10 Best Cheap Vegan Meal Recipes For Your Kids In 2024

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10 Best Cheap Vegan Meal Recipes For Your Kids

Are you on a tight budget and trying to go vegan? Not a problem. Despite widespread misconceptions about this way of life, it's quite simple to find inexpensive vegan food and make delicious meals with it.

Focusing on these staple foods will help you stick to a budget while still eating a plant-based diet that includes hearty beans, pasta, rice, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables. Let’s try these simple, cheap vegan meal recipes.

1. Vegan Chili Sin Carne Recipe

Your new go-to weeknight dinner will be this substantial and simple chilli sin carne! This 30-minute dish is tasty and substantial in protein and only requires healthy, inexpensive ingredients.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

Garlic: 4 cloves
Onions: 2 medium
Vegetable broth divided: 360 ml
Bell pepper: 150 g, finely chopped
Carrot: 1 medium, finely chopped
Zucchini: 1 small, finely chopped
Diced tomatoes: 420 ml
Tomato paste: 100g
Corn kernels: 165 g
Cooked kidney beans: 350 g
Cooked chickpeas: 160 g
Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
Paprika: 1 tablespoon
Cumin: ½ teaspoon
Chilli powder: 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste

Method

The garlic and onion should be sautéed over medium-high heat until just beginning to become tender. You can use water, vegetable broth, or olive oil for this phase. Add half a cup of the vegetable broth, bell pepper, carrot and zucchini. Five more minutes of sautéing with intermittent stirring.
Add the other ingredients, including vegetable broth, tomato paste, kidney beans, corn, chickpeas, soy sauce, paprika, cumin, and chilli powder. Stir thoroughly, then boil the uncovered liquid for 15 minutes to thicken.
Serve warm with rice, Mexican chips, baked potatoes, cornbread, or more chilli and salt to taste. Enjoy!

2. Vegan Falafel Burgers Recipe

This recipe makes a filling, nutritious burger. Anyone looking for a filling snack low in calories will love these.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 6 minutes | Total time: 16 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

Chickpeas: 400g, rinsed and drained
Red onion: 1 small, roughly chopped
Garlic: 1 clove, chopped
Fresh parsley: ½-1 cup
Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon
Harissa paste or chilli powder: ½ teaspoon
Plain or glutenfree flour: 2 tablespoons
Avocado oil: 2 tablespoons

Ingredients To Serve

Pitta bread, toasted
Tomato salsa: 200g
Green or mixed salad

Method

The chickpeas should be drained and dried with paper towels. Add the flour, harissa paste, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, and a little salt to a food processor. Blend until mostly smooth, then use your hands to form four patties.
Fry the burgers for 3 minutes on each side, or until they are just beginning to turn golden, in heated avocado oil in a nonstick frying pan. Serve with the green salad, tomato salsa, and toasted pita bread.

3. Vegan Flavourful Thai Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe

This quick 20-minute whole-food plant-based Thai vegetable stir-fry with pumpkin and tofu is delicious and healthful. This gluten-free midweek dinner is simple to make, perfect for beginners, and incredibly comforting. For a quick lunch, reheat leftovers and serve with rice or noodles!

Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

Kabocha squash: 1 medium, cubed
Eggplant: 1 medium, cubed
Button mushrooms: 140 g, sliced
Baby corn: 1 cup
Broccoli: 1 medium
Sugar snap peas: 115 g
Firm tofu: 150 g
Scallions, diced: 2
Veggie broth: 80 ml

Ingredients For The Stir Fry Sauce

Soy sauce: 4 tablespoons
Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons
Coconut sugar: 2 teaspoons
White vinegar: 1 tablespoon
Garlic: 2 cloves
Ginger: 1 teaspoon
Water: 80 ml

Method

Put every sauce component into a jar, cover it with the lid, and shake vigorously. Tofu should be cut into cubes and placed in a bowl. Add stir-fry sauce, coat everything evenly, and put it away to marinate.
Cubed winter squash, a little bit of water or cooking oil, and a big non-stick pan over medium-high heat Once it has slightly softened cook it for around 5 minutes before adding the remaining vegetables and broth. Stirring regularly, sauté everything for around 6 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
Then, add the marinated tofu to the pan and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring often. Take a tiny mouthful, then modify the flavour to your preference. To serve, top your veggie stir-fry with Thai basil, cashews, and brown rice.
Enjoy warm or allow to cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave as needed.

4. Veggie Soup With Turmeric Recipe

Make this simple, anti-inflammatory soup with wilted greens, lentils, and warming spices like turmeric and ginger! Ideal for food preparation, affordable, and family-friendly.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes | Servings: 3

Ingredients

Red lentils, dry: 190 g
Russet potato: 1
Carrots: 2, cut into slices
Celery: 3 stalks, diced
Yellow onion: 1 large, finely diced
Garlic: 3 cloves, diced
Low sodium vegetable broth: 950 ml
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
Parsley: 1 cup
Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
Tomatoes: 240 ml
Baby spinach: 60 g
Cumin: 2 teaspoons
Turmeric: 1 teaspoon
Sweet paprika: 2 teaspoons
Coriander seeds: ½ teaspoon
Fresh ginger: 1-inch piece, peeled and grated
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Black pepper: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground

Method

Over medium heat, add the onion, garlic, carrot, celery, potato, and spices to a large pot. Stirring regularly, sauté everything in a bit of water for 5 minutes. Tomato paste, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes should all be added. Before adding the dried lentils and thoroughly combining everything, stir and bring to a boil.
Once the potatoes and lentils are cooked but not overcooked, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to your carrot lentil soup before adding the spinach and simmering for five minutes.
Your homemade anti-inflammatory soup will be ready when you turn off the heat, add the chopped parsley and lemon juice, and serve it warm.

5. Vegan Risotto With Mushrooms & Peas Recipe

Leeks, peas, and mushrooms are used to make this rich, creamy one-pot vegan risotto. This quick and low-fat dinner meal is wonderfully tasty and adaptable, and it's ready to eat in just 30 minutes!

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes | Servings: 2

Ingredients

Onion: 1, chopped
Garlic: 2 cloves minced
White button mushrooms: 3 cups (225 g), sliced
Leek: ½ cup (100 g), chopped
Arborio rice: 1 cup (225 g)
Vegetable broth: 2-3 cups (480-720 ml)
Nutritional yeast: 2 tablespoons
Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
White wine vinegar: 1 tablespoon
Peas: 1 cup (160 g)
Soy or coconut milk: 1 cup (240 ml)
White miso paste: 1 tablespoon
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
Herbs de Provence: 2 teaspoons

Method

For a few minutes, sauté onions, garlic, and herbs in a large skillet with a splash of vegetable broth. Sometimes stir.
Cook for 3–4 minutes with the leek and mushrooms, adding extra vegetable broth as necessary.
Arborio rice, soy milk, vinegar, and 2 cups vegetable broth should now be added to the pan. If using miso paste, combine it with a spoon and whisk it in.
Allow it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cooking liquid has been absorbed. Take care to stir your risotto at least once every few minutes! Add the peas, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice to the prepared risotto after it has finished cooking.
Add salt and pepper to taste and turn the heat off. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs, and adjust to taste.

6. Vegan Mushroom & Lentil Pasta Recipe

The substantial lentil pasta sauce will satiate even the ravenous eaters in this lentil and mushroom ragout recipe. Serve your preferred pasta with this vegan ragout!

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 50 minutes | Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Button mushrooms: 12 oz
Garlic cloves: 4
Carrot: 1 large
Green bell pepper: ½
Yellow onion: ½ medium
Red wine: ¼ cup
Bay leaf: 1
Crushed tomatoes: 1 can
Water: 2½ cups
Dried oregano: 2 teaspoons
Kosher salt: ½ teaspoon
Ground black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon
Spaghetti noodles: 1 pound
Fresh basil: 1 tablespoon
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Method

Heat oil to a medium-high temperature in a large saucepot. Add the bell pepper, onion, carrot, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook, frequently stirring, for 15 to 20 minutes or until vegetables are very brown and soft.
Add wine and stir continuously for 1 minute. Browned bits at the pan's bottom can be removed using a wooden spoon.
Bay leaf, tomato sauce, water, lentils, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes should all be stirred in. Heat until it boils, then turn the heat down to medium. Stirring regularly, simmer for 30 to 35 minutes or until lentils are cooked.
When necessary, add additional water in ½ cup increments if the ragout becomes too thick. Prepare pasta as directed on the package in the meanwhile. To serve, take the bay leaf out of the ragout and add the basil. Over pasta, serve the ragout. Serve topped with parsley as a garnish.

7. Vegan Coconut Curry Soup Recipe

Now is the ideal time to curl up with a big bowl of this creamy and nourishing curry coconut soup. You have all you need to stay warm on those chilly days and nights. It also makes a great dish to prepare ahead of time for those idle weekends.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients

Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
Onion any colour: 1 small
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Green or red bell pepper: 1 medium, diced
Diced tomatoes: 14.5 oz
Chickpeas: 15 oz
Vegetable broth: 4 cups
Cumin: 1½ teaspoons
Curry powder: 2½ teaspoons
Coconut milk: 13.5 oz
Brown rice cooked: ½ cup
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Over medium heat, warm the oil in a big pot.
Add the bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Vegetables should be cooked for five minutes, stirring regularly, until they are soft.
Curry powder, cumin, tomatoes, chickpeas, and broth should all be added. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and gently simmer for 10 minutes while stirring now and again. Cook the brown rice for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly, after adding the coconut milk.

8. Vegan Tortilla Pizza Recipe

This low-fat, low-calorie vegan pizza counts as two of your “five a day” and is quite tasty! Contains a gluten-free choice.

Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes | Servings: 1

Ingredients

Low-fat tortilla wraps: 2
Tomato pizza sauce or Arrabbiata sauce (see below)
Nutritional yeast: 2 tablespoons, heaped (optional)
Onion: 1 small, sliced
Olive oil spray
A mixture of chopped vegetables.
Fresh basil, chopped finely

Ingredients For The Arrabbiata Sauce (Optional)

Canned tomatoes or passata: ¼ cup
Dried chilli flakes: ½ teaspoon
Garlic: 1 clove
Fresh basil

Method

Make sure you have a grill rack or pizza tray and preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F. (so the pizza can cook underneath).

Method For The Arrabbiata Sauce

In a food processor, blend the tomatoes, chilli flakes, garlic, and basil to create the hot sauce. Or use pizza sauce from a jar.
Add a couple of tablespoons of the sauce and some nutritional yeast on top of the wrap.
With a splash of water or a low-calorie olive oil spray, sauté the onion and veggies for the vegan wraps in a frying pan over medium heat for a few minutes.
Distribute the vegetables on the wraps.
Place the vegan wraps in the oven and bake them for 10-12 minutes. Turn them, so they bake evenly. Remove the vegan wraps from the oven once they are golden brown.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil onto them and serve them cold or hot.

9. Vegan Easy Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

The finest vegan lentil shepherd's pie you'll ever cook is this one! A delicious, tangy gravy sauce made from protein-rich lentils and nutritious vegetables is topped with mashed potatoes before being baked to golden brown perfection. A filling meal that meets all the criteria for comfort food.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients

Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes: 2 cups
Water: 2¼ cups
Cold non-dairy milk: ¾ cup

Ingredients For The Shepherd’s Pie Filling

Dry lentils: 1 cup
Water: 3 cups
Yellow onion:
Frozen mixed vegetables: 2 cups
Garlic powder: 1 tablespoon
Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon.
Vegan ketchup: ½ cup CREATE LINK
Low-sodium soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
Liquid smoke: 1 teaspoon.
Corn starch or arrowroot starch: 2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Using a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the non-dairy milk after taking the pot off the heat. Gently whisk in the potato flakes but DO NOT whip.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Place aside. In a saucepan, mix the lentils with the water or broth and bring it to a boil. Cook the lentils for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are cooked, on simmering heat with the lid on.
The onions should be sautéed for two to three minutes to tender in a preheated nonstick skillet over medium heat. After that, add the frozen vegetables and cook for five minutes to allow them to defrost partially. Add the cooked lentils to the onion and vegetable mixture after lowering the heat to low.
Mix gently until everything is mixed. After adding the ingredients, stir in the liquid smoke, smoked paprika, ketchup, and soy sauce. After equally distributing the cornstarch or arrowroot powder over the mixture, swirl the filling for a few seconds to incorporate it. Stir it constantly until it slightly thickens. Typically 1-2 minutes.
It won't be particularly thick, more like the gravy in consistency. If required, taste and add salt and pepper. Put The Vegan Shepherd's Pie together. Set your oven to 375 degrees. Smooth the lentil filling into a baking dish that can go in the oven.
Over the top, dollop and evenly spread the mashed potatoes. For 20 to 25 minutes, bake the vegan shepherd's pie in the oven. To get the potatoes' tops to brown and become crispy, take the baking dish out of the oven, turn on the broiler, and return it for a few minutes.
Any leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to five days if they are sealed tightly.

10. Vegan Chickpea Curry Jacket Potatoes Recipe

This delectable chickpea curry jacket will add protein to a vegan diet. It makes a hearty lunch or simple midweek dish with lots of flavours.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Total time: 60 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

Sweet potatoes: 4
Coconut oil: 1 tablespoon
Cumin seeds: 1½ teaspoons
Onion: 1 large
Garlic: 2 cloves
Green chilli: 1
Garam masala: 1 teaspoon
Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon
Turmeric: ½ teaspoon
Tikka masala paste: 2 tablespoons
Chopped tomatoes: 2 x 400g cans
Chickpeas: 2 x 400g, drained
Lemon wedges and coriander leaves (to serve)
Thumb-sized of ginger

Method

Preheat to 200°C. The sweet potatoes should be forked all over, placed on a baking sheet, and baked for 45 minutes or until they are soft when pierced with a knife. In the meantime, warm up the coconut oil in a big pot over medium heat.
After adding the onion and cooking it for 7–10 minutes until softened, add the cumin seeds and cook them for 1 minute until fragrant. Cook the garlic, ginger, and green chilli in the pan for two to three minutes. Once fragrant, add the tomatoes after cooking the spices and tikka masala paste for 2 minutes.
After bringing to a simmer, add the chickpeas and cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until thickened. Place the cut-open, four-plate supply of roasted sweet potatoes.
Lemon wedges should be squeezed over the chickpea curry before serving. Before serving, season and top with coriander.

Conclusion

For more inspiration, browse our website for beginner-friendly dishes. We also have resources for planning vegan meals, high-protein meals, and kid-friendly recipes.

I trust you enjoyed this article about the 10 Best Cheap Vegan Meal Recipes For Your Kids. Please stay tuned for more blog posts to come shortly. Take care!

JeannetteZ

>>>Want To Learn How To Create Delicious, Cruelty-Free, Healthy AND 100% Vegan Meals? Try These Awesome Vegan Cooking Courses With A Free 7-DAY MEMBERSHIP<<<

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