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

If you liked this collection of recipes incorporating plant based proteins, please share it on Pinterest!

Plant Based Proteins: 12 Meatless Recipes That Are Actually Filling (1)

And if you’re looking for more meatless recipes, please follow our Food and Recipes board on Pinterest!

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

FAQs

What is a high protein meal without meat? ›

Bean, Kale, and Egg Stew

Between the kidney beans, kale, egg, and cheese, each serving dishes up a solid 28 grams of protein.

Is a plant-based diet filling? ›

What makes a plant-based food filling? There are two nutrients that are known for their ability to help you feel full: fiber and protein. Fiber, a type of carbohydrate, is in an abundance of plant foods, and according to Schlichter, fiber helps you feel fuller longer.

How to eat 30g protein per meal vegan? ›

Vegans can easily get all the protein they need from the plants they eat. Protein is found in nearly all plant foods, but beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds are particularly rich sources.

How to get 150g of protein without meat? ›

Here are some tips to help you reach 150 grams of protein through vegetarian foods:
  1. Incorporate a variety of protein sources in your diet, such as legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
  2. Use high-protein vegetarian substitutes, such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan, in place of meat in your favorite recipes.
Feb 3, 2018

How to get 120 grams of protein a day without meat? ›

My top sources in my day-to-day diet are:
  1. Whey Protein Powder (20g per scoop) (I use the MyProtein Whey Impact in the Chocolate Smooth or the Sticky Toffee Pudding flavour)
  2. Eggs (13g for a medium egg)
  3. Greek Yoghurt (10g per 100g of fa*ge Total 0%)
  4. Quorn Pieces (13g per 100g)
  5. Quorn Mince (14g per 100g)
  6. Tofu (10g per 100g)
Apr 2, 2019

What fruit has the most protein? ›

Avocado and guava have some of the highest protein content of all fruits. Adding more fruit to your diet offers your body more than just a bump in protein. Fruits are a delicious way to get the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber your body needs to stay healthy.

How can I increase my protein intake without meat? ›

How to get protein without the meat
  1. Pulses. Pulses are an inexpensive protein choice, are high in fibre and a source of iron. ...
  2. Soya beans. ...
  3. Quinoa. ...
  4. Nuts. ...
  5. Seeds. ...
  6. Cereals and grains. ...
  7. Quorn™ ...
  8. Dairy.

Is there a plant with more protein than meat? ›

Hemp seeds provide 31 grams of complete protein per serving. A chicken breast, by comparison, offers 26 grams. As a complete protein, hemp offers every amino acid, including all nine essential amino acids. Hemp seeds are best added to other dishes, including smoothies, granola, oatmeal, salads, and the like.

What are the most filling plant-based foods? ›

Healthful foods that are high in protein, fiber, or both tend to be filling. Rich sources of protein for vegans include foods such as soybeans, pulses, and some nuts and seeds. Oats, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and fruit are all good sources of fiber.

What is the downside of a plant-based diet? ›

Some studies have shown that those on a plant-based diet are found to have lower plasma vitamin B12 levels and higher levels of vitamin B12 deficiency than those who consume animal products. Vitamin B12 is an important cofactor in DNA synthesis, and deficiency can lead to anemia and severe neurological dysfunction.

What plant-based foods make you feel full? ›

Eat a protein serving with each meal to keep you feeling full. Great vegan and vegetarian protein sources are beans, tofu, tempeh, nuts, quinoa, lentils, whole grains, and starchy vegetables. As long as you focus on whole foods (rich in nutrients) and avoid processed foods and oils, it will be hard to overeat.

What veggies have the most protein? ›

Among the highest protein vegetables are chickpeas, corn, spinach, artichoke hearts, and edamame. To get all of the amino acids your body needs, aim to eat a variety of foods, such as legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables throughout the day.

What does 30 g of plant protein look like? ›

Tofu can often be a staple source of protein for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet: 1 1/2 cups of cooked tofu can provide 30 grams of protein along with some healthy fat. Because tofu is made from soybeans, it's considered a complete protein even though it's from plants.

How do vegans add protein to every meal? ›

Try these tips.
  1. Use quinoa instead of rice. ...
  2. Utilize vegan protein powder. ...
  3. Provide your body with essential amino acids. ...
  4. Start each day with protein. ...
  5. Add beans to everything. ...
  6. Sprinkle nutritional yeast on your meals.
May 4, 2023

How to get 100g protein without meat? ›

How to Hit 100 Grams of Protein Without Meat
  1. Canned Salmon (Trader Joe's “Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon – Boneless/Skinless” as example) – one 6-oz can – 39 g.
  2. Extra Firm Tofu – 1 14.oz package – 32 g.
  3. Egg Whites – one cup from a carton – 30 g.
  4. Boca Burgers (original) – 2 burgers – 28 g.

How to get 130 grams of protein a day without meat? ›

Milk, cheese, nuts, beans, and tofu are good sources of protein. You can also try tempeh, veggie burgers, and other meat substitutes.

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

Protein-Rich Foods (30 grams per serving)

Plant: soy, beans, legumes, lentils, grains, nuts, and seeds.

How can I get 70 grams of protein without meat? ›

Foods like dairy, eggs, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains all contain enough protein in them to get you to that number without breaking a sweat.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Moshe Kshlerin

Last Updated:

Views: 5950

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Moshe Kshlerin

Birthday: 1994-01-25

Address: Suite 609 315 Lupita Unions, Ronnieburgh, MI 62697

Phone: +2424755286529

Job: District Education Designer

Hobby: Yoga, Gunsmithing, Singing, 3D printing, Nordic skating, Soapmaking, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Moshe Kshlerin, I am a gleaming, attractive, outstanding, pleasant, delightful, outstanding, famous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.