Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
It’s officially hibernation weather, which means that comfort is at the absolute top of our dietary priorities. But, contrary to popular belief, that doesn’t mean we have to give up greens or healthy food entirely. Whether you’re a strict vegetarian or you just need a few more plant-based meals to make it through cheese-and-carbs season, here are 50 of our favorite vegetarian comfort food recipes—no meat required.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
1. One-Pot Mac and Cheese
So much better than the stuff from a box.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
3. Vegetarian Chili
It doesn’t get heartier than this sour cream-crowned main.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
5. Pasta Alla Norma
Just like Grandma used to make.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
7. Gluten-Free Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust
The crust is the rich egg filling's crispy soulmate.
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8. Southwest Sweet Potato Tater Tot Hot Dish
If it’s covered in tots, you can count us in.
9. Spaghetti Squash and Broccoli Alfredo
Bake it right in the squash for an easy and elegant presentation.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
10. Tomato Soup in Cheesy Bread Bowls
Guys, the topper is a grilled cheese sandwich...
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11. Chipotle Black Bean Roasted Veggie Enchilada Casserole
We’ll take ours with a side of guac, thanks.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
12. Portobello Mushrooms Stuffed with Barley Risotto
Pair them with veggie broth.
15. Tikka Masala Tofu and Vegetables
Put down the phone and step away from the takeout menu.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
17. Cheesy Roasted Mushroom Melts
With not one, not two, but *three* different cheeses.
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19. The Best Vegan Enchiladas
We never thought we’d say this, but we don’t even miss the cheese.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
20. Baking Sheet Quesadillas
Fill with your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
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23. Whole-Wheat Spinach and Artichoke Pizza
Everyone’s favorite dip meets golden-brown pizza crust.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
25. Chickpea and Vegetable Coconut Curry
Make a double batch and freeze it for later.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
26. Vegan Spaghetti Squash with Mushroom Marinara
Even Nonna would approve.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
27. Cauliflower Fried Rice
Some cold nights (and long days) just demand takeout.
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Photo: Mark Weinberg/Styling: Erin McDowell
28. Crispy Tofu Bánh Mì
You had us at sriracha mayonnaise.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
29. Baked Zucchini ‘Ziti’ Spirals with Mozzarella
This pasta-free version is light enough that you’ll have room for seconds (and thirds).
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
30. Creamy Gochujang Zoodles
Finished with a runny sunny-side-up egg and all the Parmesan.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
31. Blackberry-Peach Grilled Cheese
Hi, summer. We’ve missed you so.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
32. Roasted Tomato Soup
You can do so much better than the canned kind.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
33. Black Bean Burgers
Never be disappointed by a veggie burger again.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
34. Soba Noodles with Peanut Sauce
There’s no bad day that creamy peanut butter can’t fix.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
35. Spiralized Winter Vegetable Gratin
Parsnips, sweet potatoes, butternut squash—we promise you won’t miss the pasta.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
36. Sweet Potato-Black Bean Tacos with Blue Cheese Crema
Three boast nearly 20 grams of protein.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
37. Vegetarian Sushi Cups
Meet your muffin tin’s latest magic trick.
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Simon Smith/Vegan 100
38. Vegan Kentucky Fried Chick’n
Bet you didn’t expect this soul food classic. You can thank tofu and seitan.
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Photo: Michael Marquand/Styling: Jake Cohen
39. Green Bean Casserole Galette
Come for the creamy herbed filling, stay for the fried shallots.
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Half Baked Harvest
40. Sweet Potato Gnocchi in Herbed White Wine Sauce
BRB, starting our own herb garden.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
41. Cauliflower Sweet Potato Burgers
A far cry from the frozen hockey pucks you’re used to.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
42. The Best Potatoes au Gratin Ever
You say side, we say main event.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
43. Butternut Squash Lasagna
No red sauce here—just mozzarella, herbs and alllll the ricotta.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
44. Creamed Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Onions
Behold, the mac and cheese of vegetables.
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Nisha Vora
45. Vegan Lentil and Roasted Vegetable Bake
Where should we start, the cashew cream or the crispy pine nut topping?
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A New Way to Food
46. Cauliflower and Plantain Tacos with Lemony Pesto Dressing
Swap the cauliflower for broccoli or cabbage.
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Helene Dujardin/The Essential Vegan Keto Cookbook
47. Vegan Keto Coconut Curry
Warning: You might want to take a bath in the broth.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
48. Cacio e Pepe Cauliflower
Eight ingredients + 20 minutes = cheesy, creamy heaven.
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Chloe Flavor
49. Vegan Butternut Mac and ‘Cheese’ with Shiitake ‘Bacon’
Roasted squash = the silkiest sauce ever.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
50. Eggplant Pizza
Ask your kids to assemble them and dinner will practically make itself.
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