20 Best Make-Ahead Vegetarian Dinner Recipes

Posted on April 21, 2019 by Leslie Wu

Looking to incorporate more meatless dishes into your weekly meal rotation? These make-ahead vegetarian and vegan recipes make it easy to spend a leisurely afternoon stocking the fridge or freezer. From hearty chili to delicate gnocchi, we've rounded up healthy recipes that will save your stomach during even the most hectic weeknights.

1 of 20

Better-Than-Takeout Vegan Pad Thai

Although the noodles are best when cooked right before eating, the prep work behind this vegan pad Thai can all be done ahead of time for a make-your-own meal kit that just requires heat and minimal cooking. Wash and slice vegetables for this delicious meatless stir-fry sauce using Medjool dates, and store them in the fridge for later in the week. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/better-than-takeout-vegan-pad-thai-34757/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Better-Than-Takeout Vegan Pad Thai</a>
2 of 20

Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Galette

A galette, or freeform pastry, takes the stress out of shaping perfect pie crusts – the dough comes together with a few quick stirs and is easily patted together. Make the dough ahead of time and freeze it along with pre-sliced butternut squash for an easy-to-assemble and impressive entrée (or make the whole thing in advance and just reheat when you want to eat it). Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/butternut-squash-goat-cheese-galette/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Galette</a>
3 of 20

Vegetarian Skillet Chili Topped with Cornbread

Chili is a make-ahead staple that’s sturdy enough for the freezer and contains flavours that get better as it sits. This one-pan chili/cornbread combination will make your life even easier with its no-fuss cornbread drop biscuit topper that holds the main dish and carbohydrates together for an easy-to-reheat entree. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegetarian-skillet-chili-topped-with-cornbread/20474/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vegetarian Skillet Chili Topped with Cornbread</a>
4 of 20

Tofu Peanut Satay and Cucumber Skewers

A well-made peanut sauce for dipping satay into is a joy, and vegetarians can also participate with these skewers threaded with chunks of firm tofu and ribbons of zucchini. Prep all the ingredients ahead of time, and let your family or guests help thread the skewers for the barbecue. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/vegan-bbq-skewer-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tofu Peanut Satay and Cucumber Skewers</a>
5 of 20

Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups with Almond Ricotta

This ingenious method for transforming almonds into creamy ricotta means that vegans can dive right into this lasagna dish. The ricotta has to be made a day ahead in order to let it set, so why not plan ahead for later in the week and prepare the rest of the ingredients? Get the recipe for Vegan <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/vegan-lasagna-roll-ups-with-almond-ricotta-37178/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lasagna Roll Ups with Almond Ricotta</a>
6 of 20

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with Crispy Cauliflower Crust

Using cauliflower in the place of potatoes is a blessing for those with dietary restrictions due to allergies or low-carb requirements. In this vegan twist on the traditional shepherd’s pie, sweet savoy cabbage and savoury lentils form the base of this meatless make-ahead all-in-one meal. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/vegan-shepherds-pie-with-crispy-cauliflower-crust/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with Crispy Cauliflower Crust</a>
7 of 20

Vegetarian Minestrone

Making a meatless minestrone is often as simple as substituting vegetable broth for the meat stock. Store them in individual servings for portable and healthy lunches, or larger containers for dinner. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegetarian-minestrone/20762/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Vegetarian Minestrone</a>
8 of 20

Creamy Gluten-Free Kabocha Squash Gnocchi

Delicate and sweet kabocha squash will remove any misconceptions of heavy potato gnocchi from memory. Topped with a hearty cream sauce and lots of cheese, these gluten-free gnocchi are sophisticated and satisfying – and can be easily prepped ahead and frozen, either sauced or unsauced. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/gluten-free-squash-gnocchi/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Creamy Gluten-Free Kabocha Squash Gnocchi</a>
9 of 20

Vegan and Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Lasagna

Slow-cooker lasagna with a cashew-based vegan “cheese” is also gluten-free, and there’s no pre-cooking necessary, even for the lasagna noodles. For an even simpler weekday meal, prep all your ingredients right in the slow cooker pot and then stash it away in the fridge, so you can just place it in the slow cooker and start it on low on your way out the door in the morning. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/vegan-gluten-free-slow-cooker-lasagna/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vegan and Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Lasagna</a>
10 of 20

Vegetarian Enchiladas

These vegetarian enchiladas have pinto beans, fresh spinach and plenty of sauces for an easy mid-week meal. Enchiladas are a natural make-ahead meal that merely requires a quick reheat after storage in the fridge. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegetarian-enchiladas/20053/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vegetarian Enchiladas</a>
11 of 20

Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers

Don’t call it a comeback – stuffed peppers are a popular choice for many cooks due to the easy prep and storage in the fridge or freezer. Pre-portioned servings and pretty presentation also make this classic a natural for buffet dishes or large crowds. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/quinoa-and-vegetable-stuffed-peppers/15724/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers</a>
12 of 20

Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Do your prep work ahead of time and then offer guests or family a choice of fillings for these stuffed portobello mushrooms – although with Mediterranean-style goodies, rice and salsa or chili lentil, it may be hard to pick just one. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/easy-vegan-stuffed-portobello-mushrooms/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms</a>
13 of 20

Vegetarian Tourtiere

Tourtiere – that flaky and meaty star of French-Canadian cuisine – is made vegetarian with a hefty helping of lentils and cremini mushrooms. This recipe is particularly well-suited to the freezer because of its single crust across the top – there’s no bottom layer to get soggy while thawing and reheating. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegetarian-tourtiere-bake/14043/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vegetarian Tourtiere</a>
14 of 20

Vegetarian Chicken Fried Portobello Mushroom Steaks

 Chicken fried steak – a diner staple across North America – is made vegetarian by swapping in meaty mushrooms. These crispy treats will last in the freezer for up to a month, so plan ahead for future blue-plate specials. Like most breaded items, it’s just a matter of pulling them out of the freezer and giving them a turn in the oven or frying pan. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegetarian-chicken-fried-portobello-mushroom-steaks/20861/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vegetarian Chicken Fried Portobello Mushroom Steaks</a>
15 of 20

Vegetarian Tortilla Casserole

If you can stack tortillas and spread the filling, then you can make this super-easy vegetarian tortilla casserole (a perfect recipe for kids to start helping prep dinner). Turn dinner time into a teachable moment by letting them pick the day you’ll create this make-ahead meal. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegetarian-tortilla-casserole/20856/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vegetarian Tortilla Casserole</a>
16 of 20

Lentil-Mushroom Meatballs

Layers of flavour pack these meatless meatballs, with lentils, soy sauce and a vegan workhorse – nutritional yeast – all playing their equal parts. By freezing them on a sheet pan before popping them into a freezer bag, you’ll be able to tailor your serving size easily. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lentil-mushroom-meatballs/19517/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vegan Meatballs</a>
17 of 20

Spiced Red Lentil Vegetable Stew

This spiced lentil stew is relatively quick to put together. Once cooked, it will sit beautifully in the fridge or freezer, waiting to be reheated for a quick one-pot dinner. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spiced-red-lentil-vegetable-stew/14079/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Spiced Red Lentil Vegetable Stew</a>
18 of 20

Vegan Spicy Thai Curry Pumpkin Soup with Coconut Milk

Creamy coconut milk is a dairy substitute that’s delicious in its own right, taming the spiciness of this Thai curry pumpkin soup while amplifying the body of the pumpkin puree. The silkiness of the soup will be fine whether stored in the fridge or freezer – just give it a quick stir if there’s any separation. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/vegan-thai-curry-pumpkin-soup/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vegan Spicy Thai Curry Pumpkin Soup with Coconut Milk</a>
19 of 20

Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables

Give a basic baked pasta dish an easy upgrade by adding smoked mozzarella for a hint of colour and flavour (blending it with meltable fontina makes sure the creamy texture remains). Store it in the casserole dish you want to serve it in for a fridge-to-table supper. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/baked-penne-with-roasted-vegetables/15496/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables</a>
20 of 20

Sweet Potato and Carrot Kugel Brulé

This make-ahead kugel has a secret show-stopping finish: break out the kitchen blowtorch (or pass the brule under a broiler) for a crackling crust, and savour every mouthful. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sweet-potato-and-carrot-kugel-brule/18217/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sweet Potato and Carrot Kugel Brulé</a>
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