"Meatless Monday" Dish Ideas

PepperWorm
PepperWorm Posts: 1,206
in Recipes
I'm not a vegetarian/vegan, but I'm trying to cut down my meat consumption for overall health (and it's budget-friendly). I still get in my protein though, promise!

That being said, I'm looking for more meatless dishes that are satisfying and packed with protein.

Anyone have any nommy ideas? Maybe some recipes that emulate 'home favorites' (like 'meat'loaf')? If you're a vegan/vegetarian, share some stuff!
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Replies

  • kganc001
    kganc001 Posts: 317
    You can use portobello mushrooms in place of a lot of meat...they're super "meaty" and are REALLY tasty. :) Rachel Ray made shepherd's pie with them today...looked/sounded delicious :)

    http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/meatless-shepherds-pie-with-horseradish-cheddar-potatoes-recipe/index.html

    ETA: I would lighten it up with soy milk (my preference, I don't like regular milk), whole wheat flour, and fat free cheddar. :)
  • thefewsteps
    thefewsteps Posts: 201 Member
    http://www.food.com/recipe/vegan-meatloaf-2-256720
    http://chowvegan.com/2009/10/13/veganmofo-home-style-vegan-meatloaf/
    http://backtoherroots.com/2011/09/28/two-bean-meatless-meatloaf-vegan-gluten-free/

    beans, tofu, tempeh, and seitan, tvp, or vital wheat gluten are great meat substitutes that can be used in any recipe you may need meat in. if you have a meatloaf recipe, try substituting one of those in for the beef.

    Also, not as high in protein, but mushrooms are a great meat replacement and have similar texture for burgers.
  • melindasuefritz
    melindasuefritz Posts: 3,509 Member
    meatless spaghetti
  • laserturkey
    laserturkey Posts: 1,680 Member
    I made an artichoke and spinach lasagna today that is loaded with protein from low fat ricotta cheese and mozzarella.
  • chubby_checkers
    chubby_checkers Posts: 2,352 Member
    Look up the baked spaghetti squash with cheese recipe from Skinnytaste. It's good.
  • linda0372
    linda0372 Posts: 27 Member
    eggplant and broccoli lasagna
    eggplant parm
  • linda0372
    linda0372 Posts: 27 Member
    eggplant and broccoli lasagna
    eggplant parm
  • tcunbeliever
    tcunbeliever Posts: 8,219 Member
    Probably my family's favorite is TVP sloppy joes...you just cook up dry TVP with 2c water per 1c TVP and add whatever you would normally add for sloppy joe seasoning...I'm lazy so I just buy the seasoning packet and then add some mushroom/onion and worsteshire to give it a meaty flavor...
  • Charleyhasim
    Charleyhasim Posts: 2 Member
    I'm a vegetarian, and due to working shifts I often use quorn, which is high in protein and low in calories, and adds that meaty texture to meals.

    To lower calories further try fajitas without the meat and big lettuce leaves instead of tortillas

    Or lasagne with sliced leek sheets instead of pasta, and use quorn mince.

    We also love vegetable bakes, with sweet potato, red cabbage, onions, mushrooms and any other veg going, all baked in a big pot with some goats cheese sprinkled on toward the end!
  • squiggyflop
    squiggyflop Posts: 148 Member
    Its been said before but lasagna is a great one.
    Cheese mixture:
    1 cup fat free cottage cheese (I did this to extend the ricotta because its expensive)
    3 cups of fat free ricotta
    3.5 tablespoons parmesan cheese
    4 egg whites and 1 whole egg
    Small handful spinach
    Some dried basil (to taste)
    Some "italian seasoning" I had on hand
    Garlic powder
    Onion powder
    A handful of mozzarella (fat free)

    Whip the above together in a blender until it tastes good. Ok if you are afraid of raw eggs you can try to fly blind on this one.

    Addition you need those oven ready lasagna noodles, a small can of stewed tomatoes (drained), and the rest of the 8 ounce bag of fat free mozzarella. Layer it all together like you would any lasagna and sprinkle the top with the rest of the mozzarella. Bake at 350f for like 35 minutes or until the smell drives you insane. 1/9 of the dish is a serving and is 282 calories, though it depends on the brands of cheese and pasta you use.

    It works out at 26 grams of protein. Thats not too bad for such a small meal
  • sunshinesquared
    sunshinesquared Posts: 2,733 Member
    Bump!
  • PepperWorm
    PepperWorm Posts: 1,206
    You can use portobello mushrooms in place of a lot of meat...they're super "meaty" and are REALLY tasty. :) Rachel Ray made shepherd's pie with them today...looked/sounded delicious :)

    http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/meatless-shepherds-pie-with-horseradish-cheddar-potatoes-recipe/index.html

    ETA: I would lighten it up with soy milk (my preference, I don't like regular milk), whole wheat flour, and fat free cheddar. :)

    I was watching this today!! It's exactly why I posted this, lol. I could look through recipes anywhere, but getting those tried-and-true favorites from other people here is what I'm aiming for.

    Everything sounds nommy so far!
  • Shan790
    Shan790 Posts: 280 Member
    here is my pinterest board, we do meatless mondays at my house!

    http://pinterest.com/wakko/1-meatless-monday/
  • melmobs1
    melmobs1 Posts: 14 Member
    I have been a vegetarian for 5 years and protein is not an issue so don't worry. I use avocados a lot for a "meaty" type replacement. Zucchini, Asparagus, potatoes are super filling. I will make a giant plate of steamed veggies and add whatever seasoning you like. Best thing about veggies is you can eat till you can't possibly take another bite and you are still eating low cal. Beans are also a great choice, I like to make a Tostada salad (without the chips) vegetarian re-fried beans, lettuce, tomato, small bit of avocado, corn, green onions, cilantro, and top with salsa. Super delicious and super healthy.
  • LilithNoor
    LilithNoor Posts: 42
    Lentil dhal,spinach and potato curry and home made chapattis are a favourite in our house on a Monday.

    I make all of the above in big batches and then freeze them.

    If I have left over odds and ends of veg I often turn them into a fritatta. Stuff like mushrooms, onions and peppers get sauteed first, veg like carrots or courgettes get grated in just before I add the eggs.
  • Tanana66
    Tanana66 Posts: 84 Member
    Homemade baked beans - all time favourite and so versatile. Baked with garlick, leeks, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, kalamata olives, bay leaf. (meaty version is with chorizo sausages)
    Served with chunky avocado, sour cream and salsa with or without toritlla. Or with rocket salad and shaved parmesan. Or in a pita bread with feta and oregano.
  • IzzyBooNZ1
    IzzyBooNZ1 Posts: 1,289 Member
    bump, great ideas! meat can be $$$ at times so good to see some non meat ideas
  • Greekgirl1971
    Greekgirl1971 Posts: 4 Member
    It's not Monday, but today was my meatless supper! I tried out a new recipe and I thought it was really tasty. Here's the recipe:

    Lentil Bread
    Servings: 6

    1/2 cup finely chopped onion
    5-6 mushrooms sliced
    2 Tbsp olive oil
    2 cups canned lentils, well drained
    1 1/2 cups reduced fat cheddar or mozzarella cheese* - grated
    1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
    1 egg, lightly beaten
    3 Tbsp skim milk
    2 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped
    Pepper to taste

    Tomato sauce:
    2 Tbsp cane sugar
    1 tsp mustard powder
    1 can (7oz) tomato sauce

    Heat oven to 350F. Brown onion & mushrooms in oil. Mix all other ingredients & then add mushroom mixture. Pour into a non-stick pan & cover with sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
  • urbanplum
    urbanplum Posts: 188
    Bump. I love meatless dishes! These are good ideas.
  • jkmiller82
    jkmiller82 Posts: 214 Member
    Look up the baked spaghetti squash with cheese recipe from Skinnytaste. It's good.

    This! This is my favorite thing to eat!
  • IzzyBooNZ1
    IzzyBooNZ1 Posts: 1,289 Member
    Homemade baked beans - all time favourite and so versatile. Baked with garlick, leeks, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, kalamata olives, bay leaf. (meaty version is with chorizo sausages)
    Served with chunky avocado, sour cream and salsa with or without toritlla. Or with rocket salad and shaved parmesan. Or in a pita bread with feta and oregano.

    can you break this into a recipe format for me please, ie how much of each item, how long & cooking temp etc? cheers! sounds yummy
  • jkestens63
    jkestens63 Posts: 1,164 Member
    Bump
  • srp2011
    srp2011 Posts: 1,829 Member
    I love stuffed portobello mushrooms (the really big ones) - I get them already prepared at Albertsons/Krogers, but they would be easy enough to make yourself - two favorites - stuff the center of the mushroom with spinach leaves and mozzarella, season to taste with favorite seasonings, or put salsa/pico de gallo in the center of the mushroom and cover with cheddar. Bake or grill. Yummy! Serve with a side of steamed veggies, or a starchy side like rice or couscous.
  • niftyafterfifty
    niftyafterfifty Posts: 338 Member
    Black bean enchiladas or lasagna are options. I like to cook a pot of dried beans - pintos, limas, etc.
  • Laurenmp16
    Laurenmp16 Posts: 344 Member
    Bump!
  • Tercob
    Tercob Posts: 151 Member
    Bump
  • TiraFit
    TiraFit Posts: 7 Member
    Cook a half of less cup of lentils
    in blender add cooked lentils and a cup of any jar or home made sauce
    add blended mix to rest of sauce cook
    cook to warm and pour over pasta
    My children love it
    hearty with no meat
  • wanderlustlover
    wanderlustlover Posts: 84 Member
    Bump for recipes!

    Also, I love this idea entirely!
  • shannonerdelyi
    shannonerdelyi Posts: 21 Member
    Spaghetti Squash Alfredo
    - Sauce: cream of mushroom soup, coconut milk, mushrooms, garlic, green onion, red pepper, parmesan (let it simmer to thicken while the squash is baking)
    - Spaghetti: bake a whole squash in the oven at 400 for about an hour, poking holes pre-bake so the squash can breathe

    Eggplant Rollatini
    - Cut eggplant into thin, length-wise slices and let it sweat with salt for 30 mins
    - Optionally bread the eggplant and bake in the oven
    - Prepare a filling of your choice: ricotta and spinach is a classic (ricotta has a lot of protein, too)
    - Put some filling on the eggplant slices and roll them up
    - Bake them for 20 minutes with mozzarella and tomato sauce

    Black Bean Burger (haven't actually made this... but I want to!)
    - Patties: combine food processed black beans, egg, and oats, with very finely chopped red pepper, onion, and garlic (plus salt, pepper, cumin). Form the patties and freeze them for 2 hours on wax paper before frying (to help keep their shape)
    - Sauce: mayo and canned chipotle
    Reference: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/06/spicy-black-bean-burgers-with-chipotle.html
  • Songbirdcw
    Songbirdcw Posts: 320 Member
    I am a pscetarian, and my go to products when not eating seafood are: Quorn Meatless Chik' n cutlets, Gimme Lean "Sausage", and Morningstar Vegetarian Burgers.

    I made meatloaf with the Gimme Lean Sausage (it's been a while since I've had it but t'was good)
    I made an delicious indian dish with Tasty Bite's Channa Masala,Tasty bite's lentils (i believe), and mixed veggies and added the chik' n cutlets
    I've heard the Quorn Meatballs are good for spaghetti
    I've used Tofurkey's kielbasa for an italian pasta dish
    Veggie burgers used in my vegetarian chili, vegetarian lasagna, and sandwiches.
    You can make quesadillas with pepers other veggies
    Loaded baked potato and salad
    Raw Kale salad (just recently made this)

    Hope some of these ideas helped.

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