By Megan Edwards,
In need of a little TLC? We’ve rounded up our favorite vegan comfort food recipes, from creamy pastas to hearty stews, casseroles, and more. Whether you’ve had a hard day at work or are simply craving an ultra-satisfying meal, these dishes deliver that extra dose of yum that you deserve. Take a look at the list below and treat yourself to a meal that feels like a warm hug with every bite.
Mushroom Stroganoff with Wheatballs
What’s more satisfying than a bowl full of tender pasta and creamy gravy? This plant-based twist on beef stroganoff replaces the meat with hearty mushrooms and quinoa wheatballs that soak up the decadent sauce. This recipe is so good you might want to lick the plate!
Creamy Vegan Ramen
Cozy up to a big helping of this tasty soup packed full of fresh veggies, tofu, and chewy ramen noodles. The savory broth is enhanced with ginger, miso, and plenty of umami-rich mushrooms to give this dish an extra comforting edge. One reader raves: “Amazing flavors!”
Vegan Sweet Potato Gratin
Is there anything better than warm cheesy potatoes? This vegan gratin uses multicolored sweet potatoes to create a tasty mosaic, which gets slathered in a creamy sauce and topped with fresh sage. Nutritional yeast brings that salty, cheesy flavor you crave, while chipotle chili powder adds just enough kick to warm you up from the inside out.
BBQ Cauliflower and Pineapple Pizza
Dive into sweet-and-savory heaven with this finger-licking-good pizza. Tender cauliflower florets are drenched in barbecue sauce and layered on a whole wheat pizza crust with succulent bites of pineapple. But what really ups the wow factor of this comfort food recipe is the creamy cannellini spread that replaces standard pizza sauce.
Stove-Top Vegan Macaroni and Cheese
When you’re in the mood for a nostalgic meal, it’s time to break out the mac and cheese. This plant-based version of the classic comfort food uses potatoes, carrots, onion, cashews, and nutritional yeast to create a gooey cheese sauce that tastes like the real deal. Feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand, but classic elbow noodles will dial up the comfort factor.
Mushroom Chorizo Tacos con Papas
Gobble up these delicious tacos, which feature a mouthwatering filling of potatoes, mushrooms, chickpeas, and smoky Southwest spices. Top the plant-based chorizo mixture with fresh cilantro, cabbage, lime juice, and any other taco garnishes you love to create a beautiful meal bursting with flavor. The warm corn tortillas and meaty texture are sure to hit the spot.
Best-Ever Beefless Stew
Slurp up this rich stew that replaces animal products with meaty portobello mushrooms. The warming broth is flavored with bold Italian spices and fresh rosemary to give it a savory kick, while the diced veggies add heft and get deliciously tender as they simmer in the soup. One reader says: “This was an amazing stew! Hearty, savory, and feel-good food!”
Vegetable Potpie
A flaky pie crust and gooey vegetable gravy make this potpie the ultimate vegan comfort food. A hearty mix of chickpeas, mushrooms, carrots, celery, and squash gets simmered to bubbly perfection before being poured into the crust. Make this special dish when you’re in need of a pick-me-up.
Air-Fryer Portobello Burgers with Thousand Island Aïoli
Got a fast-food craving? Try these delectable plant-based burgers, which skip the meat and oil without skimping on flavor. Portobello patties are coated in a crunchy breadcrumb mixture and air-fried to crispy perfection before being topped with a tangy, creamy Thousand Island dressing. Serve with a side of oven-baked fries for a nourishing and familiar meal.
Barbecue Bean and Cornbread Bake
The classic combo of chili-and-cornbread gets a plant-based update with this easy vegan casserole. The smoky-sweet base of bean and veggies makes the perfect nest for pockets of fluffy cornbread dumplings, and a sprinkling of scallions at the end add a tangy bite. The result? A big pot of nourishing goodness that screams Southern comfort food.
Pumpkin and Red Lentil Dal
Melt-in-your-mouth cubes of pumpkin steal the show in this colorful and vibrantly flavored stew from Darshana Thacker, head chef and culinary projects manager for Forks Over Knives. Staples of Indian cooking such as turmeric, coriander, ginger, and mustard seeds add layers of delicious aromas to the broth, while red lentils add substance. Your spirits will soar after one bite of this delicious dal.
Vegan Spaghetti Marinara with Lentil Balls
Is there a more iconic comfort food than spaghetti and meatballs? This vegan version incorporates homemade lentil balls, which are infused with savory, umami-rich flavors thanks to mushrooms, soy sauce, and nutritional yeast. Toss with some warm marinara, and you have a wholesome, nourishing meal perfect for soothing frazzled nerves.
Loaded Lentil Nachos
Crispy tortilla chips are loaded with seasoned lentils, fresh pico de gallo, and a scrumptious nacho “cheese” sauce to create a totally crave-worthy dish. Whether you’re making this as a game-day snack or quick and easy dinner, these stellar nachos will satisfy your hankering for vegan comfort food any day of the week.
Pumpkin Alfredo Casserole
This creamy casserole bake is the ultimate dish to warm your belly and lift your spirits. Canned pumpkin transforms into a decadent alfredo sauce when blended with potatoes, cauliflower, and onion. Tender linguine soaks up the good-for-you sauce, while fresh sage brings out the earthiness in the pumpkin. Happy feasting!
Vegan Vegetable Korma
Looking for a nourishing curry recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes? You’ve hit the jackpot. This hearty korma dish serves up a big helping of fresh veggies simmered in delicious Indian spices—just as satisfying as takeout. Soak up the extra sauce with brown rice or whole wheat naan to up the comfort level to 10/10.
Hearty Vegan Red Bean Chili
Tuck into a big bowl of this brightly colored chili whenever you’re feeling the blues. Kidney beans, fresh veggies, and hearty millet are infused with smoky spices and simmered until your house is filled with the delicious aroma of dinner. For extra spice, sprinkle some jalapeño slices on top.
Sweet Potato Lasagna
Serving vegan comfort food to a large group can be daunting, but this delightful recipe makes hosting a breeze. Layers of tender sweet potatoes, savory cashew cheese sauce, garlicky greens, and hearty noodles meld together in the oven for a decadent lasagna packed full of healthy ingredients. Top with some fresh basil, and prepare to receive some compliments from your guests!
Creamy Vegan Broccoli Chowder with Garlic Croutons
Feeling crabby? This seafood-free chowder is here to help. Potatoes, cannellini beans, and plant-based milk form the creamy base for this incredible vegan soup, which is far healthier than any dairy-based chowder. Fresh broccoli florets and crunchy garlic croutons add delicious texture and depth of flavor. One reader raves: “This recipe was fantastic. It turned out so well that even my 3 year old enjoyed it!”
Shepherd’s Pot Pie
A fluffy layer of mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection, hides a treasure trove of creamy veggies in this comforting vegan casserole. Feel free to use any extra produce you have on hand for the potpie filling, and sprinkle everything with fresh chives for a restaurant-quality meal.
Bean & Corn Enchiladas
Holy guacamole are these tasty! A savory homemade enchilada sauce coats tender tortillas that are stuffed with beans, corn, green chiles, and scallions. Topped with fresh onion, cilantro, avocado, and extra salsa, this Mexican-inspired dish will make your taste buds dance with delight.
Lots-of-Vegetables Risotto
Name a more comforting dish than risotto… That’s right—there are none! This vegan version gets its creaminess from plant-based milk and savory veggie stock. Mushrooms, carrots, cauliflower, and peas add tasty texture, but you can swap in any other produce that you like. One bite of this recipe and you’ll instantly feel a stressful day melt away.
Lentil Sloppy Joes
Closing out our list of the best vegan comfort food recipes is the all-American sloppy Joes sandwich. In this one-pot recipe, hearty lentils are slowly simmered in a smoky-sweet concoction, making for an immensely flavorful filling that’s tastier and healthier than meat. Load it onto some whole grain buns, add all your favorite sandwich trimmings, and enjoy!
About the Author
About the Author
Megan Edwards
Megan Edwards is a staff writer and content producer for Forks Over Knives. She is also a certified RYT-500 yoga teacher who is passionate about cultivating holistic wellness through plant-based eating, mindful movement, and meditation. With a background in journalism and marketing, she supports both the online presence and quarterly print magazine for Forks Over Knives.
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