If your weekly grocery bill [1] is eating up most of your paycheck, cutting back on meat [2] is actually one of the easiest ways to save some cash. As far as protein goes, meat is typically more expensive [3] than vegan-friendly protein sources [4] like beans, lentils, and tofu. Possibly more important than the effect eating more plants can have on your wallet is the impact it can have on your health. Plant-based diets [5] have been shown to promote weight loss [6] and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes [7] and heart disease [8].
Whether you are a lifelong vegan [9] or you're just trying to add more healthy, plant-based meals [10] to your diet, these 16 recipes definitely deserve a spot on next week's meal plan. Your wallet will thank you.
Sweet Potato, Chickpea, and Quinoa Veggie Burger
If your pantry is well-stocked, you probably already have most of the ingredients for these meatless burgers on hand. Since you'll be picking up sweet potatoes anyway, serve up these crispy roasted fries [11] on the side.
Get the recipe: sweet potato, chickpea, and quinoa veggie burger [12]
Vegan Cauliflower Pizza Crust
This cauliflower-crusted pizza is super budget-friendly because you can top it any way you like. Stalk the sale ads, and choose your toppings based on the best prices you find.
Get the recipe: vegan cauliflower pizza crust [13]
Quick Collard Greens
Next time you see collards on sale, stock up! You can serve these spicy greens with toast for breakfast or pasta for dinner.
Get the recipe: quick collard greens [14]
Vegan Burrito Bowl
If you're looking to save money on healthy produce [15], canned is where it's at. These flavorful burrito bowls use canned corn and black beans, and you could even sub a jar of salsa for the fresh pico if you're really pinching your pennies.
Get the recipe: vegan burrito bowl [16]
Vegan Pasta Bake With White Wine Sauce
This pasta dish may look extravagant, but it is actually made with mostly easy-to-find ingredients. OK, the wine may be a bit of a splurge, but at least you'll have something to drink with dinner.
Get the recipe: vegan pasta bake with white wine sauce [17]
Tempeh Tacos
These spicy tacos rely heavily on seasonings that you probably already have in your spice rack. Add in some tempeh for protein [18], and you've got a hearty, low-cost meal.
Get the recipe: tempeh tacos
Sesame Ginger Quinoa Salad
Cheap meals do not have to be boring, and this Asian-inspired salad is proof. We recommend making a double or triple batch so you aren't wasting any of your fresh veggies, and you'll have a week's worth of lunches.
Get the recipe: sesame ginger quinoa salad [19]
Vegan Pancakes
This basic vegan pancake recipe can be dressed up any number of ways. You can save money by topping these tasty cakes with any sweetener, vegan yogurt [20], or fruit (fresh or frozen) that you have on hand.
Get the recipe: vegan pancakes [21]
Instant Pot Cauliflower Tikka Masala
A head of cauliflower is versatile [22] and inexpensive — so versatile, in fact, that it can replace chicken in this tikka masala recipe. Serve it with rice or naan.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot cauliflower tikka masala [23]
Broccoli Slaw Stir-Fry
This stir-fry checks the low-carb, vegan, and money-saving boxes. Broccoli slaw stands in for rice, and the dish is made with a simple sauce and veggies you can find at any grocery store.
Get the recipe: broccoli slaw stir-fry [24]
Instant Pot Vegan Quinoa Chili
If you have cans upon cans of beans in your pantry, this smoky vegan chili is the perfect way to use them up. The best part? If you're short on time, you can whip it up in a hurry using your trusty Instant Pot [25].
Get the recipe: Instant Pot vegan quinoa chili [26]
Raw Vegan Carrot Cake Bites
Don't worry, we didn't forget the snacks! These little carrot cake bites are made with a base of oats, coconut, and almond butter — all of which you can buy in bulk to save a bit of cash.
Get the recipe: raw vegan carrot cake bites [27]
Red Lentil Dhal Curry
To save money on this veggie-based curry, try using frozen butternut squash and canned tomatoes in place of fresh. You'll also save precious time because you can make it in one-pot or in your slow cooker [28].
Get the recipe: red lentil dhal curry [29]
Spiced Carrot Soup With Crispy Chickpeas and Tahini
This creamy carrot soup is one of the best bargain meals you can make! You can stretch a few ingredients a long way, but the variety of garnishes make it look elegant.
Get the recipe: spiced carrot soup with crispy chickpeas and tahini [30]
Vegan Buddha Bowls
This plant-based Buddha bowl [31] recipe will quickly become one of your money-saving staples. You can make the recipe as written, or sub in any combination of beans and vegetables you have in your kitchen.
Get the recipe: vegan Buddha bowls [32]
Vegan Potato Salad
This vegan potato salad recipe is simple, but it's definitely not lacking in flavor. If you have fresh herbs leftover, freeze them in ice cube trays [33] with olive oil to use in future recipes.
Get the recipe: vegan potato salad [34]