5 Budget-Friendly Vegetarian Dinners Under $20 for a Family of Four

Feeding a family on a budget can be challenging, especially if you’re looking for healthy, vegetarian meals that won’t break the bank. But guess what? Eating delicious, plant-based meals doesn’t have to be expensive! We’ve put together five easy budget-friendly vegetarian dinners under $20 (which feed four people, mind you!) that are packed with flavor, protein, and nutrients—perfect for budget-conscious families.

Vegetarian Dinners Under $20

You’d be surprised just how affordable it can be to create healthy, vegetarian dinners for your family!

1. Chickpea & Spinach Curry (Cost: $10-$12)

A hearty, protein-packed meal that’s big on flavor and low on cost!

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chickpeas ($2) (Buy in bulk to save money!)
• 1 can diced tomatoes ($1)
• 1 onion, diced ($1)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced ($0.50)
• 1-inch ginger, grated ($0.50)
• 1 can coconut milk ($2)
• 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala ($1)
• 4 cups fresh spinach ($3)
• 2 cups rice ($2)

Instructions:

1. Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft.
2. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for about a minute.
3. Add cumin, turmeric, and garam masala, stirring until fragrant.
4. Pour in chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and coconut milk. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Serve hot over steamed rice.

Money-Saving Tip: Buy dry chickpeas in bulk, cook them in batches, and freeze portions for even more savings!

2. Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos ($12-$15)

A fun, family-friendly twist on nachos with sweet potato chips instead of tortillas!

Ingredients:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, thinly sliced ($3)
• 1 can black beans, drained & rinsed ($1)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ($2.50)
• 1 avocado, diced ($2)
• ½ cup sour cream ($1)
• 1 tomato, diced ($1)
• ¼ cup red onion, diced ($0.50)
• 1 tsp chili powder ($0.50)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange sweet potato slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp.
2. Remove from oven and sprinkle black beans and cheese over the sweet potatoes.
3. Return to oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Top with diced avocado, tomato, and red onion. Drizzle with sour cream and serve immediately!

Make It Even Cheaper: Swap cheese and sour cream for a simple homemade guacamole made from mashed avocado, salt, and lime juice.

3. Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta ($10-$12)

A comforting, restaurant-style pasta dish made in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasta ($2)
• 1 can crushed tomatoes ($1)
• ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk ($1.50)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning ($0.50)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.50)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese ($2)
• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped ($2)
• 2 tbsp olive oil ($1)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and add Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until creamy.
5. Toss with cooked pasta, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.

Want More Protein? Add a can of white beans for an extra protein boost while keeping it budget-friendly!

4. Lentil & Veggie Tacos ($12-$15)

Taco night just got healthier and more affordable!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils ($2)
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies ($1)
• 1 packet taco seasoning ($1)
• 8 small tortillas ($2)
• ½ cup shredded lettuce ($1)
• ½ cup shredded cheese ($2)
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt ($1)
• 1 avocado, diced ($2)

Instructions:

1. Cook lentils in 2 cups of water until soft, about 15 minutes. Drain.
2. Add diced tomatoes and taco seasoning, then simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Warm tortillas and fill with lentil mixture.
4. Top with lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and avocado.

Want more savings? Skip the avocado and use extra shredded lettuce and tomatoes instead. Or, add any other roasted veggies you like!

5. Broccoli & Cheddar Stuffed Baked Potatoes ($10-$12)

A hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to customize!

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes ($4)
• 2 cups broccoli, chopped ($2)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ($2)
• ½ cup sour cream ($1)
• 2 tbsp butter ($1)
• Salt & pepper ($0.50)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Prick potatoes with a fork and bake for 45 minutes.
2. Steam broccoli until tender.
3. Slice each potato open and mash the inside slightly with butter, cheese, and sour cream.
4. Mix in broccoli, top with extra cheese, and return to the oven for 5 minutes.
5. Serve warm!

Budget Swap: Use frozen broccoli instead of fresh—it’s cheaper and just as nutritious!

Eating Vegetarian on a Budget Is Easy!

With simple, affordable ingredients, you can make delicious, filling, and healthy vegetarian dinners without breaking the bank.

Try these budget-friendly vegetarian dinners under $20 for your next dinner and let us know your favorite in the comments! Looking for more cheap meal ideas? Check out our other frugal meal plans and grocery hacks to save even more!

More Healthy Vegetarian Ideas:

• Pasta Parmesan Soup – Just switch out the broth to make the veggie version!
• Many Delicious Pumpkin-Based Recipes!
• Kid-Friendly Pizza Quesadillas – Just Skip the Pepperoni