14 vegan meals that even non-veg eaters crave

I put this collection together for anyone who wants plant-based meals that feel familiar, filling, and worth putting on repeat. These are the kinds of dinners people ask for again, even if they usually expect meat on the plate, because they're comforting, practical, and easy to work into real life. If you want reliable vegan meals that fit busy schedules and still feel like a proper meal, this list has you covered.

A hand holding a mini cheesecake topped with two blueberries, with more cheesecakes and blueberries on a plate in the background. — Mini Vegan Cheesecake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

A ladle serving vegetable soup with tomatoes, potatoes, and green peas into a white bowl, with a blurred bowl in the background. — Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This soup is a simple set-it-and-forget-it meal that works well for busy weekdays and relaxed weekends. It cooks slowly while you focus on other things, making it a reliable option for lunch or dinner. The mix of vegetables creates a hearty bowl that feels complete enough to appeal to people who usually expect meat in their meals. It stores well and reheats easily, which makes it useful for meal prep or family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

A bowl of hearty tomato-based soup with cabbage. — Crock Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This soup comes together with very little prep and cooks gently in the slow cooker until ready to serve. It's a practical choice for a light dinner or make-ahead lunches during the week. The cabbage-based base feels filling and familiar, which helps it win over eaters who normally lean toward meat-heavy soups. Cleanup is minimal, making it a stress-free option.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

Vegan Mexican Rice

Mexican rice in small oval serving dish with spoon. — Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This rice dish cooks quickly and works well as a main meal or a side for weeknight dinners. It's easy to prepare in one pot and fits into many meal plans. The bold seasoning and hearty texture make it appealing even to people who don't usually choose plant-based meals. It pairs easily with other dishes or stands well on its own.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

A large chocolate chip cookie with a piece broken off, next to a glass of milk and a bowl of chocolate chips on a white surface. — Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This cookie is designed for quick prep and baking when you want something sweet without leftovers. It's ready in a short amount of time and works well as a simple dessert or snack. The familiar flavor and texture make it enjoyable even for those who don't typically look for vegan treats. It's a convenient option for portion control and minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie

Vegan and Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies

Two oatmeal cookies on a white plate, with a crumbly texture and visible oats, displayed on a light-colored tablecloth. — Vegan and Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These cookies are easy to prepare and bake in under an hour, making them suitable for casual baking days. They work well for snacks, lunchboxes, or simple desserts. The chewy texture and classic cookie feel help them appeal to people who usually expect eggs or dairy in baked goods. They store well, making them useful for planning ahead.
Get the Recipe: Vegan and Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies

Easy Pickled Red Onions

A bowl of pickled red onions garnished with black peppercorns, placed on a white surface. — Easy Pickled Red Onions. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These onions come together quickly and require very little hands-on time. They work well as a topping for bowls, sandwiches, or salads. The bold flavor adds depth that even meat-focused eaters appreciate when added to meals. They keep well in the fridge and can be used throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pickled Red Onions

Mango Avocado Salad

This salad takes minimal prep and works well as a side or light meal. It's best served fresh and doesn't require cooking, which keeps things simple. The balance of textures makes it appealing even to those who usually skip plant-based salads. It's a practical option for warm days or quick lunches.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

Ratatouille

This dish is cooked in one pan and works well for relaxed dinners or meal prep. It takes a bit of time on the stove but doesn't require complicated steps. The rich vegetable base makes it feel hearty enough for people who normally expect meat at dinner. It reheats well and can be served in several ways.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Mini Vegan Cheesecake

A hand holds a mini cheesecake topped with two blueberries, with more cheesecakes and berries on a plate in the background. — Mini Vegan Cheesecake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These mini desserts are portioned for easy serving and shorter baking time. They work well for gatherings or make-ahead treats. The familiar dessert style helps appeal to people who don't usually seek out dairy-free options. They store well in the fridge, making planning easier.
Get the Recipe: Mini Vegan Cheesecake

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Roasted broccoli and tofu cubes garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with a wooden spoon. — Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This stir fry cooks quickly, making it a strong choice for weeknight dinners. It uses simple ingredients and comes together in one pan. The combination of protein and vegetables makes it filling enough for eaters who usually rely on meat-based meals. It pairs easily with rice or noodles for a complete plate.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn. — Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dish works well for lunch or dinner and doesn't require much hands-on time. The sweet potatoes can be prepared ahead, which helps with planning. The hearty filling makes it appealing to people who usually expect tacos to include meat. It's easy to serve and customize for different preferences.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Homemade Baked Tortilla Strips

Tortilla strips in wooden bowl. — Homemade Baked Tortilla Strips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These strips bake quickly and are simple to prepare with basic ingredients. They work well as a topping for soups, salads, or bowls. The crunch adds texture that even non-vegan eaters look for in meals. They can be made ahead and stored for later use.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Baked Tortilla Strips

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs. — Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This recipe uses the oven and requires very little prep. It works well as a side dish or a simple main for smaller meals. The roasted texture gives it a hearty feel that appeals to people who normally prefer meat-centered plates. Cleanup is easy, making it practical for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Slow Cooker Rice

A spoonful of slow-cooked white rice held above a bowl, with a fresh green parsley leaf in the background. — Slow Cooker Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This rice cooks hands-off in the slow cooker, freeing up stove space. It's useful for batch cooking and feeding a group. The consistent texture makes it a reliable base that works well even for eaters used to meat-based meals. It pairs easily with many dishes and stores well.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice