Top 5 Easy and Delicious One Pot Vegan Meals Even Your Kids Will Eat
Let’s be honest; some (if not most) days, cooking is the last thing you look forward to at dinner time. With picky eaters like kids, it will be a battle to satisfy everyone. Make those meals healthy, make those kids teens, and be prepared to get eye rolls galore – until now.
When I needed to change my diet to battle crippling autoimmune symptoms, my kids weren’t too thrilled to be on the ride with me. I needed to go vegan for most of my meals, but that didn’t mean they wanted to. Plus, being a single mom, making two meals – one for me, one for them, just wasn’t feasible. I needed to find easy vegan meals that we would both love and keep me healing.
Finding one pot vegan meals was necessary to me because it meant two things: easy cleanup and easy on my wallet. Budget was also a concern, and simple ingredients did help with spending less money. The only problem is there are A LOT of vegan one pot recipes out there.
I’ve narrowed down the hundreds of one-pot recipes into a handful of easy, delicious, and kid-friendly vegan one-pot meals. These recipes are incredibly versatile, too, meaning you (or your capable kids) can add some pre-cooked meat or cheese to those non vegan plates or bowls.
These vegan one pot recipes will make your life easier – ideal for busy weeknights or when your kitchen is the last place you want to clean. And you can avoid the crock pot soup memes out there and have your kids running to the table instead of hiding in their rooms.
Make This Now: Reluctant Foodie’s Favorite One Pot Vegan Meal
Get ready to try an easy one given to us by Jenn Eats Goood, One Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. This vegan one pot meal is perfect for those busy evenings when you need something quick, simple, and satisfying.
Jump to RecipeWhat makes this one pot recipe so great? Not only is it gluten-free and dairy-free, but it’s also easy on your wallet and requires common and inexpensive ingredients that come together quickly. Coconut milk gives a creamy texture, and you would never know you used just one pan. And here’s some more good news: even the pickiest eaters will love it, despite the green they will see!
Imagine this scenario: A hectic evening where kids are hangry, but no need to worry because you only need a single pot and some essential ingredients. In under a few minutes, your kitchen fills with a fantastic aroma that makes everyone drool. Twenty minutes later, you’ll serve up such deliciousness that will earn you ‘the best cook ever’ title from your family, as it does at home whenever I pair it with some crusty bread.
One Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
One Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
4
servings5
minutes20
minutesThis vegan one pot meal is perfect for those busy evenings when you need something quick, simple, and satisfying for everyone in the family.
Ingredients
2 tbsp Olive Oil
1 Shallot, finely diced
1 Garlic Cloves, minced
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 tsp Oregano
12 oz Dry Pasta of Choice
4 cups Veggie Broth
3 large handfulls Fresh Spinach
3/4 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes
1 cup Fresh Basil leaves + extra for topping
3/4 cup Coconut Cream (can sub coconut milk)
Directions
- Start by heating your olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add in chopped shallot and store periodically until aromatic, about 5 minutes, then add in minced garlic and spices. Mix to combine and saute for another 3 minutes.
- Add in the uncooked pasta and chicken broth, mix well, then cover the pan and set a timer for 8 minutes, stirring once in the middle to prevent sticking.
- Once the Pasta is al dente, add in the spinace, sun dried tomatoes and basil, mix to combine and once the spinach is fully wilted, pour in the coconut cream.
- Give everything a stir, top with extra basil, season to taste, and serve immediately for best results.
Notes
- Source: https://jenneatsgoood.com/one-pot-creamy-sun-dried-tomato-pasta/
Scroll down for even more simple plant-based recipes that will give you a mouth-watering dinner and keep you from doing extra dishes!
Key Takeaways
- One pot vegan meals combine feel-good food with healthy, delicious, plant-based simple ingredients, making them ideal for a busy day, reducing cleanup time, and easy on the budget.
- The versatility of vegan one-pot meals allows for a wide range of flavors and ingredients, from creamy pasta to spicy jambalaya, ensuring that even picky eaters can find something satisfying.
- Cookware essentials like a deep ceramic skillet or a Dutch oven and utensils like a good chopper can enhance the one-pot cooking experience.
Top One Pot Vegan Meals
Get ready to discover the world of one-pot cooking with these top vegan one pot meals. These one pot recipes are not only mouth watering, but they’re also kid-approved.
In addition to the fantastic one pot pasta dish above, you can also indulge in the following:
- A hearty One Pot Lentil Bolognese Sauce
- The refreshing Easy One Pot Vegan Lemon Zucchini Orzo
- Comforting Vegan Mushroom Bourguignon
- Spicy and flavorful One Pot Vegan Jambalaya
- Satisfy your sweet tooth with an Easy Vegan Apple Pie Topping for dessert
These meals showcase how versatile vegan cuisine can be while highlighting the convenience of one pot meals. A quick dinner can taste good and seem like you cooked it for hours; no one will know you used just one pan.
One Pot Lentil Bolognese Sauce
Let’s start with a classic Bolognese sauce from Make it Dairy Free. This recipe isn’t your average Bolognese. It’s the vegan one pot lentil version that is healthy and delicious for the whole family. You will not miss the meat; if you don’t say anything, some may not even know it isn’t meat!
You will need some time for the simmering, so start this one earlier in the day. The minced pecans add that richness you get from meat; feel free to replace the wine with broth.
Whether you follow a plant-based diet or not, this delicious choice can be ready in much less time than the original, offering rich, fresh flavors thanks to fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Grab some gluten-free rigatoni, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and your bellies will be satisfied.
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Lentil Bolognese from Make it Dairy Free Ingredients
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, minced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon nutmet
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, more or less to taste
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 celery stalks, minched
1 large carrot, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/3 cup pecans, minced
1 cup brown lentils soaked and drained
1/3 cup vegan dry white wine
28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
2 cups vegetable stock
1 cup coconut milk
1 lb pasta, optional
Lentil Bolognese from Make it Dairy Free
Directions
- In a large skillet over medium low heat, add the olive oil. One hot, add the onions and stir occasionally for 30-45 minutes to allow to caramelize.
- Add garlic, bay leaf, and all seasonings (dried oregano to red pepper flakes, if adding). Let toast by stirring together constantly for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and mix it with the seasonings and onions. Try to spread out and allow to cook for 1 minute.
- Add celery, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir together. Let cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Then add in pecans and lentils and stir together.
- Add wine and with a wooden spoon, scrap the fond (browning at the bottom of your pan) and combine everything together well. One the wine has soaked into the pan ingredients, add crushed tomatoes, vegetable stock, and coconut milk. Reduce heat to simmer and let cook until lentils are softened (about 30-45 minutes). If you have time, allow to cook for up to 2 hours to thicken and develop even more flavor, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaf. Serve over pasta, rice, baked potatoes, or even just by itself.
Easy One Pot Vegan Lemon Zucchini Orzo
Next on the one pot vegan meals menu is a delicious vegan one skillet dish that’s just as refreshing and easy as a summer breeze, the Easy Vegan Lemon Zucchini Orzo from Veg News. This yummy one-pot pasta brings fresh lemon juice to life. Not to mention, kids will love its playful orzo pasta and vibrant lemon taste.
You can whip up this quick yet tasty vegan recipe effortlessly within minutes. And watch your teens put spoonful after spoonful into their mouths – they may even take this recipe to college with them, keeping them happy with easy one dish, healthy meals.
Make it even more healing and use gluten-free orzo pasta.
Easy One-Pot Vegan Lemon Zucchini Orzo from VegNews Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
â…” cup orzo
2 cups vegetable broth, warmed
2 large zucchini, cut into thin strips or coarsely grated
Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemonÂ
¼ teaspoon chili flakes
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
8 basil leaves, to serve
Easy One-Pot Vegan Lemon Zucchini Orzo from VegNews
Directions
- In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, warm oil and add onion and cook for 8 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Stir in orzo and hot broth and simmer for 10 minutes until orzo is al dente.Â
- Add zucchini, lemon zest and juice, and chili flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in salt and pepper.
- Divide between two serving bowls, drizzle with more olive oil, and top with basil leaves.
One Pot Vegan Jambalaya
Heading down south, we have a vegan take on the traditional Southern dish, One Pot Vegan Jambalaya. Bursting with bold flavor and loaded with various vegetables and spices, this recipe will tantalize your taste buds. Kids can’t resist its vibrant flavors, usually associated with Mardi Gras. Thank you, Easy Cheesy Vegetarian, for this, among other vegan one-pot recipes.
To cook up this delicious one pot meal, gather a carrot, bell pepper, leek, red chili for the spicy kick, garlic, rice, beans, and spices. The result? A hearty, budget-friendly, fulfilling feast that requires minimal cleanup thanks to cooking it all together in just one pot!
One Pot Vegan Jambalaya from Easy Cheesy Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 tablespoon oil
1 large carrot, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
1 small leek, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 mild red chili, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon chili paste)
1 cup white rice
3 cups vegetable broth or stock
1 1/4 cups kidney beans
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
Black pepper
1 large tomato, cut into wedges
Fresh parsley, chopped
One Pot Vegan Jambalaya from Easy Cheesy Vegetarian
Directions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan, and add the finely chopped carrot, pepper and leek. Cook for 5 minutes over a medium heat, until the pepper and leek are fairly soft and just beginning to brown (the carrot will still be a bit hard). Add the garlic and minced chili, and cook for a couple more minutes.
- Next add all of the remaining ingredients except for the tomato. Mix well, and bring to a gentle simmer – you may need to turn the heat down a little. Allow to cook gently until the rice is soft – you’ll need to stir fairly regularly to prevent the rice from sticking, especially towards the end. If the rice is still not quite cooked when all the liquid has been absorbed, add a dash more water.
- Add the wedges of tomato, cook for 2 more minutes to heat through, and serve topped with plenty of fresh parsley.
Vegan Mushroom Bourguignon
Our next stop is in France for a vegan twist on a traditional comfort food dish, Vegan Mushroom Bourguignon. This hearty meal, bursting with flavor, is perfect for a cozy winter night and loved by kids who enjoy its rich taste. Brought to us by Elavegan, it’s one of their elevated yet easy vegan dinners.
To prepare this dish, you will need mushrooms, onions, red wine (use broth as a substitute), carrots, and other essential ingredients. Begin by sautéing the mushrooms in a pot before adding the rest of the ingredients to let them simmer until they create a thick and flavorful sauce. It’s an elegant and delicious meal to add to your vegan one pot recipes list.
You can eat this solo, but it is better served over mashed potatoes. My Dairy Free Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is perfect for this and super healthy! Top with fresh parsley, and this meal will be restaurant quality with little effort.
Vegan Mushroom Bourguignon by Elavegan
Ingredients
1 oz (28 g) dried mushrooms OR 10oz fresh sliced mushrooms
1 tbsp oil
1/2 large onion diced
2 small/medium (140 g) carrots chopped
2/3 cup (100 g) peas frozen (optional)
3 garlic cloves minced
3/4 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp onion powder
3/4 tsp sea salt or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/3 cup (80 ml) red wine (see notes)
1/2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
3/4 cup (180 ml) vegetable broth + 1/4 cup more if needed
1/4 cup (60 ml) plant-based milk
3/4 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot flour
Vegan Mushroom Bourguignon by Elavegan
Directions
- Soak dried mushrooms in warm water for about 15-20 minutes, then drain. Skip this step if you are using fresh mushrooms.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Add drained mushrooms, carrot, peas, garlic, thyme, and all spices. Sauté for a further one minute, stirring frequently.
- Add red wine. Cook for about 2 minutes. Then add tamari (or soy sauce), and vegetable broth.
- Let simmer over low/medium heat with a lid on for about 10-12 minutes or until the carrots and peas are softened.
- Combine plant-based milk and cornstarch in a bowl, stir with a whisk until there are no lumps. Add the mixture to the pan and stir (the sauce will thicken). Let simmer for a few more minutes
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Add more salt/pepper/spices if needed. Serve mushroom bourguignon with mashed potatoes and enjoy! Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What about Dessert: Easy Vegan Apple Pie Topping
No dinner is complete without dessert, right? Our vegan one-pot journey ends with a delectable and vegan treat that is easy to make: Easy Vegan Apple Pie Topping. This uncomplicated dessert can transform any apple into a luscious delicacy, and it’s loved by children for its sweet apples spiced with cinnamon, making a well-rounded and easy vegan dinner. Did I mention there’s no added sugar!?
Add this to some Banana Nice Cream, and it’s nothing but healthy.
Delicious Apple Pie Topping by The Reluctant Foodie
Ingredients
2 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
squeeze of lemon juice
Delicious Apple Pie Topping by The Reluctant Foodie
Directions
- In a small saucepan, place all ingredients and stir to evenly coat the apples.
- Cook on medium until it gets bubbly.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 7-10 minutes until apples are tender but not mushy.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool a few minutes before enjoying.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Must Haves for One Pot Cooking
Two of the best reasons to turn to one pot recipes are easy cleanup and easy on the budget. No one has the time for multiple pans and ingredients strewn all over the kitchen. And the best part? These one pot vegan meals are easy on the wallet, too. With the amount of food teens eat, you’ll need it.
One-pot meals are especially fitting for vegan food. So much nutrition and flavor can come from cooking veggies!
Essential Kitchen Tools for One Pot Recipe Success
Now that you’re prepared to explore the world of one pot cooking, here are some crucial tools for achieving success.
You’re going to need to start with that one good pot. I’ve got two listed below that could be an excellent choice for a one pot meal. With a deep skillet or Dutch oven, you can make a big, satisfying recipe with some time to lock in those flavors without filling the sink with dishes.
Food prep will be key in making these vegan one pot recipes. A good knife, veggie chopper, and chopping board can be all you need to get those healthy ingredients in the pot and on their way to a delicious comfort food meal. Prep time is made easy with my product selections below.
Zwilling Ceramic 4 Qt Braiser
I use this close to daily, heats up fast, healthy ceramic cooking surface, super easy clean up, worth every penny!
Zwilling Ceramic Dutch Oven
Heats up quick and durable with the stainless steel body, healthy ceramic cooking surface inside and oven safe!
Veggie Chopper
This is like having a helper in the kitchen with the amount of time it saves chopping and more. Your prep time will never be shorter.
Best Minimalist Kitchen Essentials
For a full list of kitchen essentials that keep your life simple, healthy, and stress-free.
Healing Broth Recipe
Have this healing broth by Medical Medium on hand for all your recipes – saves money and no added ingredients that can make you sick.
Summary
For busy families, one pot vegan meals are a game-changer. These recipes offer the convenience of cooking in just one pot while providing all the health benefits of plant-based cuisine and tasty flavors. With minimal cleanup and packed with nutrition, these veggie meals are perfect for hectic weeknights – not to mention they’re kid-approved! And cheap! These meals are easy on the wallet and body.
Our healthy dinner recipe selection features only the best recipes out of countless options in the world of vegan one pot meals, making it easy to have an effortless yet satisfying dinner every night. Each dish has its unique mix of flavors and nutritional value, proving that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Here are the one pot vegan meals we’ve got: 1) One Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. 2) One Pot Lentil Bolognese Sauce. 3) Easy One Pot Vegan Lemon Zucchini Orzo. 4) One Pot Vegan Jambalaya. And lastly, but not least, is number 5), Vegan Mushroom Bourguignon.
Why wait? Try your hand at whipping up some delicious vegan one pot meals. Your taste buds will thank you, and so will your dishwasher, with less clean-up duty required afterward. Plus, your kids will eat their veggies!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular vegan foods worldwide?
Zeytoon parvardeh from Iran, Guacamole from Mexico, Muhammara from Syria, Gemista from Greece, and Dhal are among the top vegan dishes loved worldwide. These meals provide various tasty options for those following a plant-based vegan diet.
What food is surprisingly vegan?
It may come as a surprise, but several products, such as chocolate, candy, sugar, and non-dairy milk, can be enjoyed guilt-free by vegans.
These items have been deemed suitable for a vegan diet, and their consumption does not go against the principles of being a vegan. So indulge in these treats without any hesitation!
Does Gordon Ramsay have vegan recipes?
Gordon Ramsay offers several options for vegan meals, such as the Basil Aioli Summer BLT and Vegan Beet Wellington. Be sure to give them a try!
