+ 30 tasty ideas, Economical and Cheap Vegan Meals
Eating vegan is good for the environment and can be done on a budget. Going vegan can be a healthy and cost-effective choice. Still, it’s easy to fall into the trap of relying on expensive vegan products.
You are guaranteed to discover something you will appreciate for breakfast, lunch, and supper with over 30 delectable vegan dishes that are kind to one’s wallet.
We specialize in recipes that are appreciated by everybody, regardless of your eating style, so whether you follow a vegan diet or are simply seeking to fit a few extra veggies into your diet, you’re sure to find something you love here.
We provide a variety of simple and low-cost vegan ideas, including dinners, breakfast, lunch, meal prep, and snacks, so that everyone may find something that suits their tastes.
You are on the right site if you’re looking for cheap vegan meal ideas.
Get some vegan meal ideas that are affordable by reading this article.
The previous article reviewed vegan breakfast ideas:22+ Quick, Easy, and Delicious High Protein Vegan Breakfast Ideas
In this article you will read:
Simple & Low-Cost Vegan Meals
Discover delicious and budget-friendly vegan meals with our collection of cheap vegan meal recipes. Save money and eat healthy today!
Here are 30 delicious and cheap vegan meals that are easy to prepare:
Yummy Lentil soup
The first idea that comes to mind regarding a cheap vegan meal is plant-based Lentil soup.
It is a popular dish that is packed with protein and fiber. It is also straightforward and can be customized with various spices and herbs to make it even more flavorful.
Lentil soup is a nourishing and budget-friendly meal that’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. To make a delicious lentil soup, start by sautéing some onions, garlic, and carrots in a pot with oil. Then, add some rinsed and sorted lentils and cover them with water or vegetable broth.
Let the soup simmer until the lentils are tender and the flavors are well-developed. You can also add some chopped tomatoes, herbs, and spices to give the soup a better taste.
Lentils are one of the most affordable and nutritious plant-based protein sources, A big bag of lentils can be purchased for just a few dollars. Onions, garlic, and carrots are inexpensive and can be found in most grocery stores.
With these ingredients, you can make a big pot of lentil soup that will last several meals and cost only a few dollars.
It is a very affordable meal that anyone on a tight budget can enjoy.
Vegan Chili
Vegan Chili is a tasty and cheap vegan meal idea. It’s easy to make and is a great way to use up vegetables in your fridge. It’s also incredibly versatile, so you can add any ingredients you have on hand.
Not only is it delicious and straightforward to make, sauté the vegetables, add the canned ingredients, and simmer for a hearty, comforting meal.
Making a delicious Vegan Chili is easy and affordable. You only need some canned beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices. Sauté the onion and garlic, add the beans and tomatoes, and let it simmer until it’s nice and thick.
You can also add veggies like peppers or zucchini to bulk it up.
The total cost should be around $5-10 (depending on the cost of the ingredients in your area).
Delightful vegan pizza
Vegan pizza is a tasty way to enjoy a delicious cheap vegan meal without breaking the bank.
To start, you’ll need a few essential ingredients like a pizza crust, tomato sauce, and veggies of your choice. You can choose toppings like mushrooms, peppers, onions, olives, and vegan cheese.
To make vegan pizza, top a store-bought pizza crust with your favorite vegan cheese, vegetables, and vegan meats.
Bake it in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Enjoy!
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, and then spread the tomato sauce on the pizza crust. Add your desired toppings, making sure not to overload the pizza. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is crispy and the toppings are cooked to your liking.
The cost of vegan pizza will vary depending on your chosen ingredients, but it’s typically quite affordable.
You can expect to spend anywhere from $5 to $10 to make a medium-sized pizza.
+ Plus, making your pizza at home saves you money on delivery fees and tips.
Delicious tofu stir fry
Tofu stir fry is an easy and cheap vegan meal packed with flavor.
You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and onions, and stir-fry them with a sauce made from soy sauce and garlic.
Serve it over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Press the tofu to remove excess water to make a delicious stir fry. Then, chop up your favorite veggies and sauté them in a wok or large pan with some oil and garlic. Add the tofu and your choice of seasoning or sauce, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, or chili paste. Serve over rice or noodles for a filling and satisfying meal.
The cost of this food will vary depending on the ingredients you use and where you buy them, but it can be a very affordable meal. Tofu is typically less expensive than meat, and you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand or that are on sale at the grocery store.
You can easily make tofu at home with this recipe :How to Make Versatile and Tasty Chickpea Tofu at Home
You can expect to spend less than $10 to make a large tray of tofu stir fry that can feed 4-6 people.
You can buy tofu in different packages from Amazon or stores, or save money and make delicious and nutritious tofu with lentils or chickpeas: How to make a tofu lentils dish at home – Easy recipe.
Sweet potato tacos
Sweet Potato Tacos are a delicious and affordable vegan meal. You only need sweet potatoes, taco shells, vegan cheese, and your favorite taco toppings.
You can whip up a delicious and satisfying dinner with just a few simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
To make sweet potato tacos, roast some diced sweet potatoes in the oven with oil, salt, and pepper. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, sauté some black beans and diced bell peppers in a pan with spices, like cumin and chili powder. Then, warm up some tortillas in the oven or on the stove, and assemble your tacos with the sweet potatoes, black bean mixture, and any additional toppings you like, such as salsa, avocado, or cilantro.
In terms of cost, this meal is very affordable. A pound of sweet potatoes typically costs around $1, a can of black beans is usually less than $1, and a few bell peppers and tortillas will add only a few more dollars to the total.
This recipe quickly makes 4-6 tacos for under $10.
Enjoy your delicious and budget-friendly sweet potato tacos!
Yummy chickpea curry
Chickpea Curry is a delicious, budget-friendly vegan meal that is easy to make and flavorful.
This dish is made with canned chickpeas, curry powder, coconut milk, and a few other pantry staples and can be served with rice or naan for a complete meal.
Begin by sautéing the onions and garlic in oil until fragrant, then add in the tomatoes and spices and cook until they form a thick paste. Add the chickpeas and a cup of water, boil, then let simmer until the flavors meld together.
A rough estimate for making this recipe would be around $5-$8 for four servings.
Lentil Salad
Lentil Salad is a healthy and delicious vegan dish with protein and fiber. It’s easy to make and can be customized with any vegetables you like.
A vinaigrette dressing adds a tangy flavor to the dish and helps to bring out the flavors of the vegetables.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and healthy meal, try making lentil salad at home with minimum ingredients. Cook lentils, chop up some veggies like bell pepper, red onion, and cucumber, and mix it with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. It’s a nutritious and filling dish that can be made for just a few dollars.
The cost will depend on the ingredients in your area. Still, lentils are generally very affordable, and veggies can be found at a reasonable price, especially if they are in season.
Overall, you should be able to make a batch of lentil salad for under $5, depending on the quantity and quality of ingredients you use.
Chickpea salad sandwich
Chickpea Salad Sandwich is a delicious and inexpensive vegan meal idea. It is made with mashed chickpeas, red onions, celery, parsley, and vegan mayo. Serve it on toasted whole wheat bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Try making a chickpea salad sandwich at home with minimal ingredients and cost. Mash chickpeas with mayo, celery, onion, and spices to create a delicious taste for your bread of choice.
Add some lettuce or tomato for extra crunch and flavor.
This sandwich is an excellent option for lunch or a quick meal on the go. The cost will depend on the price of ingredients in your area, but in general, a can of chickpeas, some mayo, and vegetables will be very affordable, and you can use bread you already have in the kitchen.
Heavenly spinach and mushroom pasta
Spinach and Mushroom Pasta is a delicious and easy vegan dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
It’s made with simple ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, garlic, and vegan pasta. This hearty and satisfying meal is both nutritious and budget-friendly vegan.
Try making this heavenly spinach and mushroom pasta at home with simple ingredients. You only need some pasta, fresh spinach, mushrooms, garlic, olive oil, and seasonings. To make the dish, cook the pasta, sauté the mushrooms and garlic in olive oil, then add spinach and herbs. Combine everything with the cooked pasta, and you quickly have a delicious and nutritious meal ready.
As for the cost, it will depend on the prices of the ingredients in your area, but generally speaking, this dish should be relatively inexpensive to make, especially if you can find the ingredients on sale or in bulk.
Tempting spaghetti with marinara sauce
A classic pasta dish can be a cheap and easy vegan idea by using a simple marinara sauce. All you need is a pack of whole wheat spaghetti, a jar of marinara sauce, some fresh herbs, and a few vegetables you choose.
To make it, cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then top it with a homemade marinara sauce made from canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle with some grated parmesan cheese if desired. This recipe is easy to customize and can be made in under 30 minutes.
As for the cost, Most of the ingredients are inexpensive and readily available, so you can expect to spend around $5-10 to make this dish for a family of four.
Vegan shepherd’s pie
Vegan shepherd’s pie is a delicious and inexpensive way to make a vegan meal. It is made with lentils and mashed potatoes and can easily be customized with different vegetables and spices to suit your tastes.
It is a hearty and comforting dish that will leave you feeling satisfied.
With just a few simple ingredients like lentils, potatoes, and veggies, you can create a delicious and filling dish perfect for any night of the week. To make this dish even more budget-friendly, consider using frozen or canned veggies and buying lentils and potatoes in bulk.
Generally, making vegan shepherd’s pie at home is quite affordable. Buying in bulk and opting for frozen or canned veggies can help decrease costs.
Vegan Mac & cheese
This vegan Mac and cheese can be made with simple ingredients like cheese, macaroni, cashews, nutritional yeast, and vegetable broth.
It is a delicious, creamy, and comforting vegan dish that everyone, vegan or not, can enjoy.
To make delicious and budget-friendly vegan mac and cheese, you’ll need just a few ingredients: pasta, nutritional yeast, plant-based milk, flour, and some seasonings. Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Whisk together the nutritional yeast, flour, plant-based milk, and herbs in a separate pot over medium heat until the sauce thickens. Pour the sauce over the pasta and stir to combine. That’s it! You can customize the recipe with your favorite spices or veggies to make it your own.
You can make this dish for around $1-2 per serving, an excellent value for a hearty and delicious meal.
Creamy mushroom pea risotto
Mushroom pea risotto is a delicious and affordable vegan meal. It is made with risotto rice, mushrooms, peas, garlic, onion, vegan butter, and vegetable stock. The creamy texture of the risotto will satisfy any vegan’s cravings.
To make a delicious vegan creamy mushroom pea risotto on a budget, start by sautéing chopped onion and garlic in a large pot with olive oil.
Add sliced mushrooms, arborio rice, and vegetable broth, and stir until the rice is coated and the liquid is absorbed. Keep going until the rice is cooked and creamy.
Finally, stir some frozen peas and some vegan butter for added creaminess.
The total cost for this recipe will depend on where you live and where you shop, but it should be relatively low since the ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find.
Tasty buffalo cauliflower tacos
Tacos made from buffalo cauliflower are a delicious and cost-effective vegan meal idea. This dish comprises roasted cauliflower, vegan ranch dressing, hot sauce, and taco shells. It is a perfect meal for any night of the week.
You can enjoy a filling and flavorful meal without breaking the bank with minimal ingredients and low cost. Cook some cauliflower with vegan buffalo sauce and spices, then assemble them in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
The cost of this meal will vary depending on the prices in your area and the brands you use, but generally, cauliflower and tortillas are inexpensive ingredients.
Yummy vegan Bolognese
This vegan Bolognese is made with lentils, mushrooms, and carrots, making it a nutritious and flavorful dish.
The lentils provide a hearty texture that mimics the traditional beef Bolognese, while the mushrooms and carrots give it a vibrant flavor. It’s also a great source of protein and fiber, making it a yummy cheap vegan meal idea.
First, cook the lentils according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, then add the canned tomatoes and carrots.
Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up. Cook the mushrooms and serve with the bolognese sauce on top.
Usually, we all have lentils, carrots, and mushrooms at home, and the cost of making this dish is less than 10 dollars.
Appetizing coconut curry soup
Coconut Curry Soup is an easy and delicious vegan meal packed with flavor. It’s made with coconut milk, curry powder, garlic, and a variety of vegetables, and it’s a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s an incredibly budget-friendly meal that’s sure to please!
Just grab coconut milk, curry powder, garlic, and your favorite veggies. Mix them up, and voila! You’ll have a tasty, healthy meal that won’t break the bank. The best part? You can customize it to fit your budget and preferences.
So, how much does this food cost?
With the right ingredients, you can make this soup for under $10. Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out!
White bean soup
White bean soup is a healthy and delicious vegan idea that is easy to make. This soup contains nutritious ingredients like white beans, carrots, celery, and spices, and it’s the perfect meal for a cozy night.
It’s budget-friendly! You can enjoy this meal for just a few dollars. Check out our recipe and start cooking today!
Flavorful vegan bean burritos
Easy vegan bean burritos are a great option for a cheap vegan meal. You only need a can of beans, some tortillas, and your favorite vegan toppings.
This delicious and nutritious meal is an excellent option for those following a vegan diet on a budget.
You can enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal for just a few dollars. Give it a try today!
Vegetable fajitas
Vegetable fajitas are a healthy vegan meal option that is delicious. The ingredients include bell peppers, onion, garlic, jalapenos, mushrooms, and other vegetables.
All these vegetables can be found at your local grocery store for a low cost and are vegan-friendly.
The total cost is under $10, and it can easily feed a family of four.
To reduce the price further, purchase the vegetable in-season or on sale, and consider making your tortillas instead of pre-made. Enjoy a delicious and affordable meal tonight!
Spicy black bean soup
This vegan soup is easy to make and full of flavor. It’s made with black beans, vegetable broth, spices, and vegetables.
Serve this cheap vegan meal with crusty bread or tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture.
This recipe costs relatively low, and you can reduce the price even further by purchasing ingredients in bulk or using canned beans. Enjoy a hearty bowl of soup without breaking the bank!
Vegan pad Thai
Vegan pad Thai is a delicious and budget-friendly vegan meal. It is made with rice noodles, tofu, veggies, and a savory and sweet sauce.
The ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores and can be combined to make a delicious, healthy meal.
The cost will vary depending on the ingredients, but you can save money by buying in bulk and using seasonal produce.
To further reduce costs, consider using frozen veggies and making your sauce from scratch.
Give it a try and enjoy a tasty meal without spending a fortune!
Italian pasta salad
Italian pasta salad is a great vegan meal that is both delicious and affordable. It is made with cooked pasta, fresh vegetables, olive oil, and vegan Italian-style dressing. It is a great lunch or dinner meal and will surely please any vegan.
The cost will vary depending on your ingredients, but it’s a budget-friendly option!
To save even more money, consider buying vegetables in season or on sale, and use store-brand pasta. Enjoy!
Juicy chickpea noodle soup
Chickpea noodle soup is a delicious and inexpensive vegan meal idea. It’s made with chickpeas, noodles, vegetables, and spices, and it is a great way to get a healthy, protein-packed meal without breaking the bank.
So, how much does this meal cost?
You can make it for just a few dollars, mainly if you use dried chickpeas and veggies in season.
Want to save even more money? Try buying in bulk, using frozen veggies, or swapping out ingredients based on what’s on sale at your local grocery store. With creativity and flexibility, you can make this delicious vegan soup for a fraction of the cost of eating out.
Vegan Sloppy Joes
Vegan Sloppy Joes are a delicious and easy meal idea for vegans. They are made with plant-based ground beef, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a tangy tomato-based sauce.
They are an excellent option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, and they can be served with a side of vegan coleslaw or roasted potatoes.
Cost-wise, it depends on the ingredients you use, but it’s generally an affordable meal.
To reduce the price, you can opt for generic or store-brand ingredients, use dried herbs instead of fresh, and buy veggies that are in season.
You can also make a large batch and freeze the leftovers for later, making it a budget-friendly option.
Yummy tofu scramble
Tofu Scramble is a great vegan meal idea. It is a delicious, savory dish that can be made in minutes and is a protein-packed vegan alternative to scrambled eggs. It is made with lentil tofu, vegetables, and spices and can serve as a main dish or a side.
How much does this food cost?
This dish can be made for just a few dollars, depending on the cost of the ingredients in your area.
How to reduce the price of this food?
To reduce the cost of this dish, consider buying ingredients in bulk, using frozen vegetables instead of fresh, or shopping for deals at your local grocery store or farmers market. You can also substitute some of the veggies with what you already have in your fridge to use what you have on hand.
Vegan potato soup
Vegan potato soup is a simple, hearty, and delicious meal that can be made with ingredients you already have in your kitchen. It is full of flavor and a very budget-friendly vegan meal.
This soup can be made for under $10, depending on the cost of ingredients in your area.
Try buying potatoes and onions in bulk or on sale to reduce the price even further. You can also use homemade vegetable broth to save money.
Black bean tacos
Tacos are a crowd-pleasing meal that can easily be made vegan. For a filling and affordable option, make black bean tacos.
Heat canned black beans with spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic, then serve in taco shells with toppings like avocado, salsa, and shredded lettuce.
The estimated cost for this meal is around $1-2 per serving.
To reduce the price, consider buying in bulk, using canned beans, and opting for frozen veggies. This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be customized with toppings like avocado, salsa, and cilantro.
Try it out and enjoy a tasty and budget-friendly meal tonight!
Cauliflower Fried Rice
This dish is a delicious and cheap vegan meal packed with flavor. It is made with cauliflower, carrots, onions, garlic, and other vegetables.
It is a great way to get your daily servings of vegetables into a tasty and nutritious meal.
This recipe costs just a few dollars and can be customized.
To reduce the price even further, consider buying cauliflower and vegetables when they are in season or On-Sale. You can also try using frozen vegetables to save money.
Jackfruit BBQ sandwich
This sandwich is a great vegan meal idea which is made with jackfruit, vegan BBQ sauce, vegan mayo, and your favorite toppings.
It is easy to make, and the flavors blend nicely to create a delicious vegan sandwich.
With minimal ingredients and prep time, you’ll have a tasty meal in no time.
The cost of this meal is low, and you can further reduce it by purchasing ingredients in bulk or using canned jackfruit instead of fresh. Try it and enjoy a flavorful vegan meal without breaking the bank!
Appetizing veggie burger
Making a cheap veggie burger at home is a great way to satisfy your cravings while keeping your wallet happy. All you need is a can of black beans, a cup of cooked brown rice, a teaspoon of garlic powder, a teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Mash the black beans in a bowl, add the cooked brown rice and spices and mix it all. Form the mixture into patties and cook on a lightly oiled pan for a few minutes on each side until crispy. Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings, and enjoy your homemade veggie burger!
This burger is a tasty and affordable vegan meal idea. It can be made with various vegetables, beans, and spices to create a delicious and nutritious meal.
You can top the burger with vegan cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and other veggies to customize it.
The cost of this veggie burger recipe will depend on the ingredients in your area, but generally, it should be pretty affordable. A can of black beans, a cup of brown rice, and basic spices are usually inexpensive items found at most grocery stores.
You can buy these ingredients in bulk or look for sales and discounts to reduce the cost further. You can also use leftover rice or beans to make the recipe more budget-friendly.
With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this veggie burger recipe is a great way to eat healthy on a budget. And with endless opportunities for customization, it’s sure to become a go-to meal in your vegan recipe repertoire.
Wrapping up
Vegan meals don’t have to be expensive. With creativity, you can make delicious and affordable vegan meals that are healthy for your health and the environment.
This article offers some cheap vegan meal ideas for those on a budget who want to follow a vegan diet.
You may have found your favorite affordable vegan meal by reading this article. Experiment with vegan ingredients to find the best meals that suit your taste and budget!
If you know any cheap vegan meals and your favorite one on the list, the readers and we would be pleased to hear from you in the comment section.