Plant Based Proteins: 12 Meatless Recipes That Are Actually Filling (2024)

I’ve never been a huge meat eater. It depends what type of meat and from where (how could I say no to the Mongolian beef from P.F. Chang’s?), but typically if there’s a meatless option, I’ll go for it. I love tofu and I’m a sucker for plant based proteins like lentils, leafy greens and black beans.

A lot of people ask me if I’m vegetarian or vegan, and although I don’t think I could fully convert, I often look for meatless recipes to make at home. I even got my boyfriend on the tofu train, which is a pretty impressive feat! As long as there’s a ton of protein, plant based recipes are a great alternative to meaty meals.

RELATED: 150+ PLANT-PROTEIN RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

Whether you’re fully meatless or like me, are looking for plant based recipes to make at home, here are 12 recipes that are filled with delicious plant based proteins that are actually filling!

Spiced Sweet Potato Tacos| Forks Over Knives
I’m all for taco Tuesdays, actually I love tacos any day of the week, and these ones are going to make it into my rotation ASAP.Mix the sweet potatowith beans, corn, cumin, ancho chile and salt, and spread avocado on the tortilla before filling it. Top with lime juice and you have one delicious, healthy taco!

Black Bean Quinoa Veggie Burgers| Emilie Eats
Forget hamburger patties, black bean quinoa patties are incredibly filling and scrumptious! Quinoais great because along with being rich in fiber, protein and minerals, it’s also an affordable grain you can buy in bulk. Mix the black beans and quinoa with spinach, flax meal, jalapeños, and spices, and you’ll have delicious protein-rich patties to grill up on the barbeque.

Dairy Free Herbed Scalloped Potatoes| Vegan in the Freezer
Made with dairy-free butter, russet potatoes, cashews, thyme,and more, these herbed scalloped potatoesare the perfect meal to whip up when you need a feel-good bite. They’re filling, tasty, and healthy, and it doesn’t get much better than that. The potatoeswill keep you satisfied and it’s a greatside for a wholesome meal.

Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry| The Endless Meal
Whenever you’re in the mood for delicious Indian flavors, this creamy curry should be your new go to. Made with coconut oil, coconut milk, turmeric, brown lentils, cayenne powder and tomatoes, it’s a dreamy blend of ingredients that will fill you up in the most tasty way. It takes less than an hour to make (mostly hands off time). Eat it over rice and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors.

Zucchini Meatballs| Making Thyme for Health
Zucchini is often used as a replacement for meat in plant based meals. It contains protein, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids and as a “meatball” is pretty awesome! Combined with chickpeas, oregano, basil, lemon and topped with marinara sauce, these zucchini meatballs are the perfect meatless meal to whip up for your family or guests!

Vegan Spinach and Hominy Enchiladas| Serious Eats
Spinach is insanely good for you, packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and more. And these enchiladas are topped with a spicy cashew cream, which makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Combined with ingredients likecumin, black pepper, garlic, chili powder and a homemade salsa verde, you’ll have enchiladas of plant-based dreams.

Nourishing Spring Macro Bowl| Rachl Mansfield
I don’t know about you, but I love a good bowl! This one is made up of brown rice, fava beans, avocado, snap peas, carrots radishes and kraut. Not only is it incredibly healthy and filling, the colors also make for a gorgeous, bright bowl. You can feel the freshness just from looking at it! It’s sweet, crunchy, and the flavors compliment each other perfectly. You have to give it a try!

Chickpea and Mushroom Burger| Trinity’s Kitchen
I’m a huge sucker for mushrooms so this recipe caught my eye right away! The addition of tahini, apple, parsley, and rosemary doesn’t hurt either. I love how creative you can get with a burger patty, especially when it’s meatless and this one will keep you totally satisfied since it’s high in protein.

Chickpea Shawarma Stuffed Pita with Hummus| Naturally Emma
Chickpeas are an awesome source of protein, and what better way to eat them than mixed with delicious spices and wrapped in a pita? Roast the chickpeas with cumin, turmeric, ginger cayenne, and corianderfor a super flavorful mouthful, and add in your favorite veggies for a bite so good, even the biggest meat eaters won’t care it’s plant based.

Sweet Potato, Spinach & Butter Bean Stew| The Flexitarian
If you’re anything like me, you’re more than happy to eat stew any time of year. Yes, even in the summer, a hearty bowl of soup makes it into my dinner rotation! Especially if it’s made with a fresh mixture of veggies like sweet potato, spinach, butter beans and tomatoes. Add in spices like paprika, cumin, and fresh coriander and you have a healthy, hearty stew idea for any season!

Better Than Chipotle Vegan Burrito| Raw Till Whenever
This quick and easy burrito recipe is plant based, protein filled and totally mouth-watering. Combine brown rice, guacamole, pintobeans, red pepper, red onionand hot sauce for a zesty bite you’ll crave over and over again! The avocado andpintobeans aregreat sources of protein to make you feel nice and full.

Vegan Tempeh Chili| Live Eat Learn
Tempeh is one of the best foods for you! Made from soybeans, it’s high in protein, fiber and nutrients, plus it’s fermented, which gives it its amazing wholesome flavor. The addition of pinto beans and kidney beans give the chili even more protein so it’s sure to keep you satisfied! These recipes made from plant based proteins are meals even the biggest meat eaters will enjoy. They’re filling, healthy and oh-so delicious, so make sure to give them a try!

You may also like…

150+Plant-Protein Recipes That You’ll Love
The Great Vegan Protein Book
The Plant-Based Solution

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Plant Based Proteins: 12 Meatless Recipes That Are Actually Filling (1)

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Plant Based Proteins: 12 Meatless Recipes That Are Actually Filling (2024)

FAQs

What is a good alternative to meat for protein? ›

How to get protein without the meat
  • Pulses. Pulses are an inexpensive protein choice, are high in fibre and a source of iron. ...
  • Soya beans. ...
  • Quinoa. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Seeds. ...
  • Cereals and grains. ...
  • Quorn™ ...
  • Dairy.

How can I add protein to dinner without meat? ›

5 Protein-Packed Foods for Healthy, Meatless Meals
  1. Eggs. Eggs are a great source of protein. ...
  2. Tree Nuts. Tree nuts include walnuts, almonds and pecans — don't confuse them with peanuts, which are legumes. ...
  3. Legumes. Legumes include a range of beans and peas such as black beans, chickpeas and lentils. ...
  4. Soy. ...
  5. Yogurt.

What can I eat for dinner instead of meat? ›

Our 40 best Meat-free Meals
  • Orange tofu. Orange tofu is an easy vegetarian substitute for orange chicken. ...
  • Tofu pizzaiola. These easy tofu cutlets in marinara sauce are a simple yet tasty pan-fried recipe, ready in 20 minutes. ...
  • Lentil loaf. ...
  • Tofu Cacciatore. ...
  • Lentil chili. ...
  • Lemon tofu cutlets. ...
  • Vegetarian Meatballs. ...
  • Fried tofu.
Mar 7, 2024

What foods are good for you without meat? ›

Eat beans, pulses, eggs and other sources of protein

Pulses include beans, peas and lentils. They're a low-fat source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, and count as a portion of vegetables. Nuts and seeds are also a source of protein and other nutrients.

What are 3 foods high in protein besides meat? ›

Protein Sources That Aren't Meat
  • Cannellini Beans. 1/12. There are 10 grams of protein in a half cup. ...
  • Hemp Seeds. 2/12. Three tablespoons equals 10 grams of protein. ...
  • Edamame. 3/12. Animal protein doesn't have fiber, but plant-based protein does. ...
  • Lentils. 4/12. ...
  • Amaranth. 5/12. ...
  • Pumpkin Seeds. 6/12. ...
  • Peanut Butter. 7/12. ...
  • Black Beans. 8/12.
Feb 24, 2023

What are 2 foods that are protein but not meat? ›

Alternate sources of protein

Beans and legumes: Beans and legumes are a rich source of fiber and B vitamins. They are also a great replacement for meat as a source of vegetarian protein. Soy: One cup of boiled soybeans (172 g) contains around 29 grams of protein.

What's the best protein to eat to lose weight? ›

Choose protein sources that are nutrient-rich and lower in saturated fat and calories, such as:
  • Lean meats.
  • Seafood.
  • Beans.
  • Soy.
  • Low-fat dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Nuts and seeds.

How to get 30 grams of protein without meat? ›

Protein-Rich Foods (30 grams per serving)

Plant: soy, beans, legumes, lentils, grains, nuts, and seeds.

What fruits are high in protein? ›

5 Higher-Protein Fruits
  • Guava. Protein count: 4.2 grams in 1 cup. ...
  • Jackfruit. Protein count: 2.6 grams in 1 cup. ...
  • Blackberries. Protein count: 2.1 grams in 1 cup. ...
  • Avocado. Protein count: 1.5 grams in half of an avocado. ...
  • Pomegranate Arils. Protein count: 1.5 grams in ½ cup.
7 days ago

What are five good substitutes for meat? ›

Meat Substitutes
  • Tofu. 1/10. Tofu is a plant-based choice that packs a protein punch -- half a cup has over 11 grams. ...
  • Tempeh. 2/10. Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh has even more protein than tofu. ...
  • Seitan. 3/10. ...
  • Jackfruit. 4/10. ...
  • Mushrooms. 5/10. ...
  • Beans. 6/10. ...
  • Textured Vegetable Protein. 7/10. ...
  • Chickpeas. 8/10.
Sep 28, 2023

What to cook for someone who doesn t like meat? ›

Baked Quesadillas

This dish is totally vegetarian — and you can add vegan taco meat if you're looking for a direct meat substitute. It's jam-packed with cheese, black beans, green onion, and pico de gallo, so you probably won't even miss it.

What can I eat instead of ground beef? ›

Legumes are another fantastic option you can choose to include in your meals instead of ground beef. Lentils are a type of legume that you can use to replace beef in many dishes. They're also full of moisture, giving them an excellent texture for replacing beef in your recipes.

What does lack of meat do to your body? ›

You may feel tired and weak if you cut meat out of your diet. That's because you're missing an important source of protein and iron, both of which give you energy. The body absorbs more iron from meat than other foods, but it's not your only choice.

What happens if you never eat meat? ›

Diets that limit or exclude meat have been linked to weight loss and a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Yet, this risk reduction depends on overall diet quality. Also, plant-based diets can lack important nutrients if you don't plan them well.

Can you live off not eating meat? ›

The majority of humans could healthily live their whole lives without eating meat (i.e. being a vegetarian). Being a healthy vegan (no animal products at all) is harder, and requires some way to get vitamin B12. Some humans, though, DO need to eat meat to be healthy.

How to get 100g protein without meat? ›

100 grams of protein for vegetarians

Two tablespoons of peanut butter (7 grams) One tablespoon of hemp seeds (4 grams) ¼ cup of protein granola (10 grams) One scoop of plant-based protein powder (20 grams)

How to get 30g of protein? ›

4-5 ounces of meat = a large chicken breast or fish fillet, or a medium-sized steak or chop (also at least 5-10g of fat) Four ounces of meat is about the size of a deck of cards. 1 ½ cups of low-fat cottage cheese or greek yogurt. 5-6 whole eggs. 4 whole eggs and an ounce of cheese (also 25-30g of fat)

Can you build muscle without meat protein? ›

Results showed that both groups gained a similar amount of muscle mass and strength, indicating that a high-protein, non-animal-derived diet can be as effective as a diet that consists mainly of animal-derived protein sources, when paired with resistance training.

What are the healthiest proteins to eat? ›

Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, beef, and pork are excellent sources of high-quality protein as well as important nutrients like iron and zinc. To avoid unhealthy saturated fat, opt for lean or low-fat meat options such as lean ground beef, pork loin, or skinless chicken breasts.

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