30+ Cheap Vegan Meals with Simple Ingredients
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Cheap vegan meals are one of the best ways to eat well while sticking to a budget. These recipes use simple ingredients you can find in most grocery stores and are perfect for everyday meals.
Inside, you’ll find comforting soups, quick stir-fries, savory bowls, and pasta dishes that are both filling and easy to make. These cheap vegan meals don’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find items to taste good.
Whether you’re meal prepping or just trying to cook more at home, these simple plant based meals will help you stay full and save money. They’re great for anyone who wants flavorful food without spending too much or overthinking each dish.
Budget-friendly Vegan Dinners
1. Vegan Tofu Cabbage Rolls
These savory cabbage rolls are filled with marinated tofu and rice, then simmered in a light tomato sauce. The texture is soft yet satisfying, making it a comforting and affordable main dish. It’s a great choice for meal prep or a family dinner, especially for those looking for simple vegan dinners.
2. Vegan Black Bean Taquitos
Crispy and flavorful, these taquitos are stuffed with seasoned black beans and baked to golden perfection. They’re ideal for a quick lunch or party snack, offering a hearty yet budget-friendly option. Serve with salsa or vegan sour cream for extra flavor, especially if you’re planning budget-friendly vegan meals.
3. Vegan Spinach And Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells
These indulgent pasta shells are packed with a creamy vegan ricotta and spinach filling. Baked with tomato sauce, the dish delivers both comfort and flavor without the high cost. It’s perfect for a weekend dinner that feels a bit more special.
4. Vegan Cheeseburger Macaroni
This dish combines classic macaroni with a savory vegan cheeseburger-style flavor. It’s creamy, comforting, and made with simple pantry ingredients. Serve it warm for a satisfying and affordable weeknight meal
5. Vegan Hummus Pasta
This creamy pasta uses hummus as the sauce, giving it a smooth and slightly tangy finish. It’s an easy and protein-rich meal that feels light but still filling. Ideal for a fast lunch or dinner that doesn’t require much effort.
6. Vegan Tofu Tikka Masala
Rich in flavor, this tofu tikka masala features a creamy tomato-based sauce and warming spices. The dish is savory and comforting, served best with rice or naan. It’s a smart way to enjoy bold flavors on a small budget.
Affordable Vegan Meal Prep
7. Vegan Roasted Tomato Soup
This comforting tomato soup has a deep, roasted flavor and smooth texture. It’s a simple but satisfying option, especially when paired with crusty bread or a vegan grilled cheese. Great for chilly days or light lunches.
8. Vegan Crispy Gochujang Tofu
Crispy tofu is coated in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce for a bold, flavorful bite. It’s a savory and satisfying dish that works well with rice or noodles. This is a budget-friendly way to enjoy something with a bit of heat.
9. Vegan Asian Broccoli Mushroom Tofu Stir-fry
This stir-fry is full of color and crunch, featuring broccoli, mushrooms, and tofu in a light soy-based sauce. It’s quick to cook and savory in taste, making it perfect for weeknight meals. Serve it with steamed rice for a balanced dish.
10. Easy Vegan Baked Oats with Protein Powder
These baked oats are slightly sweet, soft, and packed with plant-based protein. They offer a comforting and energizing breakfast that can be prepared in advance. You can easily adjust the flavor using fruits or spices.
11. High Protein Vegan Mac and Cheese
This version of mac and cheese is creamy, savory, and rich in plant-based protein. Made with nutritional yeast and blended legumes or tofu, it offers a comforting taste with a healthy twist. It’s a filling option for lunch or dinner that fits well into a low-cost meal plan.
12. Vegan Taco Salad Bowl
A colorful bowl filled with crunchy veggies, spiced beans, and creamy avocado. This salad is fresh, savory, and balanced with both flavor and texture. It’s a satisfying lunch that comes together quickly and keeps ingredients affordable.
Inexpensive Vegan Breakfast Ideas
13. Vegan Instant Pot Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal
Creamy oats with banana and peanut butter create a warm and comforting breakfast. This high-protein dish is easy to make in bulk and ideal for busy mornings. It offers a slightly sweet taste without needing extra sugar.
14. Easy Vegan Tofu Scramble
Soft crumbled tofu cooked with vegetables and spices mimics the texture of scrambled eggs. It’s a savory and filling option for breakfast or lunch. This dish is high in protein and works well with toast or rice.
15. Vegan Overnight Oats
These oats are soaked overnight in plant milk and sweetened naturally with fruit. They’re soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for a quick breakfast. Add toppings like nuts or seeds to enhance the texture.
16. Sweet Potato Hash
This dish combines crispy sweet potatoes with peppers and onions for a savory and slightly sweet flavor. It’s ideal for breakfast or dinner and offers a comforting, hearty texture. Simple ingredients make it easy to prepare on a budget.
17. Vegan Whole Wheat Pancakes
Soft and fluffy pancakes made with whole wheat flour offer a healthier twist on a classic breakfast. They’re slightly nutty in flavor and pair well with fruit or maple syrup. A budget-friendly option that can be frozen and reheated.
18. Easy Vegan Granola (9 Ingredients)
This crunchy granola is sweetened with natural ingredients and contains oats, nuts, and seeds. It’s easy to prepare in batches and works well for breakfast or snacking. A cost-effective way to keep meals flavorful and energizing.
19. Vegan Avocado Toast
Creamy avocado spread over toasted bread with optional toppings like tomato or chili flakes. This dish is fresh, savory, and made with minimal ingredients. It’s a quick, nourishing meal or snack at any time of day.
Low-cost Vegan Lunch Ideas
20. Vegan Cream Cheese Veggie Wraps
These wraps are filled with crisp vegetables and creamy vegan cheese, offering both crunch and richness. They’re light but satisfying and make a great low-cost lunch. Easy to pack and customize with seasonal produce.
21. Vegan Fried Rice
A savory mix of rice, vegetables, and soy sauce stir-fried together for a quick meal. This dish uses leftover rice and pantry staples to keep costs low. It’s flavorful, filling, and easy to adjust with what you have on hand.
22. Vegan Red Lentil Soup
This soup is hearty, savory, and full of fiber thanks to red lentils and vegetables. The texture is smooth and comforting, perfect for a light dinner or side. It’s simple to make in large batches for the week.
23. Vegan Zucchini Fritters (Air Fryer)
These fritters are crispy on the outside and tender inside, made with shredded zucchini and flour. They’re a light, savory snack or side dish that works well in lunchboxes. Cooking them in an air fryer keeps them oil-free and crisp.
24. Vegan Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Mashed chickpeas, mixed with a creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables, create a savory sandwich filling. It’s satisfying and easy to prepare without cooking. Ideal for a quick lunch that still feels hearty.
25. One-Pot Easy Vegan Ramen (with miso sesame soup)
This ramen is made in one pot with noodles, vegetables, and a savory miso-sesame broth. It’s warm, comforting, and rich in umami flavor. A budget-friendly choice for weeknight dinners.
Healthy Vegan Snacks on a Budget
26. Baked Potato Wedges (Vegan)
These golden-baked potato wedges are crispy outside and soft inside. Lightly seasoned, they’re perfect as a side or snack. A low-cost favorite that pairs well with dips or sauces.
27. 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies are naturally sweet and chewy, made with just bananas, oats, and add-ins like chocolate chips. They’re simple, affordable, and great for quick snacking. No baking skills required.
28. Easy Vegan Chex Mix
This savory snack mix is crunchy, salty, and baked with simple seasonings. It’s great for sharing or prepping ahead for movie nights. Use store-brand ingredients to keep it inexpensive.
29. Vegan Tteokbokki (Korean Rice Cakes)
Chewy rice cakes in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce create a bold and warming meal. This dish is savory, comforting, and ideal for those who like a bit of heat. It’s also surprisingly easy to make at home on a budget.
30. Easy Vegan Yogurt Parfaits
Layered with plant-based yogurt, fruits, and granola, these parfaits are slightly sweet and creamy. They’re visually appealing and work well for breakfast or dessert. Prepare them in jars for an easy grab-and-go meal.
31. Vegan Chia Pudding
Chia seeds soaked in plant milk form a creamy, pudding-like texture that is lightly sweet and satisfying. It’s great for breakfast or a healthy snack. Add fruit or nut butter to enhance the flavor.
32. Best-Ever Crispy Vegan Tofu Nuggets
These tofu nuggets are coated and baked until crispy, with a savory, slightly salty bite. They’re great as finger food or added to wraps and salads. A family-friendly favorite that’s also cost-efficient, making them a smart choice for meatless meals.
Conclusion
These cheap vegan meals prove that eating plant-based can be easy, tasty, and affordable. Every recipe here is made with simple steps, real ingredients, and budget-friendly cooking in mind.
I use many of these recipes in my own weekly routine because they’re quick and reliable. Try adding one or two of these budget vegetarian meals to your menu this week. You’ll be surprised how much flavor and comfort you can get without overspending.
