Meatless Meals That Please Meat-Lovers

I have made a conscious effort to go meatless on Mondays. In fact, I try to hold the beef on other nights of the week, too. Many friends have told me they are trying to do the same.

The challenge we all face:

If your family moans and groans at the mere mention of a meatless meal, how do you find vegetarian alternatives that everyone will enjoy and actually eat?

I have been diligent at mastering this skill in my own household, and I have finally found a number of veggie creations that even pass inspection of my protein-craving, meat-loving spouse! Today, I’m sharing my favorite “meat-free” meals in hopes that you can find one or two that will please the palettes of your family.

Pasta

Spaghetti casserole (skip the ground turkey meat)

Back from vacation healthy veggie pasta

Tofu Meals

Whole Foods Tofu and Black Bean Tacos (Much better with home-made salsa on the top!)

Eating Well Szechuan Tofu and Green Bean Stir-Fry

My Sizzling Stir-Fry

Tofu Enchiladas (Inspired from recipe from Happy Health Life)

Veggie Burgers

Made with black beans

Made with black-eyed peas

Made with walnuts and lentils (a Whole Foods recipe)

Peas/Beans

Hoppin John

Black bean burritos

Soup

My simple Spinach soup

Asparagus, Spinach and Leek soup  (How2Heroes)

Jamie Oliver’s Chickpea and Leek Soup (from The Naked Chef, reprinted on Food.com)

Pizza

Though I have no specific recipe here, you can create your own veggie paradise atop home-made pizza dough. Experiment with cheeses (e.g., fontina, mozzarella, goat, parmesan) and skip the tomato sauce in favorite of a “white” or “green” pizza (e.g., pesto, olive oil). Then add everything from caramelized onions to wild mushrooms to red peppers to olives to capers. YUM (always pleases the family, too)!

If you are interested in other posts I’ve written on vegetarian meals:

Step Into a Healthier Fall with Meatless Mondays 

Vegetarian Quick Tips 

Veggies Your Child Will Love 

Melinda Hinson