20 Protein-Packed Meals That Don't Contain a Single Piece of Meat

Updated on 1/31/2019 at 12:45 PM

"But how do you get enough protein?" is easily the most common (and often annoying) question posed to vegans and vegetarians, especially those who are highly active. But new converts need not be alarmed — as it turns out, there are tons of protein-packed options available to meatless athletes, from grains like quinoa and farro to meat substitutes like tofu and tempeh. Here are 20 entrée options to try your hand at, many of which are perfect for Fall and Winter.

Tempeh Stir-Fry

Vegetarians who crave a firmer protein than tofu will be all over the tempeh in this dish.
Get the recipe: tempeh stir-fry

Farro With Dukkah

Don't be skeptical about the idea of a salad as a filling meal; farro makes this one absolutely satisfying.
Get the recipe: farro with dukkah

Vegan Autumn Quinoa Bowl

Roasted butternut squash makes this a perfect Fall meal option.
Get the recipe: vegan Autumn quinoa bowl

Baked Enchilada-Style Veggie Burritos

Who doesn't love a burrito for a comforting dinner? Beans and zucchini make this a winning vegetarian option.
Get the recipe: baked enchilada-style veggie burritos

Copycat Chipotle Sofritas

This sofritas recipe will make it easy to emulate everyone's favorite burrito bowl.
Get the recipe: copycat Chipotle sofritas

Seitan Potato Almond Curry

Potatoes and seitan offer up the perfect ratio of carbs and protein.
Get the recipe: seitan potato almond curry

Vegan Chili con Carne

Nothing says Winter like a heaping bowl of filling (and protein-packed) chili.
Get the recipe: vegan chili con carne

Autumn Lentil Kale Salad With Parmesan

This protein-packed salad is another satisfying option that's perfect for Fall.
Get the recipe: Autumn lentil kale salad with parmesan

Taco Spaghetti Squash Boats

These delicious squash boats pack a punch of protein, but be sure to substitute soy crumbles for the ground turkey.
Get the recipe: taco spaghetti squash boats

Instant Pot Lentil Bolognese Sauce

For a filling pasta with meatless sauce, you've just got to try this recipe.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot lentil Bolognese sauce

Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili

For another protein-packed meatless chili, try this easy Instant Pot version.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot vegetarian chili

Jackfruit and Pinto Bean Baked Taquitos

If you're an adventurous eater looking to try new meat alternatives, you've got to try these jackfruit tacos with beans for extra protein.
Get the recipe: jackfruit and pinto bean baked taquitos

Lentil Meatballs

These faux meatballs are great over a plate of spiralized veggie "noodles."

Get the recipe: lentil meatballs

Mediterranean Vegetable Wraps With Freekeh

Freekeh is another lesser-known, protein-packed whole grain that is perfect for lunchtime options like these wraps.
Get the recipe: Mediterranean vegetable wraps with freekeh

Quinoa Taco Bowls With Guacamole

For another take on a vegetarian burrito bowl, try this version with quinoa for added protein.
Get the recipe: quinoa taco bowls with guacamole

Tofu Breakfast Scramble

Who says you can't have breakfast for dinner? Tofu makes for an excellent protein-filled vegan option.
Get the recipe: tofu breakfast scramble

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Mexican Quinoa

Sweet potatoes make this veggie protein bowl another great option for Fall.
Get the recipe: slow-cooker sweet potato Mexican quinoa

Sweet Potato Noodle Enchilada Stir-Fry

Spiralized sweet potatoes make for an excellent pasta substitute in this vegan dish.
Get the recipe: sweet potato noodle enchilada stir-fry

Tempeh Reuben Wraps

Protein-packed tempeh is here to save the day in this meatless version of a deli classic.
Get the recipe: tempeh Reuben wraps

Vegetarian enchiladas

Lastly, who doesn't love a big plate of enchiladas for dinner? This veggie-packed version certainly doesn't skimp on flavor.
Get the recipe: vegetarian enchiladas