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 (1)

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Plant Based Proteins: 12 Meatless Recipes That Are Actually Filling (2024)

FAQs

What is a good protein meal without meat? ›

21 Meals With Tons Of Protein And No Meat
  • Bean, Kale, and Egg Stew. ...
  • Cashew Noodles with Broccoli and Tofu. ...
  • Black Bean, Arugula, and Poached Egg Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Peanutty Quinoa Bowls with Baked Tofu. ...
  • Black Bean Salad. ...
  • Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie With Seitan. ...
  • Vegan Chili. ...
  • Bean-Kale Burgers With Sweet Potato Wedges.
Jan 11, 2014

What are 3 foods that have plant-based protein? ›

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

Does plant-based protein fill you up? ›

Almost all plant-based protein sources are lower in fat and calories than animal protein. So naturally, swapping animal protein for plant-based protein will reduce your overall calorie intake. It also contains a lot of fiber, keeping you fuller for longer.

What foods are high in protein, not meat? ›

If you're considering a vegetarian diet, here are 20 high-quality sources of protein to get you started.
  • Lentils. Lentils may be red, green, black, or brown. ...
  • Edamame. Edamame are soybeans harvested before they mature. ...
  • Beans. Beans are a delicious plant source of protein. ...
  • Split peas. ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Peanut butter. ...
  • Oats. ...
  • Quinoa.
Mar 14, 2024

What's the best protein without eating meat? ›

Whole soy foods, such as edamame, tofu, tempeh, soy milk and soy nuts, are great sources of lean protein. Unlike most vegetarian proteins, soy is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids for optimal use by your body.

How to get 200 grams of protein a day without meat? ›

Vegan Substitutes to Consume 200g Protein a Day
  1. Tofu.
  2. Quinoa.
  3. Chickpeas.
  4. Lentils.
  5. Tempeh.
  6. Seitan.
  7. Beans such as black beans and kidney beans.
  8. Plant-based protein powders such as pea protein and soy protein powders.
Dec 6, 2023

What is the highest plant-based protein? ›

While all beans pack a ton of plant protein, lentils top the list with about 18 grams of protein per cup.

What plant has the highest protein? ›

Here, we've ranked 20 of the highest-protein veggies, legumes, and minimally processed meat alternatives, like tempeh, for your convenience.
  • 1) Organic Edamame. Protein: 18 g per 1-cup serving (cooked) ...
  • 2) Organic Tempeh. ...
  • 3) Organic Tofu. ...
  • 4) Lentils. ...
  • 5) Black Beans. ...
  • 6) Lima Beans. ...
  • 7) Peanuts or Peanut Butter. ...
  • 8) Wild Rice.
Aug 23, 2017

What is the easiest way to get plant-based protein? ›

"Whether you're talking about legumes, beans, seeds, grains, things like quinoa, brown rice, and amaranth — those foods are all rich in robust protein. You even have a fair amount of protein in your broccoli, kale, and cruciferous vegetables."

What plant-based food is most filling? ›

Plant-based foods you can add to your meals to help improve satiety
  • Oats. ...
  • Chickpeas. ...
  • Walnuts or Almonds. ...
  • Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • Avocado. ...
  • Brown rice or quinoa. ...
  • Dark Chocolate.

What plant-based protein keeps you full? ›

What is a good source of protein that isn't meat? Some plant-based foods, such as soybean products, seitan, beans, and lentils contain high amounts of protein. You can also find protein in nuts, whole grains like quinoa and amaranth, and hemp seeds.

What are the disadvantages of plant protein? ›

Plant proteins are often incomplete proteins, and therefore should be consumed in combination in order to serve as a complete protein. Some plant-based proteins are high in carbohydrates not ideal for anyone following a low-carb diet. Plant protein powders are typically more expensive than whey protein.

What to eat instead of meat? ›

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.

Is banana full of protein? ›

Like most fruits, bananas are not a main source of fat or protein. They carry a much higher serving of carbohydrates, as compared to lean meat. When compared with other fruits, like berries, bananas are higher in energy (calories), which gives them a bad reputation of not being “good” for weight loss.

What happens to the body when you stop eating meat? ›

You may feel tired and weak if you cut meat out of your diet. That's because you're missing an important source of protein and iron, both of which give you energy. The body absorbs more iron from meat than other foods, but it's not your only choice.

How do you get complete protein without meat? ›

13 Complete Protein Sources for Vegetarians and Vegans
  1. Quinoa.
  2. Soy products.
  3. Amaranth.
  4. Buckwheat.
  5. Ezekiel bread.
  6. Spirulina.
  7. Hemp seeds.
  8. Chia seeds.

How can I get 100 grams of protein a day without meat? ›

100 grams of protein for vegetarians
  1. Four eggs (24 grams of protein)
  2. ½ cup of rolled oats (5 grams)
  3. Two tablespoons of peanut butter (7 grams)
  4. One tablespoon of hemp seeds (4 grams)
  5. ¼ cup of protein granola (10 grams)
  6. One scoop of plant-based protein powder (20 grams)
  7. Two snack cheeses (10 grams)
May 18, 2024

How can I get 30 grams of protein without meat? ›

Regular consumprion of nuts and seeds, such as almonds, cashews, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc., is a good way to top up your protein intake. 100 grams of nuts seeds contain around 20-30 grams of protein.

What is a good protein breakfast without meat or eggs? ›

Tofu scrambles, quinoa breakfast bowls, oatmeal with peanut butter (add hemp seeds for extra protein), and baked quinoa egg muffins are just a few of the delicious vegan and vegetarian recipes that are high in protein.

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