33+ Simple Meatless Meals for Lent

INSIDE: Amazingly delicious and simple meatless meals for lent your whole family will love!

We are now into the first full week of Lent. For a homemaker, this season brings not only prayer and penance, but also a search for simple meatless meals.

Our family has been striving to eat less meat in the past couple of years so this is no longer just a Lent thing for us. In fact, we are down to eat meat a maximum of once per week.

And as Catholics, we should be either abstaining or doing some other sort of penance on all Fridays of the year.

So I’m sharing a plethora of meatless meal ideas for lent or anytime of year!

Meatless Meals for Lent criteria:

• be simple
• use “normal” and affordable ingredients
• be family friendly

Simple Meatless Meals

These recipes are fast to pull together. Most take less than 30 minutes!

In our house, most of these recipes are served with a side of steamed veggies and a fresh fruit. Soups are always rounded out with a loaf of fresh baked bread or cornbread. We keep things simple around here.

“Normal” and Affordable Ingredients Meatless Meals

The ingredients should be things you have on hand or can easily pick up.

Also, you won’t find shrimp or very many fish recipes here. Fish is expensive and a treat in this family, so it doesn’t quite fit with the penitential aspect of Lent.

In fact, I went a step further and did a quick cost breakdown. These are very rough estimates that involve the main ingredients of the recipe and realistic serving sizes.

(I’m always adding to this list and I don’t always take the time to do the cost breakdown. I still choose affordable ingredients!)

Family Friendly Meatless Meal Ideas

The ideas are recipes we actually eat in our house. It is a minor miracle when a dish pleases everyone in our house, but these are some of our family favorites and link to the actual recipes we use.

Meatless Lunch Ideas

Quick ideas that pull together in a snap!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

So easy and yet always a hit in our house! In very busy seasons, I’ve been known to freeze these ahead of time.

Cost: $.60 per serving (7 servings)

• 1 loaf of wheat bread ($2.98)
• Peanut butter ($1 for 14 tablespoons)
• Jelly ($.25 for 7 tablespoons)

Banana Hot Dogs

This is a twist on the old peanut butter sandwich. My kids love them! Just “roll” a piece of bread around a banana and top with peanut butter and honey.

Cost: $.49 per serving (approx. 7 servings)

• 1/2 loaf of wheat bread ($1.50)
• Peanut butter ($1 for 14 tablespoons)
• Honey ($.80 for 7 tablespoons)
• Banana ($.18 each)

Tuna Salad Sammies or Rollups

Admittedly, I have a few kids that aren’t crazy fans of tuna salad sammies. However, there are a couple who beg for them! Mix several cans of drained tuna with mayo and chopped dill pickles.

Cost: $.87 per serving ($6.10 for 7 servings)

• 1 loaf of bread ($2.98)
• 15 oz. canned tuna ($2.10)
• Mayonaise ($.52 for 1 C.)
• Dill Pickles ($.50 for 1 C.)

Cheese Sandwich

This is crazy simple but is still one of husband’s favorite quick meals.

Cost: $.70 per serving (approx. 5 servings)

• 1 loaf of bread ($2.98)
• 14 slices of American cheese ($1.50)

Yogurt Parfaits

Pair plain yogurt (or vanilla if you have a sweet tooth) with fresh or frozen fruit and top with homemade granola.

Cost: $1.33 per serving (4 servings)

• Plain Yogurt (32 oz.=$1.84)
• 3 C. frozen mixed berries (16 oz. = $1.98)
• Homemade granola ($1.50)

(Almost) Takeout Meatless Meals

These are some of our family’s “emergency meals.” The meals aren’t something in our regular rotation but I keep the ingredients around for those busy nights you have no mental or physical energy for meal prep.

Ravioli with sauce

Grab premade ravioli (freezer or fresh tastes better than shelf stable varieties) and a jar of pasta sauce from the store. Warm the sauce while cooking the ravioli.

Cost: $1.32 per serving (7 servings)

• 2 bags of cheese ravioli ($5.72 total)
• 2 24 oz. Pasta Sauce jars ($3.68 total)

Take and Bake Cheese or Vegetarian Pizza

Hey! This is a totally legit meal for one of those crazy nights.

Cost per serving: $1.41 (4 servings per pizza)

• Take and Bake Store Cheese Pizza ($5.64)

Meatless Spaghetti

Another incredibly simple meal to pull together. Add steamed veggies or white beans to the sauce to bulk it up!

Cost: $.38 per serving (6 servings)

• 16 oz. spaghetti ($1)
• 1 jar spaghetti sauce ($1.28)

Quickie Bean and Cheese Burritos

This is an awesome pantry meal. We keep tortillas in the freezer, canned refried beans in the pantry, and shredded cheese in the fridge. So easy we can whip these together after being gone all day. Each child can make their burrito as cheesy or beany as they want ( I go cheese-less). Put on a dollop of bean and a dollop of cheese, warm in the microwave and you are good to go!

Loved by Kids

Homemade Pizza

Friday nights are something to look forward in our house as they involve homemade pizza and a movie The kids tell me they can’t wait for Friday night. Homemade pizza is incredibly economical.

(Hoping to post our family’s crust recipe soon!)

Cost: $.48 per serving (approx. 10 servings)

• 4 C. flour ($.26)
• 3 C. shredded cheese ($2.40)
• 1 jar pasta sauce ($1.88)

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Delish on a cool evening. To make a quick tomato soup, just warm tomato juice and season with fresh herbs or add a bit of milk for creaminess.

Cost: $1.18 per serving (approx. 5 servings)

• 1 loaf of bread ($2.98)
• 14 slices of American cheese ($1.50)
• 1 container of tomato juice ($1.43)

One pot Mac and Cheese

This recipe has become a staple in our home and has solved my long quest for a perfect and easy homemade mac and cheese recipe.

I have the recipe memorized and even my 7 year old can make it independently!

Cost: $.35 per serving (5 servings)

• 1 C. milk ($.13)
• 16 oz. Macaroni ($.82)
• 1 C. Cheese ($.80)

Breakfast for Dinner

Breakfast for dinner is a classic twist on meatless meals. And always a favorite!

Pancakes

I don’t know too many children who would turn down a supper of pancakes!

• Sourdough pancake recipe
• BHG Classic Buttermilk Pancakes (very close to our family’s recipe)

• 4 C. flour ($.42)
• 4 C. milk ($.48)
• 4 eggs ($.33)

Cost: $.21 per serving (6 servings, Buttermilk recipe)

French Toast

Any leftovers freeze well for easy breakfasts.

• 1 loaf of bread ($2.80)
• 4 eggs ($.33)
• 1 C. milk ($.12)

Cost: $.81 per serving (4 servings)

Waffles

Top with applesauce or berries. When I want a super filling waffle, I make something similar to this recipe.

Cost: $.21 per serving (based off pancake recipe)

Scrambled Eggs

Add in veggies, cheese, or whatever toppings your family loves. A side of hashbrowns or toast would be delicious!

• 12 eggs ($1)
• 1 loaf of bread ($2.80)

Cost: $.63 per serving (6 servings)

Omelets

Make omelets with everyone’s favorite fixings!

Cost: $.63 per serving (2 eggs, and 2 pieces of toast per serving)

Baked Oatmeal

This Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal has become a favorite in our home. I make it the night before and then whoever wakes up first puts it in the oven in the morning!

Doubling the recipe makes a hearty breakfast but also a delish and healthy supper.

• 4 C. oats ($.65)
• 3 C. milk ($.40)
• 2 C. pumpkin ($1.50)

Cost: $.65 per serving (6 servings)

Classic Meatless Meal Ideas

Potato Pancakes

Husband loves potato pancakes so he is always happy to see these on the table. Here’s a recipe we love!

• 6 potatoes ($.25)
• 1 egg ($.08)
• 1 onion ($.30)

Cost: $.16 per serving (4 servings)

Quiche

I don’t think I’ve ever made a quiche. I would insist on making my own crust and that would make it too much of a process for my liking. However, a store bought crust would make this a quick supper and I know my egg loving children would enjoy it immensely!

• 1 pie crust ($.90)
• 6 eggs ($.48)
• 1 C. milk ($.12)
• 1 1/2 C. cheese ($1.20)

Cost: $.68 per serving (4 servings)

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Love this soup and, the amazing thing is, my kids do too!

• 1 onion ($.30)
• 2 C. milk ($.24)
• 2 C. broth ($.60 for store bought)
• 2 C. broccoli ($1)
• 2 Carrots ($.30)
• 1/2 C. cheddar cheese ($.40)

Cost: $.71 per serving (4 servings)

Corn chowder

This is such a cozy soup. My kids love it topped with shredded cheddar and sour cream!

Cost: $.47 per serving (5 servings)

• 1 onion ($.30)
• frozen corn ($1.50)
• 1 lb. potatoes ($.45)
• 1 C. milk ($.12)

Cheesy Potato Soup

My kids go coo-coo for Cheesy Potato Soup! We follow our church ladies’ recipe bu there are many other versions online. Yummo!

Cost: $.64 per serving (5 servings)

• 3 lbs. potatoes ($1.30)
• 2 1/2 C. milk ($.30)
• 2 C. shredded cheese ($1.60)

Baked Potato Bar

Everyone gets to make their own so everyone leaves the table happy. I love making baked potatoes in the Instant Pot – so easy!

Our family also loves a BBQ twist on the classic Potato Bar (black beans, BBQ sauce, green onions, cheese, yummy!)

Cost: $.45 per serving (6 servings)

• 8 potatoes ($1.30)
• 1/2 C. shredded cheese (or make a cheese sauce) ($.40)
• Toppings of choice: leftover meatless chili, broccoli, green onions ($1)

Burrito Bowls

This is a popular staple in our house.

Cost: $.25 per serving (6 servings, staples plus toppings)

• 2 C. cooked rice ($.20)
• 3 C. cooked beans ($.30)
• 3/4 C. shredded cheese ($.60)
• Toppings: lettuce, cilantro, black olives, salsa, avocado, sour cream, chips, corn

Bean Tacos

Who doesn’t love taco night?

Cost: $.40 per serving (6 servings)

• 1 C. cooked rice ($.10)
• 3 C. cooked beans ($.30)
• 1/2 C. shredded cheese ($.40)
• 10 Tortillas ($1.63)
• Toppings: lettuce, cilantro, black olives, salsa, avocado, sour cream, corn

Quesadillas

Yet another twist on taco night! A thin layer of cream cheese on the inside of the tortilla puts it over the top! Canned beans make this an easy to pull together meal

Cost: $.67 per serving (6 servings)

• 3 C. cooked beans ($.30)
• 2 C. shredded cheese ($1.60)
• 12 Tortillas ($1.95)
• Toppings: lettuce, cilantro, black olives, salsa, avocado, sour cream, corn

Microwave Nachos

Cover your microwave’s plate with tortilla chips, sprinkle with cheese and some Mexican seasoning (cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder) and zap it until the cheese melts and bubbles. Top with beans, salsa, or anything you want! Perfect for a snack type lunch or snack.

Taco Salad

Just like a burrito bowl but with a lot more lettuce! Again, you can serve this bar style so everyone can make their own version.

Cost: $.43 per serving (6 servings, staples plus toppings)

• 2 C. cooked rice ($.20)
• 3 C. cooked beans ($.30)
• 1/2 C. shredded cheese ($.40)
• 2 heads of romaine lettuce ($1.65)
• Toppings: lettuce, cilantro, black olives, salsa, avocado, sour cream, chips, corn

Healthy Alfredo

Pasta lovers will love this Healthy Alfredo. It was good enough to make it onto our monthly meal rotation!

Cost: $.60 per serving (4 servings)

• 1/2 C. milk ($.06)
• 3/4 C. greek yogurt ($.70)
• Pasta ($1.00)
• 1/2 C. parmesan shredded ($.60)

Ramen Bowls

This is also on our family’s monthly meal rotation. The soft boiled egg on top makes it super yummy and filling.

Cost: $.70 per serving (7 servings)

• 8 C. broth ($2.40)
• 1 C. carrot ($.30)
• 1 C. mushrooms ($.80, just use the plain white mushrooms to save $)
• rice vinegar ($.10)
• 4 Ramen packs (without seasoning) ($.70)
• 7 eggs ($.56)

Freezer Friendly Meatless Meals

BBQ Chickpea and Carrot Sliders

Sounds strange but this was a huge hit in our family! They slow cook on the stove all day but are a snap to pull together. I serve these on homemade buns (store bought is okay too!) with pickles and red onion.

Meatless Chili

Make a mega batch of meatless chili and freeze in meal size portions in gallon freezer bags. Defrost and rewarm.

I LOVE having this on hand at all times for quick meals!

Cost: $.28 per serving (using my Big Batch Meatless Chili recipe here)

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Lentil Curry

Admittedly, this is not my kids favorite. However, Husband and I love to make a big batch and have it for lunches all week long. Butternut squash from the garden makes it much more economical.

When my stored butternut squash is going bad, I make a big batch of this for the freezer.

Cost: $1.10 per serving (8 servings)

• 2 C. lentils ($.98)
• 4 C. butternut squash ($4)
• 1 onion ($.40)
• 1 can coconut milk ($1.64)
• 3 C. stock ($.82)
• 1 can diced tomatoes ($.72)
• 2 C. cooked rice ($.20)

Breakfast Burritos

These are always something handy to have on hand for busy mornings.

Cost: $.50 per serving (2 burritos, make this recipe without the sausage)

Refried Bean Burritos

Cost: $.60 per serving (2 burritos, using this recipe)

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