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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
The combination of the Velveeta and half & half keep the noodles velvety and rich. While the diced green chilies add a southwestern twist.
A combination of Moroccan spices is used to develop rich deep flavors in this vibrant vegetarian soup made with chickpeas, lentils and sweet potatoes.
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 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 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
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!
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