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 (2024)

FAQs

Is a plant-based diet filling? ›

What makes a plant-based food filling? There are two nutrients that are known for their ability to help you feel full: fiber and protein. Fiber, a type of carbohydrate, is in an abundance of plant foods, and according to Schlichter, fiber helps you feel fuller longer.

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.

How do you get enough protein on a plant-based diet? ›

Examples of whole-food sources of plant proteins include:
  1. Edamame.
  2. Green peas.
  3. Legumes, such as garbanzo, kidney, black, pinto or cannellini beans.
  4. Lentils.
  5. Nutritional yeast.
  6. Nuts and nut butter.
  7. Quinoa.
  8. Seeds.
Jul 5, 2023

What plant-based protein keeps you full? ›

Sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, hemp seeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, etc., have around 6 grams of protein in 2 tbsp, and seed butters such as tahini have 5 grams per 2-tbsp serving. Try making chia pudding for breakfasts and snacks and top with thawed frozen cherries. Top cereal or yogurt with pumpkin seeds.

What are the most filling plant-based foods? ›

Plant-based foods you can add to your meals to help improve satiety
  • Lentils. Lentils are an economical and readily available ingredient that are used as staples in most plant-forward meals. ...
  • Chia seeds. ...
  • Oats. ...
  • Chickpeas. ...
  • Walnuts or Almonds. ...
  • Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • Avocado.

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.

What vegetables are highest in protein? ›

Among the highest protein vegetables are chickpeas, corn, spinach, artichoke hearts, and edamame. To get all of the amino acids your body needs, aim to eat a variety of foods, such as legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables throughout the day. U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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.
6 days ago

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 protein can I eat without cooking? ›

Adding protein to a meal does not need to be complicated with so many no-cook protein sources to choose from. Be it tuna, Greek yogurt, or a can of beans, there are plenty of different ways to add protein to breakfast, lunch, or dinner without any cooking at all.

Which plant has highest protein? ›

The 20 Highest Protein Veggies (And Other Plant-Based Foods) You Can Eat
  • 1) Organic Edamame. Protein: 18 g per 1-cup serving (cooked) ...
  • 2) Organic Tempeh. Protein: 16 g per 3 oz serving. ...
  • 3) Organic Tofu. Protein: 8 to 15 g per 3 oz serving. ...
  • 4) Lentils. ...
  • 5) Black Beans. ...
  • 6) Lima Beans. ...
  • 7) Peanuts or Peanut Butter. ...
  • 8) Wild Rice.
Aug 23, 2017

Which plant protein is considered a complete protein? ›

Animal protein—beef, pork, poultry, fish, dairy products, and eggs—contain all nine essential amino acids. Some plant proteins, such as those found in buckwheat, quinoa, and soy, are complete proteins as well.

What is the downside of a plant-based diet? ›

Some studies have shown that those on a plant-based diet are found to have lower plasma vitamin B12 levels and higher levels of vitamin B12 deficiency than those who consume animal products. Vitamin B12 is an important cofactor in DNA synthesis, and deficiency can lead to anemia and severe neurological dysfunction.

What happens to your body when you start eating plant-based? ›

Plants are high in fiber.

Eating a plant-based diet improves the health of your gut so you are better able to absorb the nutrients from food that support your immune system and reduce inflammation. Fiber can lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar and it's great for good bowel management.

Why am I so hungry on a plant-based diet? ›

WHY AM I STILL HUNGRY? ​While there are many reasons why you may become hangry (hungry and angry) while trying to eat more plant-based, much of this can be attributed to not eating sufficient energy (ie. calories) and nutrients on a vegan or vegetarian diet.

How long does it take to see results from a plant-based diet? ›

Dec. 4, 2023 -- People who ate a vegan diet improved their health after just eight weeks compared to a control group that ate meat during that period, a study published in JAMA Network Open shows.

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