20 Vegetarian Pantry Meals

Whether made with entirely pantry items or with some frozen veggies in the mix, these recipes are perfect when you haven’t been able to grab groceries in a while and you want dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less. If you’re looking for some simple, tried-and-true staple meals to get you through busy weeks, these 20 vegetarian pantry meals are the way to go.

Many of these recipes freeze well too if you like to meal prep in bulk and save leftovers. For even more ideas that are vegetarian and freezer-friendly check out our recently published https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/plant-based-freezer-meals-for-active-families/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Plant-Based Freezer Meals roundup!

Vegetarian Pantry Soups

Soups are one of the easiest vegetarian pantry meals to throw together and can often be made in a single pot. All you need is some beans or lentils, dry grains, spices, broth, and canned or frozen veggies to build a flavorful and balanced pantry soup. If you have an onion in your pantry, even better!

While they all rely on similar ingredients, these six hearty vegetarian soup recipes each have unique flavors and textures to offer, with plenty of plant-based protein to support post-workout recovery. Pair with toast or cornbread for extra carbs to support your active lifestyle, and using shredded cheese or nutritional yeast as a topping can add additional protein and flavor to the meal.

https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/vegan-southwest-soup/”>

Vegan Southwest Soup

This bold and zesty southwest soup is a hearty one-pot vegan meal that feeds a crowd!

https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/vegan-southwest-soup/” style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Vegan Southwest Soup” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Vegan 3 Bean Chili

Grab some canned beans and make this hearty 3-bean chili from fellow RD Elysia at Haute & Healthy Living.

https://www.hauteandhealthyliving.com/vegan-3-bean-chili/” style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Vegan 3 Bean Chili” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Spicy Harissa Bean Soup

With a kick of spice from harissa paste, this bean soup recipe from fellow RD Rachael at Rachael Hartley Nutrition is a great way to use up extra dried beans from the pantry.

https://www.rachaelhartleynutrition.com/blog/2014/12/spicy-harissa-bean-soup” style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Spicy Harissa Bean Soup” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Rice & Bean Soup

This easy soup recipe from fellow RD Rebecca at Nourish Nutrition pairs rice & beans with a handful of other pantry ingredients for a satisfying and quick weeknight meal.

https://www.nourishnutritionblog.com/rice-and-bean-soup/” style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Rice & Bean Soup” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Quick & Easy Vegan White Bean Chili

Made with white beans and nutritional yeast, this recipe offers another delicious take on chili that’s great as a post-workout meal.

https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/quick-easy-white-bean-chili/” style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Quick & Easy Vegan White Bean Chili” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Three Bean Lentil Chili

With a satisfying texture from the combination of lentils and beans, this smoky chili from fellow RD Bethany at Sizzling Nutrition is a high-protein, high-fiber meal that comes together in 30 minutes.

https://sizzlingnutrition.com/three-bean-lentil-chili/%20″ style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Three Bean Lentil Chili” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Vegetarian Pantry Curries

As long as you have canned coconut milk and the right spices on hand, it’s easy to throw together a vegetarian curry. The addition of lentils or beans adds protein, and you can meet carb needs (plus further increase protein content) by pairing with a grain like rice, naan, or pita.

https://www.nourishnutritionblog.com/green-lentil-coconut-curry/”>

Green Lentil Coconut Curry

This vegan curry recipe from fellow RD Rebecca at Nourish Nutrition is a satisfying 30-minute meal. You can easily sub canned or frozen veggies if you don’t have fresh!

https://www.nourishnutritionblog.com/green-lentil-coconut-curry/%20″ style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Green Lentil Coconut Curry” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Instant Pot Lentil Curry

Made in a pressure cooker, this recipe from fellow RD Lexi at To Taste is a quick-cooking and flavorful weeknight dinner.

https://totaste.com/recipe/instant-pot-lentil-curry/%20″ style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Instant Pot Lentil Curry” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Black Bean Curry

This curried black bean dish from fellow RD Summer pairs well with basmati rice and delivers on protein, carbs, fat, and flavor.

https://summeryule.com/black-bean-curry/%20″ style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Black Bean Curry” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Vegetarian Tacos & Taco Bowls

Tacos and taco bowls are a quick meal that can be made with staple ingredients and are great for leftovers too. While there are some shelf-stable tofu brands out there, note that for the sofritas recipe below we recommend using the extra firm tofu sold in the refrigerator section. This means it isn’t technically a pantry meal, but note that tofu lasts a long time in the fridge (it typically has a “best by” date at least a couple of months out). The lentil taco meat, on the other hand, is a true panty meal that only requires 3 ingredients, plus some taco shells (and added veggies if you have them on hand).

https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/lentil-taco-meat/”>

Easy Lentil Taco Meat

This lentil taco meat can come together in under 10 minutes for delicious and nutrient dense tacos, even on your busiest days!

https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/lentil-taco-meat/” style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Easy Lentil Taco Meat” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Homemade Chipotle Sofritas Bowl

Made with shelf stable and freezer ingredients, this homemade Chipotle sofritas bowl recipe satisfies your craving when you haven’t shopped in awhile!

https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/homemade-chipotle-sofritas-bowl/” style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Homemade Chipotle Sofritas Bowl” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Vegetarian Burgers

Burgers are another vegetarian pantry meal that comes together fast if you have canned legumes on hand. Both of these recipes also call for canned green chiles for a bit of spice and chickpea flour to help bind them together. Grab some burger buns from the freezer, grill up some sweet potatoes to use as “buns, or serve your burgers on toast!

http://https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/chickpea-black-bean-burgers/”>

Chickpea Black Bean Burgers

These Chickpea Black Bean Burgers are an easy, high-protein alternative to beef burgers to throw on the grill. Vegans and omnivores alike will love these!

https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/chickpea-black-bean-burgers/” style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Chickpea Black Bean Burgers” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Lentil Taco Burgers

This taco-inspired burger recipe is gluten free, vegan, and easy to throw together with pantry staples!

https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/lentil-taco-burgers/” style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Lentil Taco Burgers” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Vegetarian Breakfast

While many breakfast protein sources require refrigeration, protein powders, shelf-stable milks, and nuts & seeds are protein-rich pantry ingredients that work well in breakfast recipes. Note that a https://www.amazon.com/Silk-Unsweetened-Unflavored-Dairy-Alternative-Individually/dp/B004HK7NT0″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>shelf-stable soy milk will provide significantly more protein than other plant-based alternative milks, and when selecting a protein powder be sure to pick one that’s third-party tested (NSF, Consumer Choice, USP, Informed Choice etc.) since supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Pair your protein source with oatmeal, dried fruit, or other carbohydrate-rich ingredients to support energy levels.

https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/pumpkin-buckwheat-pancakes-with-spiced-apple-topping/”>

Pumpkin Buckwheat Pancakes

These delicious and fluffy pumpkin buckwheat pancakes are the epitome of fall with the easy spiced apple topping. Plus, they make a great pre-workout meal!

https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/pumpkin-buckwheat-pancakes-with-spiced-apple-topping/” style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Pumpkin Buckwheat Pancakes” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Overnight Protein Oats

This template for building your own protein oatmeal from fellow RD Melissa at Fad Free Nutrition relies on pantry staples for a nourishing breakfast. Pair it with any kind of fruit you have – fresh, dried, or frozen – plus your favorite nuts, seeds, or nut butter and enjoy!

https://fadfreenutrition.nutricionalgrano.com/overnight-proats-recipe/%20″ style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Overnight Protein Oats” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Other Vegetarian Pantry Meals

From pasta to stir fry to sloppy joes, there are plenty of other pantry meal options. Get five more balanced pantry recipes below, and check out our https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/plant-based-freezer-meals-for-active-families/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Plant-Based Freezer Meals Roundup, https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/plant-based-recipes-rich-in-protein/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Protein-Rich Plant-Based Recipe Roundup, and https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/vegan-pasta-recipes/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Plant-Based Pasta Roundup for even more plant-based meal ideas!

https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/high-protein-pesto-pasta/”>

High Protein Pesto Pasta

Made with just 5 ingredients, this high protein pesto pasta can be made vegan or vegetarian and is well balanced to help you reach your fitness goals.

https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/high-protein-pesto-pasta/” style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”High Protein Pesto Pasta” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Vegan Sloppy Joes

Made with lentils, these vegan sloppy joes from fellow RD Nicole at Lettuce Veg Out are a flavorful, nutrient-rich, and budget-friendly pantry meal.

https://lettucevegout.com/recipes/vegan-lentil-sloppy-joes/%20″ style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Vegan Sloppy Joes” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

High Protein Vegan Stir Fry

This easy high protein vegan stir fry comes together with pantry and freezer ingredients in 15 minutes! Perfect for when you haven’t shopped in a while.

https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/high-protein-vegan-stir-fry/” style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”High Protein Vegan Stir Fry” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Vegan Lentil Walnut Loaf

This vegan lentil walnut loaf offers a satisfying balance of nutrients with southwestern flavors and comes together with just pantry ingredients!https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/lentil-walnut-stuffing/”/>

https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/vegan-lentil-walnut-loaf/” style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Vegan Lentil Walnut Loaf” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

Vegetarian Stuffed Poblano Peppers

These stuffed poblanos from fellow RD Rachael at Rachael Hartley Nutrition have a hint of spice and can be made with canned poblanos if you don’t have fresh.

https://www.rachaelhartleynutrition.com/blog/vegetarian-stuffed-poblano-peppers-recipe” style=”color: #ffffff;background-color: #1d5959;border-color: #1d5959;border-radius: 5px;padding: 10px 10px;” class=”wprm-recipe-roundup-link wprm-recipe-link wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-recipe-roundup-link-inline-button wprm-recipe-link-inline-button wprm-color-accent” target=”_blank” aria-label=”Vegetarian Stuffed Poblano Peppers” rel=”noopener”>Get the recipe

https://kellyjonesnutrition.com/vegetarian-pantry-meals/”>