Meatless Monday- Episode #40
Delicious and Budget-Friendly Meatless Monday Recipes: A Week of Flavorful and Affordable Meals
In this week’s video, we’re sharing 5 amazing budget-friendly Meatless Monday recipes that are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy delicious vegetarian meals without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or just exploring more meatless options, these recipes are not only affordable but also incredibly tasty!
Delicious and Budget-Friendly Meatless Monday Recipes: A Week of Flavorful and Affordable Meals
Welcome to our ultimate guide to budget-friendly Meatless Monday recipes! Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these recipes are perfect for you. We’ve put together a collection of five delicious and affordable dishes that will make your Meatless Mondays both tasty and cost-effective. From hearty Tortilla Lasagna to zesty Black Bean Cakes, you’ll find something to satisfy every palate. Let’s dive in and start cooking!
Tips for Budget-Friendly Cooking
1. Plan Ahead: Planning your meals for the week can help you save money by avoiding last-minute grocery runs and reducing food waste.
2. Buy in Bulk: Purchasing staples like beans, pasta, and rice in bulk can reduce costs and keep your pantry stocked with affordable ingredients.
3. Seasonal Vegetables: Using seasonal vegetables not only enhances the flavor of your dishes but also often reduces costs.
4. Homemade Pesto: Making pesto from scratch can be more economical than buying pre-made versions and allows you to adjust the ingredients to your taste.
5. Leftovers: Don’t underestimate the power of leftovers. Many of these dishes can be enjoyed as lunch the next day, saving both time and money.
By incorporating these tips into your cooking routine, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious, meatless meals without stretching your budget. Each of these recipes is designed to be both affordable and flavorful, ensuring that your Meatless Mondays are something you look forward to every week.
We hope you enjoy these recipes and find them as satisfying and cost-effective as we do. If you try them out, let us know in the comments below which recipe was your favorite. Don’t forget to share this post with friends and family who might also enjoy these budget-friendly, meatless options!
Happy cooking, and here’s to many more delicious and affordable Meatless Mondays!
Pesto Tortellini Primavera
Course: MainCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: EasyIngredients
1 package of frozen or dry tortellini (about 16 oz)
4 TB of store-bought or homemade pesto
2 cups assorted vegetables (your choice)
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Directions
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- While the tortellini is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic, then add vegetables, and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add seasoning and pesto sauce, gently stir to combine.
- Serve with parmesan cheese.
Recipe Video
Pesto and Cheese Tomato Melts
Course: MainCuisine: American, vegetarianDifficulty: EasyIngredients
Bread- 2 slices per sandwich
Tomatoes, sliced
1 Tb pesto, per sandwich
1-2 slices cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
Salt and pepper to taste
Additional toppings: spinach, mayo, onion (optional)
Directions
- Spread pesto on bread, add mayo if desired
- Top with cheese and veggies
- Add salt and pepper if desired
- Grill on sandwich press, or hot pan on stove
Recipe Video
Black Bean Patties
Course: MainCuisine: VegetarianDifficulty: EasyThese are great as a main dish or a hearty side.
Ingredients
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup of diced onion
1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying
Directions
- Prepare Mixture: In a large bowl, mash the black beans until mostly smooth. Mix in breadcrumbs, beaten egg, diced onion, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into small patties.
- Cook Patties: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until crispy and golden.
- Serve: Serve with a side salad or as a filling for wraps. Enjoy these hearty, budget-friendly cakes!
Recipe Video
Spicy Broccoli Pasta
Course: MainCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: EasyIngredients
8 oz of pasta (your choice)
2 cups of broccoli florets
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Tb butter
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, adding the broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute
- Stir in red pepper flakes and diced tomatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes, add in butter , allowing the flavors to meld
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat with the spicy tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Recipe Video
Tortilla Lasagna
300
kcalIt’s a budget-friendly twist on traditional lasagna that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
4-8 Flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can of corn, drained
1 cup of diced bell peppers
1 cup of salsa or canned tomato sauce
1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt
Directions
- Start by spreading a thin layer of salsa or tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place a tortilla on top, then layer with cheese, black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden
