50 Vegetarian Comfort Food Recipes That Will Warm You Right Up
It’s officially hibernation weather, which means that comfort is at the absolute top of our dietary priorities. But, contrary to popular belief, that doesn’t mean we have to give up greens or healthy food entirely. Whether you’re a strict vegetarian or you just need a few more plant-based meals to make it through cheese-and-carbs season, here are 50 of our favorite vegetarian comfort food recipes—no meat required.
1. One-Pot Mac and Cheese
So much better than the stuff from a box.
2. Portobello Pot Roast
Make it in a slow cooker, Instant Pot or on the stove.
3. Vegetarian Chili
It doesn’t get heartier than this sour cream-crowned main.
4. Lentil Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Warm, cozy and super nutritious.
5. Pasta Alla Norma
Just like Grandma used to make.
6. Homemade Cheddar Pierogies
Pasta? Check. Potatoes? Check. Cheese? You know it.
7. Gluten-Free Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust
The crust is the rich egg filling's crispy soulmate.
8. Southwest Sweet Potato Tater Tot Hot Dish
If it’s covered in tots, you can count us in.
9. Spaghetti Squash and Broccoli Alfredo
Bake it right in the squash for an easy and elegant presentation.
10. Tomato Soup in Cheesy Bread Bowls
Guys, the topper is a grilled cheese sandwich...
11. Chipotle Black Bean Roasted Veggie Enchilada Casserole
We’ll take ours with a side of guac, thanks.
12. Portobello Mushrooms Stuffed with Barley Risotto
Pair them with veggie broth.
13. Homemade Spicy Ramen with Tofu
Just the remedy for a cold and dreary night.
14. Spinach Mushroom Lasagna
So many layers of goodness.
15. Tikka Masala Tofu and Vegetables
Put down the phone and step away from the takeout menu.
16. Sweet Potato Tacos
Consider next week's Taco Tuesday set.
17. Cheesy Roasted Mushroom Melts
With not one, not two, but *three* different cheeses.
18. Butternut Squash Noodles with Cashew Alfredo
Thanks, Coterie member Ali Maffucci.
19. The Best Vegan Enchiladas
We never thought we’d say this, but we don’t even miss the cheese.
20. Baking Sheet Quesadillas
Fill with your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
21. The Best Broccoli Cheese Soup
Eat your heart out, Panera Bread.
22. Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos
Just the thing for your Super Bowl Sunday party.
23. Whole-Wheat Spinach and Artichoke Pizza
Everyone’s favorite dip meets golden-brown pizza crust.
24. Quinoa Chili
Psst: This bowl is packed with protein.
25. Chickpea and Vegetable Coconut Curry
Make a double batch and freeze it for later.
26. Vegan Spaghetti Squash with Mushroom Marinara
Even Nonna would approve.
27. Cauliflower Fried Rice
Some cold nights (and long days) just demand takeout.
28. Crispy Tofu Bánh Mì
You had us at sriracha mayonnaise.
29. Baked Zucchini ‘Ziti’ Spirals with Mozzarella
This pasta-free version is light enough that you’ll have room for seconds (and thirds).
30. Creamy Gochujang Zoodles
Finished with a runny sunny-side-up egg and all the Parmesan.
31. Blackberry-Peach Grilled Cheese
Hi, summer. We’ve missed you so.
32. Roasted Tomato Soup
You can do so much better than the canned kind.
33. Black Bean Burgers
Never be disappointed by a veggie burger again.
34. Soba Noodles with Peanut Sauce
There’s no bad day that creamy peanut butter can’t fix.
35. Spiralized Winter Vegetable Gratin
Parsnips, sweet potatoes, butternut squash—we promise you won’t miss the pasta.
36. Sweet Potato-Black Bean Tacos with Blue Cheese Crema
Three boast nearly 20 grams of protein.
37. Vegetarian Sushi Cups
Meet your muffin tin’s latest magic trick.
38. Vegan Kentucky Fried Chick’n
Bet you didn’t expect this soul food classic. You can thank tofu and seitan.
39. Green Bean Casserole Galette
Come for the creamy herbed filling, stay for the fried shallots.
40. Sweet Potato Gnocchi in Herbed White Wine Sauce
BRB, starting our own herb garden.
41. Cauliflower Sweet Potato Burgers
A far cry from the frozen hockey pucks you’re used to.
42. The Best Potatoes au Gratin Ever
You say side, we say main event.
43. Butternut Squash Lasagna
No red sauce here—just mozzarella, herbs and alllll the ricotta.
44. Creamed Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Onions
Behold, the mac and cheese of vegetables.
45. Vegan Lentil and Roasted Vegetable Bake
Where should we start, the cashew cream or the crispy pine nut topping?
46. Cauliflower and Plantain Tacos with Lemony Pesto Dressing
Swap the cauliflower for broccoli or cabbage.
47. Vegan Keto Coconut Curry
Warning: You might want to take a bath in the broth.
48. Cacio e Pepe Cauliflower
Eight ingredients + 20 minutes = cheesy, creamy heaven.
49. Vegan Butternut Mac and ‘Cheese’ with Shiitake ‘Bacon’
Roasted squash = the silkiest sauce ever.
50. Eggplant Pizza
Ask your kids to assemble them and dinner will practically make itself.
Food Editor
- Spearheads PureWow's food vertical
- Manages PureWow's recipe vertical and newsletter
- Studied English and writing at Ithaca College
