15 Vegetarian Dinners Your Family Will Devour

By Jenn Segal

Take a break from meat this week—your family won’t even miss it. These satisfying vegetarian dinners are hearty, flavorful, and full of variety. Think cheesy baked spinach manicotti that’s perfect for a cozy night in, or cauliflower fried rice that’s quick, colorful, and loaded with veggies. Whether you’re looking to lighten things up or just try something new, these vegetarian dinners deliver all the comfort and flavor you’re craving.

Pasta Primavera

With roasted tomatoes, zucchini, and corn, this pasta primavera is a true ode to summer.
Eggplant Parmesan

Crispy eggplant slices layered with marinara sauce, cheese, and béchamel sauce, baked until bubbly and golden—this eggplant parmesan is a labor of love worth every delicious bite.
Penne alla Vodka

Penne alla vodka, or penne with a bright tomato sauce enriched with heavy cream, makes a quick, family-friendly dinner.
Spinach Manicotti

Take traditional spinach manicotti up a notch with few smart shortcuts and cooking tricks — all without any extra work for you!
Spinach Quiche

Made with heavy cream and Gruyère, this rich spinach quiche is classic French.
Zucchini Fritters with Feta and Dill

These crispy zucchini fritters make a wonderful starter or side dish, and they’re a delicious way to use up your summer zucchini.
Crustless Broccoli Quiche

Who needs crust? Going crustless with this broccoli quiche cuts down prep and cook time, plus carbs, letting the rich, cheesy custard and veggies take center stage.
A Nice Cheese Lasagna

This light and elegant lasagna comes from Julia Turshen’s lovely cookbook, Small Victories (Chronicle Books, 2016).
Falafel

Learn the secret to perfect, crispy falafel with my simple recipe—no deep-frying required! The crucial ingredient? Dried chickpeas; canned chickpeas simply won’t cut it for truly authentic falafel.
Pesto Pizza

Loaded with basil pesto, fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, pesto pizza is the ultimate summer pizza.
Mac and Cheese

Ultra-creamy with a blend of three cheeses and topped with golden, crispy panko, this homemade mac and cheese is second to none.
Shakshuka (Poached Eggs in Spicy Tomato Sauce)

Shakshuka: As fun to say as it is to eat! Savor this North African dish of eggs poached in a smoky, spicy tomato sauce—perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Mozzarella Pearls

Quick, simple and family-approved — this pasta with sun-dried tomato pesto and fresh mozzarella pearls is delicious hot or cold.
Cauliflower Fried Rice

This Chinese-style cauliflower fried rice is a healthy, low-carb dish that’s hearty enough to serve as a main course.
Chinese Vegetable Stir-Fry

Filled with meaty shiitakes, crunchy broccoli, and sweet bell peppers, this Chinese vegetable stir-fry always satisfies.