Last updated 6-28-23
If you’re a fan of delicious, wholesome plant-based food but are short on time or patience, these recipes are here to save the day. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these one-pot wonders from myself and some of my blogger friends offer a hassle-free way to get meals on the table in record time.
Advantages of Making One-Pot Meals
One-pot meals are a boon for busy individuals and families seeking convenience without compromising taste or nutrition. Here are a few advantages that make one-pot cooking an absolute game-changer:
- Time-Saving: With one-pot meals, you can spend less time prepping and cleaning up and more time enjoying your culinary creations. Imagine fewer dishes to wash and less time spent hovering over the stove—sounds like a dream, right?
- Easy Preparation: These recipes eliminate the need for complex techniques or elaborate cooking skills. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, one-pot meals simplify the cooking process, making them accessible to everyone.
- Nutrient-Rich: Plant-based eating is all about nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients, and one-pot vegan meals are no exception. Packed with a variety of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and herbs, these recipes offer a well-rounded array of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Versatility: One-pot cooking allows for endless creativity and adaptability. Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry. You can customize these recipes to suit your taste buds and dietary needs, making them perfect for everyone at the dinner table.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
While these one-pot vegan meals are satisfying on their own, you can enhance the dining experience by serving them with delicious sides. Here are some ideas to complement your hearty main courses:
- Fresh Salad: A vibrant salad with crisp greens, colorful vegetables, and a zesty dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the warm and comforting flavors of the one-pot meal.
- Bread or Rolls: A crusty whole-grain baguette, fluffy dinner rolls, or warm naan bread make excellent options for mopping up the delicious sauces and gravies from your one-pot creation.
- Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a medley of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or cauliflower, to add texture and depth to your meal. Season them with herbs and spices for an extra burst of flavor.
- Whole Grains: Serve your one-pot meal over a bed of fluffy brown rice, quinoa, or couscous for a wholesome and filling combination. The grains can soak up the flavors of the dish, taking your culinary experience to the next level.
- Dips and Sauces: Elevate your one-pot vegan meal with some homemade sauces or dips. From tangy tomato salsa to creamy avocado dressing, these additions can add a burst of flavor and excitement to your plate.
NOTE: While I’m careful to choose recipes that are low or no oil, no processed sugar, and low salt, there may be cases where some are in the recipe. Use your judgment in this case and delete those if necessary.
20 One-Pot Plant-Based Vegan Meals
Enjoy this Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce in a flash, and it’s ready in under 30!
A creamy, hearty, healthy smokey corn and potato chowder made without oil or dairy. Vegan!
Pumpkin Chili is easy to make with ingredients you may already have in your pantry.
You can serve Thai Coconut Curry Tofu over shirataki noodles or brown rice.
Cajun Pasta is a healthy meatless dish filled with bell pepper, okra, tomatoes, and loads of flavorful spices and herbs.
Craving comfort food? Can’t get any more comforting than Mexican Gnocchi! 
“Sausage,” Kale & Quinoa makes the perfect weeknight dinner, and it’s good for you, too!
Feeling spicy? Shakshuka is a one-pan spicy, smokey tomato stew topped with tofu.
This Instant Pot White Bean Soup with Farro is a surefire way to get a meal on the table quickly. 
Three Bean Chili made with pinto, black, and Great Northern beans is the perfect warm-you-up dinner.
Easy one-pot vegan mac & cheese that’s gluten-free, grain-free, and nut-free! The perfect quick, healthy, protein-packed dinner recipe, ready in less than 10 minutes
This one-pan, plant-powered Sheet Pan Mexican Veggie Dinner with avocado crema makes cooking a breeze!
This simple Beefless Stew is hearty, nutritious, low in fat, and full of flavor from onion, potatoes, celery, carrots, mushrooms, and peas. 
Looking for a frugal dish? Chickpea Curry is made with cauliflower, potatoes, tomatoes, and onion.
A simple vegan and gluten-free Butternut Squash Skillet Enchiladas that can be made in under 30 minutes for a delicious and hearty meal the whole family will love.
This Spanish-Style Lentil Stew is perfect for vegans on a serious budget. It’s a freezer-friendly meal that comes in at only $0.50 a serving.
Green Thai Curry is the perfect dish for a cold and dreary day.
Ready in under 30 and totally decadent, Roasted Garlic White Wine Pasta will become a new favorite.
With tender-cooked farro grains and French onion flavors, French Onion Farro is like a cross between risotto and French onion soup.
There you have it! The beauty of one-pot plant-based vegan meals lies in their simplicity and ability to create incredible flavors with minimal effort. I hope this roundup of 20 diverse and delicious recipes inspires you to enjoy the benefits of hassle-free cooking. Remember, don’t forget to pair your one-pot wonders with some tantalizing sides to complete the meal and make it a memorable dining experience.
SUPER GREAT RECIPES!!! Printed out most of them. A big fan of Diane’s. Thank you so much.
You’re so sweet to say so! xo Glad you’re enjoying the recipes!
Nice ones. Indian cooking has numerous vegan recipes too. Maybe you can add them to your list. For eg- Pulao with veggies and soya nuggets , veg khichdi , veggie poha to name just a few.
I love Indian food. Great suggestion!! I often use Indian spices in my recipes such as Chana Masala and Indian Spiced Carrot Pudding and others, but I could deinitely use more.
In what way is Cheddar cheese a vegan ingredient?
What, that is so wrong! Thanks for catching it. I guess I didn’t check closely enough since these were gathered from a vegan group. The offending recipe is gone and replaced with a new one.
Diane, Man oh man these recipes are just what I need at this time of year; healthy, comforting and one pot. We are renovating our kitchen and have limited time and appliances. I will be cooking my way through all the deliciousness. Thank you for including my Shakshuka! Happy Holidays
– Hanne
Hey there, thanks for your contribution! I love one pot meals, especially this time of year. Happy Holidays!
Thank you so very much… from a bad cook. Thanks !!!