22 Vegetarian Comfort Food Recipes

As the temperatures drop, I find myself craving comfort foods that will warm me from the inside out. Just because these 22 Vegetarian Comfort Food Recipes aren’t made with meat doesn’t mean they aren’t hearty, gooey, melty and of course, delicious. Whether you have cut out meat entirely or are aiming to eat more quality over quantity meat – these meatless recipes are made with layers of flavor.

From easier 15 minute meals like cacio e pepe (which pairs well with this roasted squash salad) to healthier recipes like this moroccan vegetable stew or dinner party favorites like spicy rigatoni – this list has something for everyone.

22 Vegetarian Comfort Food Recipes

Baked Stuffed Shells in Vodka Sauce with Pesto Oil

Large shell pasta is stuffed with a mixture of ricotta, smoked mozzarella and parmesan in a homemade vodka sauce. It is then topped off with more cheese. And baked until melted and finished with a drizzle of pesto oil.

3 Bean Vegetarian Chili

Made with a combination of pinto, black and kidney beans as well as peppers and tofu this meatless chili is full of flavor.

Georgian Cheese Bread Boat (Khachapuri)

Georgian cheese bread boats, khachapuri, are a traditional Georgian dish where dough is molded and filled with a mixture of cheese, eggs and other fillings. Add any additional mix-ins of your choice like sautéed spinach.

Eggplant Parmesan with Burrata

This twist on the traditional Italian-American classic is made in individual serving dishes to keep the slices of eggplant crispy and topped with creamy burrata.

Red Lentil Dal (Masoor Dal)

Masoor Dal is a thick Indian spiced red lentil stew seasoned with warm fragrant spices. Like cumin, coriander, turmeric and cinnamon. In fact, I love eating it on its own or with warmed pita or rice.

Chickpea Coconut Curry

In this recipe chickpeas are stewed in a creamy coconut sauce made from a homemade curry paste base. This is one of my favorite vegetarian meals. Because it can be made ahead of time and reheated.

Crispy Polenta with Spicy Tomato Sauce, Sautéed Kale and Mushrooms

The crispy polenta is topped with tomato sauce, sautéed kale, mushrooms and a generous pile of grated Parmesan cheese. This recipe is flexible and can be made with several shortcuts including store-bought marinara sauce.

Potato and Cheese Pierogi

Pierogi are like a polish ravioli made with sour cream-based dough. And classically stuffed with a cheesy potato mixture. These also make a great freezer meal to be reheated as needed!

Peanut Noodles with Charred Limes

Charred lime is blended with peanut butter and spices to create a rich, creamy sauce paired with rice noodles. This Asian-inspired creamy sauce makes for a flavorful meal.

Spicy Rigatoni

This pasta sauce is made with an onion soubise base. Which makes it silky smooth and Calabrian chilies for a kick. The crowd-pleaser is inspired by the famous dish at Carbone and Jon & Vinny’s.

Spinach Artichoke Pizza

This particular pizza is everyone’s favorite dip reincarnated in pizza form. The white pizza is topped with garlic, olive oil, a heap of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, marinated artichoke hearts and spinach.

Confit Tomato Risotto

This risotto is made with umami-packed confit cherry tomatoes. I serve it on its own or with a side salad for a complete meal.

Double Garlic Fried Rice

Garlic lovers, this is for you! Garlic is both sautéed in the base of this fried rice and then topped with crispy garlic. Serve with a side of roasted mixed vegetables or on its own.

Sweet Potato Taquitos

These sweet potato taquitos are a vegetarian alternative to taquitos typically loaded with meat. I like to serve them on a bed of shredded iceberg lettuce or cabbage for some extra greens, topped with guacamole.

French Onion Soup

This classic soup made with a base of caramelized onions and beef stock is perfect for a chilly night. Because it is a dish with few ingredients it makes it that much more important to patiently balance the ingredients and season everything carefully.

Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e pepe is essentially a grown-up version of mac and cheese that is acceptable to order at a nice Italian restaurant and still seem like an adult.

Green Chili Skillet Mac and Cheese

The combination of the Velveeta and half & half keep the noodles velvety and rich. While the diced green chilies add a southwestern twist.

Moroccan Vegetable Stew

A combination of Moroccan spices is used to develop rich deep flavors in this vibrant vegetarian soup made with chickpeas, lentils and sweet potatoes.

Creamy Tomato Cheddar Soup

This twist on a classic is combined with sharp cheddar cheese for a unique flavor. Pair with a truffle grilled cheese for a real comfort food duo.

Truffle Grilled Cheese

Truffle grilled cheese sandwiches are my favorite thing to make on chilly rainy days when all I want to do is curl up on the couch in a blanket and watch an entire season of a show on Netflix.

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats

Spaghetti squash is first roasted and the flesh is scraped out and combined with creamed spinach then layered with marinara sauce and then topped with mozzarella for that stringy cheese-topped finish

Thai Drunken Noodles

Also known as “Pad Kee Mao”, these rice noodles are tossed in an easy soy and fish sauce base with garlic, tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. I also love the spice of these noodles – I swear they are even better the next day once the flavor has time to sink in!