7 Recipes to “Beef” Up Your Plant-Based Diet

Plant-based eating isn’t all about fruits and veggies – so if you’re new to the whole plant thing, learn how to make your meals a bit “meaty.” Not only will it help to add some variety to your meals, it will make everything more filling and enjoyable.

What’s “Meaty”?

We consider something to be meaty when it’s hearty and has a meat-like consistency. Of course, there are already a lot of “meaty” vegan products out there, but many are soy-based and include a long list of ingredients that we can’t even pronounce. We prefer to get our meat from clean, whole foods like lentils, mushrooms, chickpeas, eggplant, quinoa, etc., which offer a more thorough nutrient profile. Staying true to a plant-based diet is easier when you invest some time and effort into finding meals that work for you. Injecting some variety helps to make plant-based eating easier. Also, adding meaty foods will help you to feel full, longer and will help to maintain your blood sugar levels for even energy.

Meaty Vegan Meals

Are you looking for some great ideas for meaty, plant-based meals? You are welcome to test out some recipes on your own, but we have a few suggestions:

1. Lentil Loaf

With a consistency similar to your mom’s famous meatloaf, this is a simple meal that is filling and can easily be scaled up to serve as the main meal at a larger gathering. Best of all, if you make too much it can freeze and be reheated for easy meals when you need them.

2. Quinoa Stuffed Eggplant

Eggplants really fulfill the meaty texture you are looking for and when you stuff the eggplant rolls with quinoa, you get a protein boost. There is some effort involved with this recipe, but you can always make some components ahead of time (quinoa for instance) for easier assembly.

3. Meaty Chili

Lots of beans = a hearty, hot bowl of chili. Don’t skimp on the spices – it’s what makes this chili the top recipe for a cool day, a quick meal, or a large gathering where you want something easy.

4. Portobello Mushroom Burger

Nothing beats a big, juicy burger. This one is simple, straightforward, and perfect for a backyard barbecue. Not a mushroom fan? Try a black bean burger.

5. Hearty Pasta

Mushrooms make a base for a rich, meaty sauce that you can combine with your favorite gluten-free pasta, or use zucchini and carrot “noodles.” In this recipe, sub the butter for olive oil for a 100% plant-based recipe.

6. Cauliflower “Wings”

This fantastic finger food is delicious, nutritious, and a great dish for parties and get-togethers. Who knew veggies could taste so…tasty!

7. Quinoa Tacos

Have you been missing out on Mexican? Use quinoa! It easily replaces taco meat and makes for a hearty filling. So, that’s it! Embrace some meaty plant-based meals and enjoy – let us know if you have a few favorites that are your go-to meals when you’re craving something “beefy.”