These vegan one pot meals are the perfect choice for those busy nights. If you aren’t a fan of washing loads of dishes, then these are for you!
I love making healthy dinners at home, but I hate being left with all the dishes. This collection of dinners made in one pot is the perfect list for when I’m feeling lazy or just don’t want to clean up!
What is a One Pot Meal?
One pot dinners are exactly what it says, meals you can make using one pot. This may be quick and seamless, like a soup, or may take a little creativity like cooking pasta first, then using the same pot to make a quick sauce.
Who should make one pot meals?
Making an easy dinner is multi-faceted. You have the amount of ingredients, you have how much prep it takes, the cooking time, how many things you use in the process, and the effort you are putting in overall.
While we can’t always solve all these issues, having a list of recipes you can make in one pot can be a saving grace for those of us that want to make dinners less effort.
I wouldn’t consider myself lazy, but I am a mom of three boys trying to run a business so I definitely get tired by the time dinner rolls around. I love when I can limit the washing to one pot, it takes a little of the edge off of overwhelm.
Vegan One Pot Soups
Here is a list of some of our favorite soups that can easily be made in one pot. Keep in mind that those using pasta, I cook the pasta in the pot first, then rinse and drain and add it back in at the end.
- Vegan Minestrone Soup: this is a great way to get in veggies since it is both family friendly and full of nutrients. Plus it’s easily adaptable for the veggies you prefer!
- 20 Minute Coconut Curry Soup: This literally takes 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s so warm and cozy and perfect when you’re craving that inner comfort.
- Greek Lentil Soup: This is a recipe from my mom’s authentic Greek kitchen. It reminds me of home, and is so easy that even my husband was able to put it together for me for Mother’s Day many years ago without my help!
- Kale and White Bean Soup: This is easily made in the Instant Pot or can be made on the stove top. Use canned white beans for a super fast dinner!
- Barley and Mushroom Stew: This is such a simple yet uber flavorful recipe. It comes together very quickly. It’s full of greens and yet very filling. Sub buckwheat or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
- 20 Minute Bok Choy Noodle Miso Soup: This was a favorite of mine during pregnancy as it soothed my belly like no other. It’s still a go to when I’m feeling under the weather but I love it year round for the light but amazing flavors.
- Noodle Vegetable Miso Soup: This one is packed with veggies for that perfect wholesome dinner for the whole family. It’s easy to make and customize for what you like.
- Vegetable Pasta Fagioli: This recipe is a family favorite. It’s my go to for when I make other people meals. It’s so flavorful and so delicious. There is rarely any leftovers!
Vegan One Pot Pasta Recipes
Pasta is a family favorite. Whether in soups, like above, or mixed with different sauces, we typically eat it multiple times a week. I learned fast that making the pasta first, then using the same pot for a quick sauce created less mess and made pasta night less overwhelming.
- 3 Ingredient Spinach Tomato Pasta Sauce: This has been in our repertoire of recipes for as long as I can remember. It’s such an easy throw together sauce and perfect for pasta or even spaghetti squash!
- Cavatelli and Broccoli: This pasta dinner is a kid favorite. It’s simple but they love it. Simply use your favorite Parmesan (my vegan Parmesan is a reader favorite) and it comes together fast!
- Vegan Puttanesca Pasta: I love switching things up from our regular tomato sauce with this flavorful recipe. It’s sharp and hits the spot when you’re looking for something different and distinct!
- Veggie Stir Fry Noodles: This is a huge family favorite. The sauce itself is to die for! Easy to customize with whatever veggies you like. I use ready cooked noodles to make it even easier.
Vegan One Pot Sandwiches
You usually don’t see sandwiches on the list when referring to one pot meals, but these are some great and easy options that come together quickly! They are family friendly too.
- Lentil Sloppy Joes: This is a kid favorite. It’s full of flavor and easy to throw together. It also makes a great leftover meal.
- Mushroom Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich:We love this sandwich. Add your favorite cheese, or even my famous cheese sauce, and it’s a creamy satisfying amazing meal that will please anyone!
- Vegan Pulled “Pork” Mushroom Sandwich: This easy sandwich is a favorite for both non meat and meat eaters. I use my easy homemade barbecue sauce to make the flavor out of this world delicious!
Other Vegan One Pot Meals
We have many other one pot type meals that don’t require a lot of energy to throw together. These are some of our go-to’s for those crazy days, and when we want to clean out the fridge.
- Vegetable Teriyaki Stir Fry: Use any veggies you love to make this easy family friendly dinner. Serve with rice or even mix the rice in with some riced cauliflower for an extra veggie serving.
- Vegan Fried Rice Recipe: This is a simple meal that is super family friendly. We love cleaning out our fridge with all the veggies we want to use up.
- Veggie Paella Recipe: Use a ready rice mix, or mix up your own spices. This is a great way to change up the flavors so you don’t get bored!
- Vegan Sweet Potato Curry: This is such an easy dinner to throw together but feels like you spent hours. The flavors are delicious and perfect for those a little curry hesitant!
- Mexican Black Beans: This is a weekly staple. We make a big batch and serve them all week in different ways. From burritos, quesadillas or even on their own with rice and sautéed veggies.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some things to consider when making your one pot meals!
- Prep to make them even faster by chopping all ingredients, making any sauce ahead of time and pre-measure spices.
- If you need to sauté things in batches because you’re making a large portion, I like to use the plates we are eating on to set already cooked things in. So if I had to sauté a ton of veggies, I would sauté the broccoli for example first, then the mushrooms and peppers, etc. Then once all are cooked, I’d put back in the pot and mix in the sauce or noodles or whatever is needed.
- When making pasta dishes, it works to use only one pot by cooking the pasta, draining it, then using the same pot to make the sauce. The opposite would work too, make the sauce, then put it in a storage container you will use for the leftovers, and using the same pot to cook the pasta.
- Look for precooked grains for easy meals. Frozen rice, packaged precooked pasta (especially asian noodles for things like soups) all work great when you need things really quick.
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