20 cheap vegan meals: affordable, easy recipes for eating vegan on a budget. These simple dishes rely on budget-friendly staples like lentils, beans, tofu, pasta, cauliflower, sweet potato, and other seasonal vegetables to create filling, nutritious meals without breaking the bank.
Eating well while keeping costs down is entirely possible with a few planning tricks and versatile pantry items. Dried or canned beans and lentils are inexpensive sources of protein and fiber, and they stretch across multiple meals. Pasta is a low-cost base that pairs with many sauces and vegetables. Tofu is inexpensive, high in protein, and adapts to many flavors and cooking methods. Seasonal produce like cauliflower, sweet potatoes, greens, and root vegetables are usually affordable and can be used in stews, curries, roasts, or salads.
This curated collection showcases easy-to-make vegan comfort dishes built around those economical ingredients. The recipes below are approachable, flavorful, and designed to maximize taste from minimal cost and effort.
LENTILS AND BEANS:
Hearty lentil and bean dishes are economical and versatile. Try these recipes for soups, stews, and bowls that keep well and reheat beautifully.
Kung Pao Lentils GF
Chickpea Curry with Spiced Potatoes GF SF
Spanish Chickpea Stew GF SF
Cannellini and Lentil Jamaican Curry GF SF
Instant Pot Kidney Bean & Red Lentil Chili GF SF
Chickpea Peanut-Butter Curry GF SF
TOFU:
Tofu is a low-cost, high-protein ingredient that soaks up flavor. These recipes show how to marinate, bake, stir-fry, and serve tofu in satisfying ways.
Butter Tofu GF
General Tso’s Tofu Sandwich
Cajun Tofu Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice GF
Eggplant and Tofu in Soy Chili Lime Sauce GF
Tofu and Brown Rice Noodles in Hoisin Sauce GF
Crunchy Vegan Asian Salad with Baked Tofu GF
PASTA:
Pasta dishes are quick, inexpensive, and adaptable. Use pantry staples, seasonal vegetables, and simple sauces for satisfying weeknight meals.
Garlic Sauce Pasta with Cajun Cauliflower SF
Fajita Pasta SF
Rose Sauce Farfalle Pasta SF
Lentil Bolognese with Spaghetti SF
Black Pepper Mac & Cheese SF
Fettuccine Alfredo with Mushrooms SF
VEGETABLES:
Vegetable-forward meals make great, inexpensive mains. Roast, sauté, or simmer seasonal produce into comforting dishes.
Cauliflower Gratin SF
8-Spice Veggie Stir-Fry GF SF
Minestrone Pasta & White Bean Soup SF
Easy Veggie Pizza with 20-Minute Crust SF
1-Pot Chickpea, Sweet Potato & Spinach Curry GF SF
Spring Roll Fried Rice GF
1-Pot Peanut Sauce Veggie Noodles GF
Veggie Lo Mein (GF option)
Find more affordable recipes and meal ideas in my second book, Everyday Kitchen.
BURGERS
Homemade vegan burgers are budget-friendly and adaptable—serve them on a bun, in a salad, or as part of a grain bowl. Many of these patties are easily made gluten-free.
Grillable Black Bean & Sunflower Seed Burgers SF
Lentil Walnut Burgers SF
Chickpea-Sweet Potato Burgers SF
Falafel Burgers SF
Quick pizzas are another inexpensive crowd-pleaser—use jarred sauce, seasonal veggies, and beans or tofu for toppings.
Easy Veggie Pizza with 20-Minute Crust
Buffalo Chickpea Pizza
Sriracha BBQ Tofu Pizza