15 Vegetarian Recipes That Kids Will Love

lentils in hard taco shell with sour cream and guacamole
Photo: Buckwheat Queen

Getting kids to eat vegetables isn't always the easiest task. But these 15 recipes are sure-fire vegetarian hits that kids will love, no matter their age. Load up a sandwich with tempeh sloppy joes or chickpea salad, serve a bowlful of chili or butternut mac and cheese, or go south of the border with lentil tacos and black bean burritos. With these easy meals in rotation, your little ones will never be bored eating their veggies.

01 of 15

Homemade Black Bean Veggie Burgers

black bean burger patty on a multigrain bun with toppings
Gord Linder

Dressed up in a bun with all the fixin's, your kids will never question these tasty black bean burgers. Make a big batch while you're at it, they freeze well for meals on-the-go.

02 of 15

Hearty Vegetable Lasagna

vegetable lasagna on a white plate
*Sherri*

Nothing is quite as comforting as a plate of lasagna, and this recipe packs in plenty of plants—like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers—to balance out the decadent cheeses. Strict vegetarians will want to find a substitute for the Parmesan, which isn't vegetarian-friendly.

03 of 15

Farmer's Market Vegetarian Quesadillas

quesadillas stuffed with vegetables
Alberta Rose

When dinnertime approaches and you need a quick meal everyone will love, quesadillas should be your go-to. This version uses whole wheat tortillas, low-fat Cheddar cheese, and plenty of fresh vegetables for a dish you can feel good about.

04 of 15

Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable Fried Rice
naples34102

Recreate a takeout favorite at home with this bold brown rice dish. "This recipe was appreciated by my family sine they were getting tired of plain rice," says reviewer tiffany13. Don't skip the sesame oil, it adds a distinct nutty flavor that makes the recipe so tasty.

05 of 15

Homemade Veggie Pizza

pizza with vegetables
catherine.drew

Don't order out for your next pizza night! Instead reach for this easy, yet impressive veggie pizza recipe. With a homemade yeast dough and flavorful tomato sauce, it's sure to be a hit.

06 of 15

Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

Vegetarian Sloppy Joes
CC<3s2Bake

Tempeh, a fermented soybean patty that's very high in protein, is the perfect replacement for meat in a variety of dishes. Here it stands in for beef in a tangy tomato sauce with bell peppers and onions.

07 of 15

Lentil Tacos

lentils in hard taco shell with sour cream and guacamole
Buckwheat Queen

Your children will never know they're not eating beef with these surprisingly similar lentil tacos. Set up a DIY taco bar with everyone's favorite toppings so they can make their own special meal.

08 of 15

Pub-Style Vegetarian Chili

Pub-Style Vegetarian Chili
sanzoe

With a base of black beans and vegetables, this chili gets an extra depth of flavor from a splash of red wine. Don't worry though, it cooks long enough that you won't have to worry about the kids. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping and plenty of cheese and sour cream for topping.

09 of 15

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Kevin

Irresistibly creamy with a hint of sweetness, you'll have a hard time getting leftovers from this baked pasta dish. This recipe relies on two types of Cheddar for extra richness and an entire butternut squash for plenty of fall flavor.

10 of 15

Cucumber and Avocado Sushi

cucumber and avocado sushi rolls
Chelsey

Sushi is a naturally kid-friendly food. You get to use your hands to eat it and with a few dipping sauces on the table it feels like a choose-your-own-adventure meal. These rolls have a creamy and crunchy contrast of avocado and cucumber.

11 of 15

Vegan Spinach Bites

Vegan Spinach Bites
My Hot Southern Mess

Don't let the bright green of these bites scare off the kids. The spinach adds this distinct hue, but you can't taste it thanks to the potatoes, onions, and garlic that are paired with it. Bake these up for a wholesome snack, or serve for dinner with dipping sauce and a side of steamed veggies.

12 of 15

Vegetarian Chickpea Sandwich Filling

Vegetarian Chickpea Sandwich Filling
CC<3's2bake

Make a batch of this easy sandwich filling for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Stuff it in between to pieces of bread, serve over a salad, or scoop it up with crackers.

13 of 15

Delicious Black Bean Burritos

Delicious Black Bean Burritos
CookinBug

Cream cheese is the not-so-secret ingredient to make these decadent burritos, which are ready in an astounding 25 minutes. If your kids are spice-sensitive, skip the jalapeños or serve them on the side.

14 of 15

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

shepherds pie with lentils
Beth

When it's cool out, this stick-to-your-ribs dinner is sure to satisfy. The hearty trio of lentils, barley, and walnuts makes for a meaty base, all encased in a layer of buttery mashed potatoes.

15 of 15

Breaded Tofu Nuggets

Breaded Tofu Nuggets on a white plate
Soup Loving Nicole

This vegetarian alternative to chicken nuggets will win over even the biggest of tofu skeptics. The recipe involves pressing the tofu overnight before coating in a spiced breadcrumb mixture and pan-frying. Don't forget the dipping sauce!

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