Back-to-school season means busy mornings, but sometimes the evenings are even harder. Between homework, activities and everything else that needs to happen before bedtime, getting dinner on the table can feel like one more thing on an already long list.
On nights like these, I don’t want a complicated recipe or a sink full of dishes. I want an easy plant-based dinner my family will enjoy that uses familiar ingredients and doesn’t require me to spend the whole evening in the kitchen.
These easy plant-based dinners are made without added oil and use ingredients you can find at a regular grocery store. Many of these are ready in about 30 minutes, made in one pot or skillet, or require very little hands-on cooking. Those that need a longer cooking time have a “hands-off” cooking time so I can get other things done while dinner cooks.
And there’s no meal prep required for the recipes on this list. You can decide what’s for dinner at 5 p.m. and make the recipe from start to finish that evening.
What Makes a Good Busy-Night Dinner?
For me, an easy dinner doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be ready in 15 minutes. A recipe can still make my busy-night list if it saves time in other ways.
I look for meals with:
- Simple ingredients I usually have or can easily find at the grocery store.
- Minimal prep so I’m not spending half an hour chopping vegetables before I start cooking.
- Easy cleanup because fewer pots and pans make the whole evening easier.
- Little hands-on cooking so I can take care of other things while dinner cooks.
- Family appeal because a quick dinner isn’t much help if no one wants to eat it.
My family’s favorite recipe on this list is the Plant-Based Tostadas. I make the base and get the toppings out, and everyone makes their own. It’s a win-win and the fastest recipe on the list.
10 Easy Plant-Based Dinners for Busy School Nights
Here are 10 easy plant-based dinners I'd choose when I need to get a family meal on the table without making the evening more complicated.
This Broccoli and Rice cooks in one skillet in less than 30 minutes. Jasmine rice keeps the cooking time short, and the simple combination of creamy rice and broccoli makes this an easy family dinner with very little cleanup.
Pasta is always a good option for a busy night, and this plant-based Bolognese makes it a hearty meal. Lentils add substance to the tomato-based sauce for an easy dinner made with familiar ingredients.
Tostadas are especially good for families because everyone can customize their own. Set out the tostada shells and toppings, then let everyone build dinner the way they like it.
Rice and beans are inexpensive pantry staples that come together in this easy casserole. It's a comforting family dinner made with simple ingredients without requiring a complicated preparation.
This one-pot chili uses inexpensive pantry staples like lentils, beans and canned tomatoes. There's no need to soak the lentils, and the whole meal is ready in about 35 minutes.
Let the Instant Pot do most of the work for this simple rice-and-beans dinner. Add the beans, lime and cilantro after pressure cooking, and dinner is ready with very little hands-on time.
Turn inexpensive ramen noodles into a quick plant-based dinner with vegetables and a flavorful sauce. It's a great option for nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
This quick Veggie Pad Thai can be on the table in about 20 minutes or less. Use a bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables to skip the chopping and make this an especially easy dinner for hectic nights.
Chickpeas make this Chana Masala filling while keeping the ingredients simple and budget-friendly. It's a flavorful, pantry-friendly dinner that doesn't require a long list of expensive specialty ingredients.
Let the Instant Pot cook the lentil taco filling while you get the toppings ready. Everyone can assemble their own tacos at the table, making this an easy dinner to customize for different family preferences.
Make Busy School Nights Even Easier
Even when I’m cooking from scratch, a few simple habits make busy evenings easier.
I keep pantry staples like canned beans, pasta, rice and canned tomatoes available so I always have the beginnings of a meal. Frozen vegetables are also helpful when I don’t have fresh produce ready to use.
I also like recipes that don’t require much attention once they’re cooking. If dinner can simmer on the stove or cook in the Instant Pot while I’m doing something else, that time counts as a win.
And when possible, I make enough for leftovers. Tonight’s dinner can become tomorrow’s lunch without any extra cooking.
More Easy Plant-Based Meals
If you need more family meal inspiration, browse my Plant-Based Main Dish Recipes for easy dinners made with simple ingredients and no added oil.
For busy school mornings and lunches, you’ll also find plenty of ideas in my 10 Easy Plant-Based Lunch Box Recipes for Kids.
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