33/39
Carrot Puree
From the Recipe Creator:
Although I call these company carrots, I'll often serve them on a weeknight to my family. No matter who's eating it, the fast, easy dish is always a favorite. —Cynthia Hanus-Beard, Tamarac, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 224 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 423mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
34/39
Dutch Oven Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
Crackling homemade bread makes an average day extraordinary. Enjoy this beautiful crusty bread recipe as is or stir in a few favorites like cheese, garlic, herbs and dried fruits. —Catherine Ward, Mequon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 86 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 148mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
35/39
Black Bean-Tomato Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter Kayla saw a black bean chili while watching a cooking show and called me about it because it looked so good. We messed with our own recipe until we got this easy winner. —Lisa Belcastro, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 232 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 608mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 10g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
36/39
Apple Honey Tapioca Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm glad that apple season is long, since my family requests this pudding quite often. —Amy Kraemer, Glencoe, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 257 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 2g fiber), 0 protein.
37/39
Creamy Mushrooms
From the Recipe Creator:
Simply prepared yet so satisfyingly good, these mushrooms are creamy and cozy. —Mary Lou Boyce, Wilmington, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 257 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 738mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
38/39
Southern Okra Bean Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
When this spicy stew's simmering on the stove, my family has a hard time waiting for dinner. It's much like a thick tomato-based soup with a hearty mix of okra, brown rice and beans. Everyone leaves the table feeling satisfied and eager to have it again soon. —Beverly McDowell, Athens, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 217 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 661mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein.
39/39
Chickpea Tortilla Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This vegan tortilla soup recipe is healthy, filling and family-friendly! We love how hearty and flavorful it is. We like to play around with the different toppings we add each time it's served. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 289 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 702mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 13g protein.
Vegetarian Dutch Oven Recipes FAQ
What one-pot vegetarian meals can I make in a Dutch oven?
Because a Dutch oven can cook on the stovetop or in the oven, it can make a wide range of one-pot vegetarian meals—from curries and vegetable chili to creamy rice dishes and saucy braised vegetables. Build complex flavor in these recipes by sauteing aromatics, like ginger, garlic or spices, before adding the broth, grains and vegetables. The same technique can be used whether you are making an easy 30-minute vegetarian dinner or letting dried beans slowly bubble away until tender.
What hearty vegetarian stews can I make in a Dutch oven?
The best hearty vegetarian stews to make in a Dutch oven are filled with nutrient-dense beans, lentils and root vegetables. These cook evenly in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven because the pot retains and circulates heat well, which also helps prevent the bottom from burning. Before serving, top these stews with fresh herbs, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a swirl of coconut milk or cashew cream for a hit of brightness and acidity to freshen the deep flavors.
What easy vegetarian Dutch oven recipes can be made ahead of time?
Soups and stews are some of the easiest vegetarian Dutch oven recipes to make ahead of time, whether you are meal-prepping for the week or want to stock your freezer for the future. To make these freezer meals even more useful, portion them into containers that hold one to two servings so you can grab one to reheat for lunch or an easy dinner for two. If you’re planning ahead for a dinner party, use your Dutch oven to prep the sauce for a vegetable lasagna so all you have to do is assemble and bake the dish before your guests arrive.
