40 Hearty Vegetarian Dinner Recipes To Make This Fall (2024)

40 Hearty Vegetarian Dinner Recipes To Make This Fall (1)

Fall ushers in all our favorite dinner favorites, namely warm, comforting meals, like casseroles, soups, and pasta bakes. Too often, though, those meals revolve around meat (we know we’re partially to blame, we do love an easy chicken or steak dinner). Even if you don’t eat meat, you too can enjoy a cozy meal this autumn (check out our cabbage schnitzel for all the proof you'll need). Whether you’re a strict vegetarian or are just looking for occasional meatless meals, we’ve got recipes for you. Check out our 40 fall vegetarian recipes for ideas—they’re just as good as their meat-heavy counterparts (and maybe even better!).

Got a busy fall and need quick and easy weeknight dinner options? Try incorporating the bounty of fall produce into the meals you already know and love. Enjoy a cheesy, creamy noodle dish? Check out our pumpkin sage gnocchi, our butternut squash risotto, our pumpkin lasagna, or our for ideas on how to sneak more veggies into them. Into ordering takeout? Try our saag paneer, our tofu stir-fry (we’ve got the top tips for taking tofu from blah to amazing), our butternut squash curry, or our Nashville hot cauliflower. You might never need to order delivery again.

Looking for a dinner that’s a little more remarkable (for a special occasion or a holiday like Thanksgiving, perhaps)? We got you. For date night, birthdays, or just an extra momentous Tuesday, try one of our recipes that takes just a smidge more effort than normal. You could make your own pasta or dumplings, like in our pumpkin ravioli 0r butternut squash pot stickers, or try your hand at breading meat alternatives, like in our tofu katsu curry or our . If you’re looking for a vegetarian holiday showstopper, look no further than our whole roasted cabbage or our brown sugar BBQ whole roasted cauliflower. Served whole, surrounded by colorful veggies, they can stand up to even the most elaborate of meat mains.

Want more fall vegetarian inspiration? Check out our best plant-based recipes, our top vegan and vegetarian Thanksgiving dinners, and our favorite fall desserts too.

1

Cabbage Schnitzel

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A breaded fried cutlet is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and these cabbage schnitzels are no exception. Coated in crispy golden brown bread crumbs and drizzled with a luscious mushroom gravy, this vegetarian spin on a meaty classic will delight meat lovers and vegetarians alike this fall.

Get the Cabbage Schnitzel recipe.

2

Vegan Meatloaf

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This hearty "meat" loaf is made mostly out of chickpeas and baby bella mushrooms. We're in love! Serve it with a side of vegan mashed potatoes and green beans for the most comforting meal this fall.

Get the Vegan Meatloaf recipe.

3

Brown Sugar BBQ Whole Roasted Cauliflower

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If you love whole roasted cauliflower, then you have to try our brown sugar BBQ version. It's perfect for when you're craving BBQ flavors without the meat. Hot tip: Give your cauliflower plenty of time to roast for the most delicious result.

Get the Brown Sugar BBQ Whole Roasted Cauliflower recipe.

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4

One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac

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Looking for a hearty weeknight dinner this fall? Our smoky vegetarian chili mac is here to save the day! It all comes together in one pot, and it's SUPER versatile. Throw in your favorite bean and pasta shape, melt in your favorite cheese, and top with whatever you like!

Get the One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac recipe.

5

Best-Ever Pumpkin Ravioli

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These autumnal ravioli may not be quick or easy, but they are SO delicious. Give yourself an afternoon to prepare them, or make the pasta dough the night before so you have half the work done already!

Get the Pumpkin Ravioli recipe.

6

Polenta with Wild Mushroom Ragú

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Make this showstopper with a custom blend of your favorite funghi! If wild mushrooms are not accessible, creminis or button mushrooms would also work perfectly. If serving for a dinner party or event, the ragú can be made up to three days in advance; just reheat gently on the stovetop while you make the polenta.

Get the Polenta with Wild Mushroom Ragú recipe.

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7

Spicy Cottage Cheese Pasta

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Cottage cheese continues to have its big moment in the sun. Its high-protein content has driven people to try and incorporate it into some of their favorite foods. Our take? Blending it with marinara until the sauce is creamy and smooth makes for an incredible pasta sauce.

Get the Spicy Cottage Cheese Pasta recipe.

8

Pumpkin Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Sticks

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While we love classic tomato soup, we sometimes want to shake things up a bit. This soup is extra creamy, not only thanks to sweet pumpkin puree, but also heavy cream and sharp Parmesan. One of the best parts? Both the soup and cheese sticks are ready in under 30 minutes!

Get the .

9

Cabbage Parmesan

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Craving chicken Parm, but following a vegetarian diet? No worries! This cabbage version is just as cheesy and flavorful as the original, with a welcome plant-based twist.

Get the Cabbage Parmesan recipe.

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10

Butternut Squash Curry

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This curry is a one-pot meal with ALL the carbs, vegetables, and creaminess you crave. Butternut squash is toothsome and savory, kale is earthy and green, and coconut milk wraps everything together in a creamy sauce. Yum!

Get the Butternut Squash Curry recipe.

11

Butternut Squash Potstickers

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Making your own potstickers doesn't have to complicated. These vegan potstickers are easy to put together and most of your time is spent roasting your squash until really tender, which can be done ahead of time. Crimping takes a little practice, but the good news is that even if they look a little wonky they are still going to taste great!

Get the Butternut Squash Potstickers recipe.

12

Nashville Hot Cauliflower

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Nashville hot chicken may be king, but Nashville hot cauliflower is coming to steal the crown. Coated in hot sauce-spiked buttermilk batter, fried to golden brown perfection, and drizzled with the iconic spicy oil, this vegetarian dinner is crispy, flavorful, and SO delicious.

Get the Nashville Hot Cauliflower recipe.

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13

Whole Roasted Cabbage

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Expecting a vegetarian at your table this fall? This roasted cabbage is the way to go! It's savory, sweet, and salty on the outside and super tender on the inside. Topped with lots of silky mushroom gravy, we doubt anyone at your table will be missing meat.

Get the Whole Roasted Cabbage recipe.

14

Walnut Broccoli Stir-Fry

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We all know classic , but for the days where you’re just looking for a little less meat this fall, it’s time to turn to the almighty walnut. It’s fatty and rich, with a fun, rippled texture that gives sauces lots of nooks and crannies to hug onto.

Get the Walnut Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe.

15

Corn & Ricotta Pasta

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Fresh ricotta and sweet corn are the stars of the show for this quick and easy pasta. We utilize frozen corn here, but leftover kernels from grilled corn would make the dish even better; this is so much fun to make when corn is at its flavorful best.

Get the .

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16

Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole

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With roasted sweet potatoes and black bean chili layered together under a gooey blanket of cheese, this easy vegetarian weeknight dinner is both incredibly comforting and surprisingly hearty.

Get the Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole recipe.

17

Stuffed Butternut Squash

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You'll start by slathering the butternut squash halves with a brown sugar-butter mixture, which enhances the naturally sweet qualities of the roasted squash. After baking until perfectly tender, you'll top the squash with a hearty filling of quinoa, kale, and chickpeas.

Get the Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe.

18

40 Hearty Vegetarian Dinner Recipes To Make This Fall (20)

Baked, not stirred, this recipe for pumpkin risotto takes some of the work off the chef without sacrificing that classic risotto flavor and texture. A sprinkle of goat cheese, parsley, and the tart-sweet touch of dried cranberries round out the earthy autumnal vibes.

Get the Baked Pumpkin Risotto recipe.

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19

Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

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Creamy, sweet, and conveniently orange, butternut squash adds extra body and richness to . A little thyme does some heavy lifting, making the homey comfort classic a little fancy, and bringing some fall flavors to the table that are *chef’s kiss*.

Get the .

20

Baked Eggplant Parm

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Classic eggplant Parm is one of our favorites dishes in the world when it's cold out, but it's definitely a labor of love. If we're being honest, we're not always down to put in the work. Enter this healthier, easier bake. Instead of frying each individual piece of eggplant, you bake them all at once until they're nice and crispy. 😍

Get the Baked Eggplant Parm recipe.

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Camille Lowder

Digital Food Producer

Camille Lowder is the digital food producer at Delish, otherwise known as our resident queen of recipe galleries. Previously, she attended the Natural Gourmet Institute for culinary school and worked at/managed a number of New York restaurants. She loves anything vegan, foods masquerading as other foods (hello, cauliflower), and a well-used Oxford comma.

40 Hearty Vegetarian Dinner Recipes To Make This Fall (2024)

FAQs

What is the most famous vegetarian dish? ›

Originating in the Middle East, falafel is one the most popular vegetarian foods in the world! As one of the most popular vegetarian foods in the world, falafel needs no introduction! However, the origin of these beloved patties is rather controversial.

What sounds good for dinner vegetarian? ›

These vegetarian dinner ideas are packed full of plant-based protein!
  • Crispy Sesame Tempeh Bowl. This Crispy Sesame Tempeh bowl is full of plant protein! ...
  • Lentil Bowls. ...
  • Indian Cauliflower, Chickpea & Tofu Bowls. ...
  • Baked Tofu. ...
  • Lentil Curry. ...
  • Black Bean Burgers. ...
  • Lentil Spinach Dal. ...
  • Mind-Blowing Vegan Chili.
Apr 7, 2024

Who is the number one vegetarian in the world? ›

India. India has the highest percentage of vegetarians in the world, with an estimated 20-39% vegetarian population.

Which is the No 1 vegetarian country in the world? ›

India is ranked top in the world with 38% of the total population being vegetarian. Vegetarianism in the region became popular after the introduction of Buddhism and Jainism, which was around the 6th Century BC.

What is the most famous food in autumn? ›

Top 10 most popular autumn recipes
  • Pumpkin soup. Food doesn't get much more autumnal than pumpkin. ...
  • Pumpkin pie. ...
  • Best apple crumble. ...
  • Butternut squash & sage risotto. ...
  • Dorset apple cake. ...
  • Coconut & squash dhansak. ...
  • Squidgy pear & chocolate pudding.
Oct 4, 2023

What food tastes great in fall? ›

Here's a list of some fall favorites:
  • Pumpkin. Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. ...
  • Sweet Potatoes. Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene as well, along with vitamins A and C. ...
  • Apples. ...
  • Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • Cranberries. ...
  • Butternut Squash. ...
  • Mushrooms. ...
  • Cinnamon and Nutmeg.
Sep 18, 2023

What foods are surprisingly vegetarian? ›

Top Accidentally Vegan Foods
  • Cinnamon Life.
  • Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix.
  • SkinnyPop White Cheddar Flavored Popped Popcorn.
  • Airheads.
  • Cracker Jack.
  • Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili–Flavored Tortilla Chips.
  • Fritos.
  • Fruit by the Foot.

What do most vegetarians lack? ›

The nutrients of concern in the diet of vegetarians include vitamin B(12), vitamin D, ω-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, and zinc. Although a vegetarian diet can meet current recommendations for all of these nutrients, the use of supplements and fortified foods provides a useful shield against deficiency.

What do vegetarians miss the most? ›

Studies have shown that without supplements or enriched foods, vegetarians are at a high risk of vitamin B12 deficiency ( 2 ). Lacto-ovo-vegetarians can get adequate amounts of this nutrient from dairy products and eggs, but this is much more challenging for vegans ( 3 ).

What do Americans eat for dinner vegetarian? ›

Classic American Vegetarian Food
  • Southern mac and cheese.
  • Fried green tomatoes.
  • Hush puppies.
  • Red beans and rice.
  • New York pizza.
  • Tomato soup.
  • Classic apple pie.
  • Creamed spinach.
Apr 28, 2023

What is a silent vegetarian? ›

Acronym for silent vegetarian option, a dish to be substituted at the request of guests, but not explicitly offered to everyone.

What is a silent dinner? ›

A silent dinner, as the name suggests, is a dinner at which the guests and host do not speak, write, or use technology devices (e.g. phones). The dinners typically last for at least two hours, and guests are expected to stay and participate for the entire time.

What are the most common vegetarian foods? ›

Vegetables: leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots. Grains: quinoa, barley, buckwheat, rice, oats. Legumes: lentils, beans, peas, chickpeas. Nuts: almonds, walnuts, cashews, chestnuts.

What do vegetarian Americans eat for dinner? ›

Classic American Vegetarian Food
  • Southern mac and cheese.
  • Fried green tomatoes.
  • Hush puppies.
  • Red beans and rice.
  • New York pizza.
  • Tomato soup.
  • Classic apple pie.
  • Creamed spinach.
Apr 28, 2023

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