During Lent, meat on Fridays is a no-no. But you don't have to turn to the same fish dinner each week. These Lent dinner recipes give you plenty of options—sans seafood.
35 Lent Dinner Recipes—That Aren’t Fish
Updated on Jan. 24, 2025
1/35
Black Bean Soup
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Black bean soup recipes are among my favorite because they're light and it most of the time don't contain meat. For this recipe, you could add lean beef or chicken for a variation. —Angee Owens, Lufkin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 222 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 779mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein.
This filling soup is full of beans and veggies, making it a great Friday dinner during Lent. It’s ready in about an hour, so you won’t have to wait too long until you can eat.
2/35
Cauliflower Tikka Masala
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a vegetarian, and it can be challenging to find new recipes. This cauliflower tikka masala is my easy take on the original. —Garima Arora, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 312 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 573mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein.
Creamy and vibrant masala sauce transforms pressure-cooker cauliflower into main dish material. Serve this richly spiced vegetarian entree with lots of basmati rice or freshly cooked naan.
3/35
Pesto Flatbread
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We kneaded basil, oregano and Parmesan cheese into packaged bread dough for this full-flavored crust. Purchased pesto sauce keeps the pesto flatbread big on taste and convenience. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 259 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
Whether you use any of these store-bought pesto brands or make your own, this no-fuss flatbread is plenty filling thanks to melty mozzarella cheese and umami-rich mushrooms. I always keep some frozen bread dough in my freezer for precisely this situation.
4/35
Meatless Chili Mac
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came across this recipe in a newspaper years ago and it’s been a hit at our house ever since. It’s fast and flavorful, and it appeals to all ages. —Cindy Ragan, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 206 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable,1 lean meat.
Bean-filled vegetarian chili mixed with elbow macaroni is one of those comforting cold weather foods you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, it keeps well in the freezer for up to three months, so you can heat up any leftovers on busy weeknights. Top the dish with sour cream and chopped green onions.
5/35
Vegan Burritos
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These hearty and zippy burritos can be whipped up in a jiffy. —Kimberly Hardison, Maitland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 345 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 10g protein.
Thanks to instant rice and canned black beans, these satisfying plant-based burritos are ready even quicker than fast-food. For even more richness, add guacamole and shredded vegan cheese.
6/35
Vegan Butter Cauliflower
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this Indian butter cauliflower recipe for all the picky eaters in my family who love ethnic food. It's also vegan-friendly. —Mihaela Metaxa-Albu, London, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 349 calories, 27g fat (22g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein.
Yes, it’s possible to make rich, melt-in-your-mouth Indian butter sauce with all vegan ingredients (namely, coconut oil and coconut milk.) Serve the dish with lime wedges; the acid helps cut the richness and bring out all the bright flavors in the sauce.
7/35
Spaghetti Squash Alfredo
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spaghetti squash Alfredo has an indulgent and creamy Parmesan-garlic sauce served over healthy squash "noodles"! —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
With silky spaghetti squash instead of pasta, this decadent meat-free Alfredo dish cuts down on carbs without losing any of the sauce’s trademark richness. Make sure to pick a good spaghetti squash that’s bright yellow and ideally around three to four pounds.
8/35
Cabbage Steaks
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These thick slices of cabbage are brushed with olive oil, seasoned, and then roasted in the oven. The steaks are similar to roasted Brussels sprouts, but instead of trimming many individual little sprouts, you can just slice a single head of cabbage. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 99 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 348mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
Cabbage “steak” becomes irresistibly sweet and tender when roasted, without the bitter notes you find in other cruciferous veggies, like Brussels sprouts. For a low-key pescatarian feast, pair the dish with any of these easy shrimp recipes.
9/35
Chickpea Burger
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These chickpea burgers are totally awesome. I think I’d rather have one than any cheeseburger at a restaurant. They really rock! —Berea Rider, East Point, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 447 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 9g fiber), 17g protein.
These savory garbanzo bean patties offer all the fun—and burger topping possibilities—of beef burgers, without the meat. The bean burgers come together in the food processor with just beans, a bit of lemon juice, eggs, bread crumbs and seasoning. Top them with American cheese for nostalgia factor.
10/35
Ravioli with Creamy Squash Sauce
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Store-bought ravioli speeds assembly of this cozy, restaurant-quality dish that tastes so good your family won't notice it's meatless. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 671 calories, 51g fat (22g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 578mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 18g protein.
Packaged cheese ravioli is the ultimate vegetarian meal starter when you don’t have much time (or energy) to cook dinner. Served in a creamy sauce with wilted spinach and sweet frozen squash, this veggie-filled pasta dish makes a well-rounded meal.
11/35
Pinto Bean Zucchini Boats
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Zucchini shells take center stage when filled with vegetables, beans and sauce. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 zucchini halves: 377 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 1310mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 9g fiber), 17g protein.
If you’ve never stuffed a zucchini, get with the program! The sturdy green vegetable makes a nutritious platter for saucy pinto beans and melty Gouda cheese. Feel free to use your favorite shredded cheese mix from the supermarket—Mexican blends work well too.
12/35
Veggie Enchiladas
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These vegetarian enchiladas use a lot of garden favorites in a quick weeknight meal. Feel free to substitute with whatever vegetables you have from your garden: yellow summer squash, eggplant and corn—all taste great! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grv, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 346 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 780mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein.
Roasting zucchini, poblano pepper, mushrooms and tomatoes brings out their sweetness before they’re stuffed into cheesy enchiladas. Add black beans to up the dish’s protein and fiber content.
13/35
Weeknight Skillet Spinach Pie
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love sneaking extra veggies into my kids’ dinners, especially with this skillet spinach pie recipe. Because of this pie's flaky crust and extra cheese, the kids never know they’re eating a vitamin-rich dish. Plus, I’m not hovering over an oven for hours. Put the spinach and phyllo sheets in the refrigerator the night before or early in the morning for thawing. —Kristyne McDougle, Lorain, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 334 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 649mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein.
Flaky frozen phyllo dough layers with cheesy spinach to form a savory pie like no other. Serve it with a crunchy Greek salad and use up any leftover cheese in these tangy feta recipes.
14/35
Ravioli Casserole
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The whole family will love this yummy dish that tastes like lasagna without all the fuss. Timesaving ingredients like prepared spaghetti sauce and frozen ravioli make it a cinch to put together. Children can help you assemble this one. —Mary Ann Rothert, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 518 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 1411mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
This no-fuss cheesy recipe combines two of the greatest comfort foods—stuffed pasta and cheesy casseroles—to make one gorgeous crowd-pleaser.
15/35
Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mushrooms, carrots, celery, peas and potatoes pack this full-flavored meal-maker. In fact, you’ll never even miss the meat. It’s that rich and satisfying! —Kim Hammond, Kingwood, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 223 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 753mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
Yes, one of the world’s most famous meat pies can be made vegan—and it tastes just as hearty as the original. Umami mushrooms and protein crumbles provide the meaty texture, while fluffy mashed potatoes flavored with roasted garlic bring it all together.
16/35
Enchilada Pasta
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this cozy dish because it is ready in 30 minutes and is full of healthy ingredients—it has everything a busy weeknight meal calls for. —Nora Rušhev, Reitnau, Switzerland
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 444 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 1289mg sodium, 84g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 18g protein.
If you, like us, have fallen in love with cheesy Mexican lasagna, you’ll adore this fun one-pot penne that features everything we love about enchiladas, like black beans, corn, cheese and enchilada sauce. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh cilantro, diced red onion and wedges of lime.
17/35
Portobello and Chickpea Sheet-Pan Supper
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a fantastic meatless dinner or an amazing side dish. It works well with a variety of sheet-pan-roasted vegetables. We use zucchini or summer squash in the summer. You can also change up the herbs in the dressing. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 mushroom with 1 cup vegetables: 279 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 448mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 starch.
Sheet pan dinners are lifesavers on weeknights when we don’t have much time or energy to cook, and this colorful Lent-friendly dish could not be easier to put together. Bonus: It can be made with whatever veggies you have on hand. For extra protein, serve it with any simple baked fish dish.
18/35
Spinach Burritos
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made up this recipe a couple of years ago after trying a similar dish in a restaurant. Our oldest son tells me these burritos are awesome! It's an added bonus that they're inexpensive and easy to make. —Dolores Zornow, Poynette, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 382 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 1049mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
Frozen spinach does it again! The humble vegetable makes a crave-worthy burrito filling when sauteed with garlic and onion and topped with cheese and enchilada sauce. Making homemade flour tortillas is by no means necessary, but it will wow everyone at your table.
19/35
Quick and Easy Vegetable Potpie
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This meatless Monday superstar comes together quickly and is inexpensive as well. My 4-year-old always asks for seconds! You can substitute beans for canned lentils in this easy vegetable potpie. We also like using frozen edamame. —Maggie Torsney-Weir, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 356 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 705mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein.
This robust, entirely meatless potpie is packed with low-cost staples like canned lentils, frozen mixed vegetables and refrigerated pie crust. Give it a smoky Spanish flare by using lemon pepper and smoked paprika instead of the quatre epices (French four spice).
20/35
Kimchi Fried Rice
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Forget ordinary fried rice! Kimchi fried rice is just as easy, but it packs a flavorful punch. This is a fantastic use for leftovers too. You can freeze the fried rice for up to three months. When cooking your defrosted rice, add a little extra soy sauce so it doesn't dry out. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup fried rice with 1 egg: 331 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
Topped with an egg and flavored with spicy, gut-healthy kimchi, this simple Korean-inspired fried rice comes together quickly with leftover rice. If you’re intimidated by the pungent fermented cabbage, read up on all the amazing health benefits of kimchi, and you’ll be sold.
21/35
Nutty Cheese Tortellini
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to plant Italian flat-leaf parsley in a long terra-cotta planter so I always have some on hand. It adds bright, fresh flavor to this pasta dish. —Barbara Penatzer, Vestal, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 650 calories, 48g fat (25g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
Rather than serving refrigerated cheese tortellini with a jar of tomato sauce, mix things up by serving it with this fragrant walnut butter sauce, which is basically just as easy to heat up as the jarred stuff. Feel free to play around with the herbs—woodsy sage would be heavenly here.
22/35
Veggie-Cashew Stir-Fry
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Getting my meat-loving husband and two sons, ages 5 and 7, to eat more veggies had always been a struggle until I whipped up this stir-fry. I was shocked when they cleaned their plates and asked for seconds. —Abbey Hoffman, Ashland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 385 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 671mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
Cooking with cashews is a delicious way to get heart health benefits and add protein and healthy fats to your meal. This simple veggie stir-fry is filling enough as is, but throwing in your favorite plant-based meat substitute (like tempeh) will add even more heartiness.
23/35
Tuscan Portobello Stew
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a healthy one-skillet meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, yet elegant enough for company. I often take this stew to my school’s potlucks, where it is devoured by teachers and students alike. —Jane Siemon, Viroqua, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 309 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 13g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat, 1 lean meat.
Earthy portobello mushrooms and Tuscan flavors like rosemary, basil and thyme join forces to make the most soul-warming Italian stew, which is filled with kale and creamy cannellini beans. Finish each bowl with a drizzle of fruity extra-virgin olive oil and grated Parm.
24/35
Eggplant Rollatini
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These authentic Italian eggplant roll-ups can take some time to prepare, but the end result is restaurant-quality. Your family will request this recipe time and again. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3 roll-ups: 726 calories, 48g fat (15g saturated fat), 181mg cholesterol, 3182mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 7g fiber), 35g protein.
Eggplant Parmesan meets lasagna in this impressive Italian-inspired dish, which will win over even the staunchest eggplant haters. For an even bake, make sure to cut the eggplant super thin at 1/8-inch thick. If you’re not confident in your knife skills, a mandolin slicer will do the trick.
25/35
Vegetable Stew
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This fragrant, spicy vegetable stew can be served over couscous or with warm pita bread. Try topping the Moroccan dish with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream to cool it down. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 180 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
This isn’t your average vegetable soup. Flavored with warm, earthy spices like cinnamon, allspice and cumin, this hearty Morocco-inspired stew is pure comfort in a bowl. If you can never get enough vegetables, cauliflower and sweet potatoes make excellent additions.
26/35
Spanakopita
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Mediterranean dish is always a crowd-pleaser! Phyllo dough can be tricky to work with, so I always make sure the dough is only briefly thawed before using it. Usually, I take it out of the freezer and let it sit on the counter while I prep the spinach mixture. —Lora Moncure, Portland, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 273 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
This iconic Greek recipe features layers of seasoned spinach, tangy feta and crispy phyllo dough that form a super savory vegetarian pie. The combination of parsley and dill adds sweet, grassy flavor to contrast with the decadence of the dough and cheese.
27/35
Veggie Fajitas
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 fajitas
From the Recipe Creator:
For a scrumptious and super healthy party dish, these colorful, hearty veggie fajitas packed with crisp-tender vegetables are perfect. —Sarah Mercer, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 375 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 853mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
Serve these satisfying vegetarian fajitas with sides of cilantro lime rice or any of these Mexican side dishes. For the tangy salsa topping, consider any of these salsa brands that our Test Kitchen tasted and loved.
28/35
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the ultimate creamy mac and cheese. It's saucy, thick and very rich, with a wonderful cheddar flavor. Once you taste it, you'll be hooked. —Cindy Hartley, Chesapeake, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 653 calories, 46g fat (30g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 1141mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
Nothing compares to a bubbling pan of creamy macaroni and cheese, and this simple version might be the greatest mac of all time. It’s easy to sneak in vegetables too. Add chopped broccoli, spinach, artichokes, bell peppers, peas or mushrooms before baking.
29/35
Blush Sauce
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I reworked this recipe from an original that called for vodka and heavy whipping cream. My friends and family had a hard time believing a sauce this rich, flavorful and creamy could be light. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 335 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
Paired with soft garlic breadsticks and a side salad, this restaurant-worthy pasta makes a simple vegetarian feast. We love penne, but the sauce of tangy tomato paste, rich cream and bright white wine is irresistible on just about any pasta shape.
30/35
Pierogi Casserole
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband never tires of this hearty pierogi casserole, no matter how many times I serve it. It's great for potlucks, too! —Margaret Popou, Kaslo, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 223 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 425mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
Also called pierogi lasagna, this hearty casserole tastes just like those Eastern European potato dumplings thanks to layers of mashed potatoes, cheese and sweet caramelized onions. Use instant mashed potatoes or leftover mashed potatoes for quick preparation.
31/35
Creamy Avocado Manicotti
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am always looking for creative ways to make vegetarian dinners a little different. I grow my own basil, and avocados are a versatile favorite, so this recipe is a fantastic way to make manicotti that's a little unusual. —Jennifer Coduto, Kent, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 359 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 625mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
We know avocado in baked pasta sounds a little out-there, but the bright green fruit helps make a rich sauce thanks to all its healthy fats. The key for maximum creaminess is a ripe avocado: If all of yours are rock solid, here’s how to ripen an avocado quickly.
32/35
Lentil Tacos
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband's cholesterol numbers rose, I quickly lowered the fat in our family's diet. Finding dishes that were healthy for him and yummy for our five children was a challenge, but this fun taco recipe was a huge hit with everyone. —Michelle Thomas, Bangor, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 365 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 777mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Craving tacos on a Friday night? Swap out the ground beef with lentils! The texture isn’t far off from meat or beans, so you might not even know there’s no meat!
33/35
Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I'm invited to a potluck, I easily double or triple this healthy Moroccan chickpea stew to treat the crowd to an exotic dish of enticing, bold flavors. —Heather Demeritte, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 217 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 7g protein.
This nourishing soup, which comes together in just a half hour, is packed with vibrant spices, butternut squash and chickpeas. To make this stew in a slow cooker, start by sauteing the vegetables on the stove with the spices, then add everything into the slow cooker and let it cook for about four hours.
34/35
Tortellini with Tomato Cream Sauce
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tortellini with tomato cream sauce is warm and satisfying. Put spinach, tomatoes and other pantry staples to use in the colorful dish. —Barbra Stanger, West Jordan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 459 calories, 33g fat (18g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 835mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
Jazz up packaged cheese tortellini with a silky tomato cream sauce and frozen spinach. If you don’t have time to make the entire sauce from scratch, opt for the best jarred tomato sauce you can get your hands on.
35/35
Spinach Lasagna
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In the kitchen, my husband and I like to use classic ingredients in new ways. I came up with this lasagna one day and haven't made another type since. We love it! —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 291 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 673mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
You won’t want to waste a single ounce of this cheesy vegetarian baked pasta, so make sure you know how to freeze lasagna the right way. This recipe calls for no-cook lasagna noodles, which makes layering it even easier.
Lent Recipes FAQ
What can I eat during Lent?
Specific Lent dietary restrictions vary among faiths. Both Orthodox and Catholic traditions involve limiting meat, with the latter only avoiding meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays. Some people give up meat for the entirety of Lent, while others choose a different kind of treat to abstain from during Lent, like candy or junk food.
What are good recipes to eat on Fridays during Lent?
Fish is a popular go-to when you’re abstaining from meat. Friday fish frys are common at Midwestern restaurants. If you aren’t a big seafood fan, there are lots of protein-rich vegetarian dinners, such as bean burritos, lentil stew and mushroom pizza.
How can I make filling meatless meals for Lent?
There are plenty of filling plant-based ingredients that are packed with protein, fiber and fats that will satisfy everyone at your table. Opt for meals with lentils, canned beans, creamy avocado, seafood and meat substitutes, like tofu and tempeh. For something a little more indulgent, any cheese-heavy vegetarian casseroles or baked pastas should fill you up.
