24 One-Pot Vegetarian Meals That Are Savory and Satisfying

msl-kitchen-spaghetti-0131-md110059.jpg
Marcus Nilsson

Whether it's made in a saucepan, stockpot, or baking dish, there's one thing in common about all of the recipes here: They're all one-pot dinners! We're all for this method of cooking because it typically requires fewer steps and, of course, less mess than most of the dinner recipes we're used to preparing.

Another thing that's a constant with all of these recipes? They're all vegetarian dinners that are consistently delicious. In the dishes ahead sweet potatoes take the place of ground beef in a totally transformative Vegan Sweet Potato Chili and the contrast of creamy, cool avocado slices atop a bowl of spicy vegetables and beans is entirely inspired.

Another vegetarian recipe that falls into the one-pan category is among our most beloved: Our One-Pot Pasta, pictured here, is a low-maintenance dish that's favored by vegetarians and carnivores, alike. Lots of fresh garlic cloves, basil, sliced onions, cherry tomatoes, and red pepper flakes build classic Italian flavor that's guaranteed in every twirl of pasta. Plus, everything cooks together in water, which becomes starchy from the spaghetti and turns into a light, creamy sauce.

Just as simple and family-friendly is our recipe for One-Pot Pasta with Broccoli and Lemon. Lemon, garlic, and Parmesan cheese perk up penne with their savory, bright flavors and fresh broccoli is key to maintaining a bright green color and crunch (frozen just won't cut it).

We also have several hearty vegetarian soup recipes that can be made in one pot, such as Split-Pea Soup with Spinach and Barley. It's the perfect way to marry fresh vegetables like leeks, carrots, celery, and baby spinach with pantry staples such as dried split peas and vegetable broth. In the same vein is this Vegan Lentil Soup—it's a delicious, super nutritious one-pot dinner.

When you want to make an easy recipe that is guaranteed to delight, try these one-pot vegetarian meals.

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Super-Grain Soup with Watercress and Mushrooms

super grain soup with watercress and mushrooms
Justin Walker

In under one hour, you can create an absolutely delicious, umami-filled bowl of soup with less than 10 ingredients (and most of them are already in your pantry!). Sauté sliced red onions and mushrooms, then add tri-color quinoa and vegetable broth to cook. Serve with watercress and lots of grated Parmesan cheese.

02 of 23

Spring Ragout with Asparagus and Poached Eggs

spring ragout with asparagus and poached eggs
The Ingalls

This creamy chickpea stew is as is creamy as it is colorful. A jalapeño pepper, tomatillos, coriander, and cumin pack plenty of flavor into this one-skillet meal that's inspired by Shakshouka.

03 of 23

Egg "Noodle," Broccolini, and Mushroom Stir-Fry

egg noodle broccolini and mushroom stir fry served in green bowl
Lennart Weibull

For this one-pot dinner, create egg noodles by making a thin, crepe-like egg, then slice it into thin ribbons. Toss with sautéed vegetables, soy sauce, lime juice, and scallions for an easy, healthy weeknight riff on takeout.

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Roasted-Vegetable Couscous Bowl

vegetable couscous bowl
Justin Walker

Try this inspired method for cooking couscous. Instead of boiling it on the stovetop, roast it along with chickpeas, cauliflower, and chopped carrots. Garnish the bowl with crumbled feta cheese and chopped cilantro leaves.

05 of 23

Spanish Gazpacho

spanish gazpacho
Dana Gallagher

Cool off with this chilled tomato and red pepper-based soup. The unexpected, extra-summery ingredient is 1/3 cup of orange juice, which brightens the base.

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One-Pot Pasta with Broccoli and Lemon

one pan pasta pot spoon
Bryan Gardner

Six ingredients, 25 minutes, and one-pot. Sign us up! Penne and broccoli are tossed with the juice and zest of a lemon, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.

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Split-Pea Soup with Spinach and Barley

spinach split-pea soup with barley topped with yogurt
Kate Mathis

Take a peek inside your pantry before making this meal. We bet that most of the necessary ingredients—such as barley, dried split peas, and vegetable broth—are already in there. The soup takes a couple of hours to come together, so plan in advance for this hearty vegetarian meal.

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Customizable Vegetable Soup

homemade vegetable soup with toasted bread on cutting board
Marcus Nilsson

You decide the outcome of this delicious, super healthy soup. Choose your favorite starchy vegetables, quick-cooking vegetables, cooked grains, and chopped leafy greens. Your master creation is best served with Parmesan cheese and herbs.

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Pressure-Cooker Corn Risotto

corn risotto with basil and tomato
Marcus Nilsson

Corn on the cob is the MVP of late summer. Here, both the cob and the kernels are used to impart everyone's favorite creamy rice dish—Italian-style risotto—with plenty of fresh, seasonal flavor.

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Vegan Lentil Soup

vegan lentil soup in bowl on blue table
Justin Walker

We always advocate for keeping dried lentils in your pantry, and this soup is proof as to why it's so smart. French lentils are cooked with shallots, cumin, coriander, and crushed tomatoes, then broccoli rabe is added at the end for color and texture.

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Creamy Lemon Pasta with Pistachios

creamy lemon pasta with pistachio
Johnny Miller

A few things make this pasta dinner extra special: homemade breadcrumbs (trust us, they're worth it), two cups of grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped pistachios and chives for color and crunch. Best of all, the whole dish is ready in 25 minutes!

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Brown-Rice Bowl with Kabocha Squash and Shiitakes

brown rice bowl with squash and shiitakes
Alpha Smoot

Super nourishing and absolutely delicious, this savory rice bowl goes from pot to plate in just 35 minutes. A combination of lapsang souchong tea, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar flavor the broth and create a delicious base for hearty vegetables.

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Egg Noodles with Asparagus and Grated Egg Yolks

egg noodles with asparagus and grated egg yolks
Ryan Liebe

Mascarpone, freshly grated Pecorino-Romano, and pasta water come together to make the super creamy sauce in this comforting spring pasta recipe. The extra-special touch is grated egg yolks, which are served over the top.

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Vegan Sweet Potato Chili

vegan sweet potato chili
Bryan Gardner

Enjoy this meatless chili recipe on a chilly night. Sweet potatoes and black beans give each scoop plenty of might, and chili powder, cumin, and cayenne give it all its heat.

15 of 23

Cannellini-Bean and Greens Stew

white beans greens stew
Julia Gartland

Add tender greens like baby kale, spinach, or chard right before serving this robust stew so that they're just wilted. And don't sleep on the garlic-and-sage ciabatta toasts—they're the ideal vehicles for soaking up all that delicious broth.

16 of 23

Crispy Rice Cake with Celery Salad and Avocado

Crispy Rice Cake with Celery Salad and Avocado
Armando Rafael

Leftover rice is fortified with grated zucchini, Parmesan, eggs, lemon zest, and fresh mint, then fried until golden. The crispy round is topped with a refreshing celery-and-radish salad and creamy avocado.

17 of 23

Chilaquiles Egg Bake

chilaquiles egg bake
Armando Rafael

Everyone will love the combination of crispy tortilla chips and salsa-soaked chips in this riff on the classic Mexican dish. Add black beans to make it even more substantial.

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Swiss-Fondue Mac and Cheese

swiss fondue mac cheese
Armando Rafael

Update an old standby. This Swiss-inspired mac calls for three types of Alpine cheese: Raclette, Gruyère, and Emmentaler.

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Lentil Soup with Crispy Kale

lentil soup with crispy kale
Armando Rafael

Shiitake mushrooms give this restorative lentil soup a welcome hint of umami flavor while homemade kale chips stand in for croutons seamlessly.

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Roasted Ratatouille and Eggs

Roasted Ratatouille and Eggs
Armando Rafael

Eggs are nestled in a delicious mix of garlic-roasted eggplant, red peppers, and cherry tomatoes in this ratatouille-shakshuka hybrid.

21 of 23

Kitchari

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Emily Kate Roemer

Our test kitchen's take on the Ayurvedic savory porridge known as kitchari teams yellow mung dal and basmati rice with all kind of nourishing spices and vegetables. A lively cilantro-coconut chutney is an inspired finishing touch.

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Three-Cheese Skillet Lasagna

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More cheese please! Ricotta, mozzarella, and pecorino Romano are the stars of this super-easy lasagna.

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Beet Hash with Eggs

beet hash eggs
Johnny Miller

Soft-baked eggs make scrumptious foils for earthy beets and potatoes in this breakfast-for-dinner recipe.

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