Below you will find easy vegetarian dinners that are healthy, gluten free, flavorful, and prepared in one pan.
1. Vegetarian Pasta Stuffed Peppers
Who doesn't love cheesy pasta? This vegetarian pasta stuffed pepper recipe is flavorful, nourishing, and delicious—an easy vegetarian dinner recipe made in one pan. Macaroni pasta with mozzarella and parmesan Reggiano cheese in a tomato basil sauce and vegetable medley stuffed inside a bell pepper is a recipe the kids will repeatedly ask for. It is a wonderful vegetarian dinner idea that tastes amazing and provides many health benefits.
Health Benefits:
This flavorful and healthy dinner recipe contains a wide array of nutrients. Bell peppers are an incredible source of vitamin C to support immune health, balance stress and energy, and support collagen synthesis. Peas are an excellent source of plant based protein and fiber to support a healthy weight. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that can help protect the skin from UV damage. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols and anti-inflammatory compounds.
How to Make This Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet bell peppers, colors variable
- 1 cup cooked gluten free macaroni (or regular macaroni)
- 1 cup of frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup diced fresh mozzarella
- 1/2 cup chopped heirloom tomato
- 1 small shallot, sliced thin
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pinches garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 2 tablespoon grated parmesan Reggiano
For the sauce
- 24 oz of strained tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons of minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons of basil
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
Directions
- Cut out the tops of the bell peppers and remove all seeds from the inside.
- Combine macaroni, olive oil, chopped tomatoes, peas, shallots, parsley, spices, and cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly.
- With a spoon, scoop mixture into bell peppers until packed tightly.
- In a Dutch oven, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat; sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
- Add the strained tomatoes, bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer.
- Add the basil and a 1/2 cup of water and mix.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a large pot and cover. The Xtrema 5.5-Quart Versa Stock Pot or Dutch Oven works great for this recipe.
- Cook for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and serve the stuffed pepper topped with tomato sauce. Enjoy.
2. Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole
Casserole dinners are a fantastic vegetarian dinner idea because you can add a wide variety of healthy ingredients that are easy to prepare. This South Western inspired sweet potato black bean casserole is flavorful, healthy, and filling. It is an easy dinner recipe that can be made in one pan. Sweet potatoes with black beans, a medley of vegetables, and flavorful spices topped with jack cheese and tortilla chips for a satisfying and healthy dinner.
Health Benefits
Sweet potatoes are a rich source of vitamin A, C, and E, Beta carotene, and antioxidants and can boost brain function. Cauliflower is rich in health-supportive anti-inflammatory compounds and phytonutrients. Shitake mushrooms are incredibly nutrient-dense. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, especially vitamin D, B vitamins, manganese, phosphorus, and pantothenic acid, and are immune supportive.How to Make This Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups Sweet Potato, diced
- 1 1/2 cup shredded jack cheese (or cheddar)
- 1 1/2 cup fresh salsa
- 1 (15.5-oz.) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of frozen cauliflower florets, thawed
- 1 cup of sliced shitake mushrooms
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 2 tbsp. chili powder
- 1 tbsp. ground cumin
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 5 corn tortillas, cut in strips
- olive oil for the baking dish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F. Dice the sweet potatoes into small bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine sweet potato, black beans, cauliflower, mushrooms, tortilla strips, onions, lime juice, and spices.
- Grease the Xtrema 6- Quart Rectangular Baking Pan with olive oil, then spread the mixture evenly and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes and serve.
3. Tuscan Rice and Vegetable Soup
A bowl of flavorful Tuscan rice and vegetable soup is nourishing on many levels—vegetable soup with creamy rice and cannellini beans mixed with parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and herbs. Soup has long been a staple in many homes because it is healthy, easy to make, and can be prepared in many different ways. This one pot vegetarian dinner recipe is a perfectly healthy meal for any time of the year.Health Benefits
This flavorful soup contains a variety of herbs for a delicious and satisfying meal. Adding herbs to your dinner recipes is an incredible way to enhance flavor and boost nutrient density for better health. Herbs such as garlic are excellent for supporting a healthy immune system. Basil is rich in numerous antioxidants, which can help lower inflammation and fight free radical damage. Parsley is rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamins A, C, and K and helps to reduce inflammation. Thyme is rich in antioxidants and anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.How to Make This Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 cup uncooked arborio rice
- 1 carton (32 ounces) of vegetable broth
- 8 fresh basil leaves, julienned
- 2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
- 1 package (16 ounces) frozen broccoli-cauliflower blend
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- zest of 1 lemon
- 3/4 cup of parmesan cheese
Directions
- In a stockpot, heat oil over medium heat. The 5-Quart Versa Stock Pot works great
- Add rice; cook and stir for 2 minutes.
- Stir in broth, garlic, thyme, and parsley; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; simmer with a lid until the rice is al dente, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in frozen vegetables and beans; cook with the lid over medium heat until heated, and rice is tender (about 5-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Stir in spinach until wilted. Add the lemon zest, basil, and parmesan cheese, stir, remove from heat and serve. Enjoy.
4. Vegetarian Chili with Roasted Bell Peppers
This delicious and easy vegetarian chili recipe is flavorful and has plenty of health benefits. Vegetarian chili with roasted bell peppers and tomatoes in a vegetable broth topped with cheddar cheese and sour cream is a tasty and healthy dinner you will love. The wonderful thing about chili is that it has a good amount of plant based protein and is very nutrient dense. This one pot meal is an excellent easy dinner recipe.Health Benefits
Beans are your go-to food if you want to feel energized and full for long periods. Beans are an excellent source of fiber which helps balance blood sugar and weight management. Black beans are an excellent source of plant based protein, fiber, and B vitamins. Kidney beans are a great vegetarian protein and contain many vitamins and minerals such as folate, iron, manganese, copper, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Pinto beans are an incredible source of folate and manganese to support better health. Carrots are a great source of beta carotene, which supports skin and eye health. Celery is rich in vitamin K, water, and electrolytes to help prevent dehydration.How to Make This Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 8oz can roasted red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 1 (15.5-oz.) can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15.5-oz.) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15.5-oz.) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (28-oz.) can fire roasted tomatoes
- 3 c. vegetable broth (or just water)
- 2 tbsp. chili powder
- 1 tbsp. ground cumin
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- salt to taste and pepper to taste
For Garnishing
- Add as much shredded cheddar as you like
- Add as much sour cream as you like
- Cilantro leaves
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until for about 5 minutes. The 5 Quart Versa Stock Pot works great with this recipe
- Add garlic and jalapeño and cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, roasted peppers, beans, broth, and seasonings.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes—season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with cheese, sour cream, and cilantro on top. Enjoy.
5. Vegetarian Stir Fry With Rice Noodles
This delicious Asian inspired vegetarian stir fry is incredibly satisfying, flavorful, and healthy. Vegetarian stir fry with rice noodles, bok choy, water chestnuts, edamame, and delicious vegetables tossed in a savory oyster sauce. Stir fries are an easy dinner idea that can be prepared in one pan for a quick, healthy, plant-based dinner the whole family will love.Health Benefits
This delicious and nutritious stir fry recipe has a wonderful variety of nutrient-dense vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal. Edamame is an excellent addition to vegetarian recipes because it contains 17 grams of plant based protein and is rich in various micronutrients and fiber. Broccoli is rich in vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium and is an excellent source of fiber for a healthy digestive tract. Bok Choy is an excellent source of vitamins A & C and minerals such as calcium, folate, and iron. Bok Choy's vitamin C content is so impressive that just one cup accounts for 75% of the recommended daily allowance. Zucchini is an excellent source of potassium, manganese, vitamin A and C, and antioxidants.How to Make This Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup of edamame (frozen & thawed)
- 1 cup of broccoli florets (frozen & thawed)
- 1 cup of Baby Bok Choy, sliced thin
- 1 can of water chestnuts
- 1 cup shitake mushrooms sliced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 4 cloves of garlic thinly sliced
- 1 medium zucchini cut into zoodles
- 4 Tablespoons of Oyster sauce (or your favorite stir fry sauce)
- 8 ounces of cooked rice noodles
- cilantro leaves for garnish
Directions
- Heat Wok on medium for 3 minutes, add 2 tablespoons sesame oil, sliced garlic, and tomatoes. The Versa Wok works great with this dish.
- Cook for 2 minutes edamame, broccoli, shitake mushrooms, water chestnuts, bok choy, zucchini, and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add in Oyster sauce. Add in cooked rice noodles and mix well—Salt & pepper to taste. Serve and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Enjoy