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Nuts and Twigs » Vegan Main Courses

19 Vegan Main Dishes Meat and Dairy Lovers Will Love

Published: Aug 2, 2024 · Modified: Apr 24, 2025 by Regi Pearce · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

Incorporating more plant-based meals into your routine can be a challenge with meat-loving friends and family. But what if you could enjoy your favorite dishes without anyone realizing they’re vegan?

This roundup includes plant-based main dishes that everyone in the family will love—even meat and dairy lovers.

Packed with incredible flavor, texture, and satisfaction, these dishes prove you don’t need animal products to create delicious meals. Try these recipes and watch as even the biggest meat lovers reach for seconds. Let me know in the comments how it goes!

For more inspiration, see 14 Irresistible Veggie Burgers Even Meat-Eaters Will Love, 9 Vegan Salads For Your Next Cookout, and 13 Delicious Vegan Breakfast Casseroles.

collage of 4 main dishes from the roundup.

Recipes

1
top view of Vegan Hamburger helper in a bowl with a fork picking some up.
One Pot Vegan Hamburger Helper Copycat
This vegan hamburger helper is a one-pot wonder that's packed with hearty pasta, savory plant-based "meat," and a creamy, dreamy sauce that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!
Vegan Hamburger Helper
2
vegan baked mac and cheese in a bowl
Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese
This Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate plant-based comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked for a golden, crispy topping. Made without dairy, it’s rich, savory, and packed with flavor, making it a must-try for vegans and mac and cheese lovers alike!
Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese
3
hand holding a Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Slider
BBQ Jackfruit Sliders With Vegan Coleslaw
BBQ jackfruit sliders with vegan coleslaw will surely be a hit. Topped with pickles and avocado, this recipe makes a great, easy party appetizer or a casual dinner.
BBQ Jackfruit Sliders With Vegan Coleslaw
4
stacked vegan jackfruit quesadillas
Vegan Jackfruit Quesadillas
These Vegan Jackfruit Quesadillas are a flavor-packed, plant-based twist on a classic favorite! Filled with smoky, shredded jackfruit, Vegan Cashew Queso, and savory spices, they deliver all the comfort of traditional quesadillas—without the meat or dairy. Perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or party appetizers.
Vegan Jackfruit Quesadillas
5
a vegan sloppy joe on a plate; side view.
Vegan Punks
Easy Vegan Sloppy Joes made with the Meatiest Tofu
Vegan Sloppy Joes made with crumbled tofu for the meatiest sloppy Joe ever. Find out about the deydrate-rehydrate method!
Easy Vegan Sloppy Joes made with the Meatiest Tofu
6
Vegan Swedish Meatballs
Vegan Huggs
Vegan Swedish Meatballs
These delicious Vegan Swedish Meatballs are reminiscent of the classic IKEA version. They are perfectly textured and seasoned with warm spices. Then they are smothered in a rich and creamy gravy that is the epitome of comfort.
Vegan Swedish Meatballs
7
Authentic Vegan Jackfruit Rendang (Vegetarian Beef Curry)
The Fruity Jem
Authentic Vegan Jackfruit Rendang (Vegetarian Beef Curry)
An authentic vegan jackfruit rendang: a vegetarian version of the Indonesian beef rendang curry using canned jackfruit with just 20 minutes of cooking time!
Authentic Vegan Jackfruit Rendang
8
Vegan Tantanmen Ramen (Tan Tan Ramen)
Oh My Veg
Vegan Tantanmen Ramen (Tan Tan Ramen)
Noodles in a creamy, nutty, spicy, and umami-packed broth, plus succulent vegan mince? This vegan tantanmen ramen couldn’t be any tastier.
Vegan Tantanmen Ramen
9
Impossible Meatloaf
Earth to Veg
Impossible Meatloaf
Classic meatloaf, with one twist: it’s made with Impossible Burger meat, so it’s totally vegan. This is the most realistic vegan meatloaf you’ve ever made!
Impossible Meatloaf
10
The Best Beyond Meat Chili
Sunglow Kitchen
The Best Beyond Meat Chili
This Beyond Meat Chili is the BEST vegan chili you’ll ever eat! It packs layers of umami flavor, and is incredibly rich, velvety, and meaty!
The Best Beyond Meat Chili
11
Beyond Meat Bolognese Recipe
Sunglow Kitchen
Beyond Meat Bolognese Recipe
This vegan Beyond Meat Bolognese has a velvety texture and melts in your mouth. It’s smoky, meaty, and savory, and packs layers of flavor!
Beyond Meat Bolognese Recipe
12
Green Goddess Grilled Cheese
Spabettie
Green Goddess Grilled Cheese
A fresh, bright and herby comfort food sandwich stacked high with crisp veggies and melty cheese.
Green Goddess Grilled Cheese
13
Meaty Vegan TVP Burger (Big Mac Style)
My Pure Plants
Meaty Vegan TVP Burger (Big Mac Style)
Why is it the meatiest vegan beef burger? Because it has a chewy, ground beef-like texture (thank you TVP), and it does not taste like veggies at all. It holds together during grilling and frying,
Meaty Vegan TVP Burger (Big Mac Style)
14
Vegan Mushroom and Onion Hotpot
Krumpli
Vegan Mushroom and Onion Hotpot
Vegan mushroom “Lancashire-style” hotpot loaded with chunky mushrooms and dried porcini, cooked in a rich gravy and topped with potatoes.
Vegan Mushroom and Onion Hotpot
15
Vegan Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe (Taco Bell Copycat)
Basics With Bails
Vegan Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe (Taco Bell Copycat)
Savor the plant-based goodness with our Vegan Crunchwrap Supreme recipe, featuring perfectly seasoned vegan meat and fresh veggies encased in a golden tortilla.
Vegan Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe (Taco Bell Copycat)
16
Vegan Beef Stew
Zardyplants
Vegan Beef Stew
Rich, hearty, and comforting, this Vegan Beef Stew is the perfect cozy dinner. It is packed with vegetables and vegan beef chunks.
Vegan Beef Stew
17
Enfrijoladas Recipe
Health My Lifestyle
Enfrijoladas Recipe
Enfrijoladas are similar to enchiladas made with corn tortillas and dipped in a creamy bean sauce. They’re savory, filling, and delicious!
Enfrijoladas
18
The Creamiest Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo • Happy Kitchen
Happy Kitchen
The Creamiest Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo • Happy Kitchen
Simple and light 30-minutes Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is perfectly creamy, cheesy and rich. The cauliflower cashew Alfredo sauce will blow your mind!
The Creamiest Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo
19
Creamy Vegan Mushroom And Herb Risotto
The All Natural Vegan
Creamy Vegan Mushroom And Herb Risotto
This Creamy Vegan Mushroom and Herb Risotto is the ultimate comfort meal. This flavorful risotto features Arborio rice, sautéed mushrooms, and a medley of fresh herbs, creating a rich and satisfying meal. This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free.
Creamy Vegan Mushroom And Herb Risotto

More Vegan Main Courses

  • A close-up of a fluffy sandwich bun filled with creamy no-mayo chickpea salad and leafy greens, resting on top of a mint green lunch container surrounded by mini cornbread muffins.
    No-Mayo Chickpea Salad
  • crispy vegetable fritters stacked on a plate.
    Crispy Vegetable Fritters
  • Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Maple-Dijon Glaze on a sheet pan.
    Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Maple-Dijon Glaze
  • cauliflower rice burrito bowls.
    Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowls

About Regi Pearce

Hello! I am Regi, the creator of Nuts & Twigs. I debunk the myths that vegan food is all nuts and twigs and offer plant-based scrumptiousness that goes far beyond that "rabbit food" stereotype. So grab your fork and put on your stretchy pants, 'cause you're gonna want seconds.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Regi Pearce says

    April 24, 2025 at 5:16 pm

    If you’re trying to win over a meat-and-cheese lover (or just want to keep the whole table happy), this lineup is for you. These vegan mains are hearty, cozy, and packed with bold flavors—no bland tofu in sight. I love having recipes like these that prove plant-based can totally hold its own. Let me know which one you’d serve first!

    Reply
  2. Regi Pearce says

    April 22, 2025 at 3:45 am

    I had so much fun putting this list together! These are the kinds of recipes that win over even the most skeptical meat-and-cheese fans. If you try one, let me know which was your favorite—or which one you’d never guess was vegan!

    Reply

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Regina Pearce

I'm Regi.

Head nut, chief twig, and creator of Nuts & Twigs. My husband, Rob, and I live in Colorado. Here, you can expect delicious vegan recipes that make you realize that a life without cheese is not only possible but also worth living.

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It's a pinterest post with text in the center that says Must Try; 19 Vegan Main Dishes Meat and Dairy Lovers will Love. It contains a collage of 4 different recipes featured in the roundup.
collage of 4 main dishes.