Meat isn't the only way to get in this essential macro.
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Whether you follow a vegetarian diet or you're cooking for someone who does — or, hey, maybe you're just here to incorporate more vegetarian recipes into an otherwise omnivore-based approach — it can be difficult to fulfill your daily protein requirement. Vegetables, grains and dairy products have far less protein than meat, so you may need to actively seek out sources of the essential macronutrient (key for building muscle, boosting bone health and maintaining metabolism) for a healthy, satisfying diet. Luckily we did the work for you, rounding up the tastiest high-protein vegetarian meals straight from the pros in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen and Nutrition Lab. From lentil-based veggie burgers to breaded and baked tofu recipes, these vegetarian dinners and lunches make delicious use of plant-based protein sources. We promise — they're so good you absolutely will not miss the meat.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.36 grams per pound, which works out to be about 60 grams per day for a 170-pound person. That means you should aim for 15-30 grams of protein per meal, and all of the recipes on this list fall within that range. While there are plenty of plant-based meat alternatives (we love the new Beyond Burger), these recipes focus on high-protein meals and whole foods like lentils, beans, tofu, nuts and some grains. Some of these recipes don't contain dairy or eggs either, for a delicious, high-protein vegan option. Ready to feast sans meat? Dig in!
1
Poblano and Black Bean Loaded Baked Potato
Cheddar cheese is a surprising source of protein (it contains 7 grams per ounce) — so generously sprinkle it on piping-hot potatoes.
Get the Poblano and Black Bean Loaded Baked Potato recipe.
2
Palak Paneer
This rich, creamy skillet meal often requires blending the spinach into a gravy-like sauce, but our shortcut method saves you the extra dish (and the hassle).
Get the Palak Paneer recipe.
3
Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Peppers with Thyme Frico
Shameless plug: The Good Housekeeping 4-Piece Essential Baking Sheet Pan Set makes this sheet pan meal possible — and a breeze to clean up.
Get the Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Peppers with Thyme Frico recipe.
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4
Fully-Loaded Veggie Sandwiches
Skip the cold cuts and stuff your sando with hummus, mashed avocado and a medley of veggies. (Yes, it's vegan too!)
Get the Fully-Loaded Veggie Sandwiches recipe.
5
Sheet Pan Asparagus Frittata
Cut into 12 pieces, this veggie-packed frittata packs in 9 grams of protein per serving. But double up and enjoy two slices at once, especially slipped into a sandwich with onions and greens.
Get the Sheet Pan Asparagus Frittata recipe.
6
Matzo Lasagna
Layered with marinara sauce and melty cheese, matzo miraculously turns into tender, lasagna-like sheets.
Get the Matzo Lasagna recipe.
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7
Chickpea and Kale Soup
Thanks to a few pantry staples, this cozy soup comes together in under 30 minutes.
Get the Chickpea and Kale Soup recipe.
8
Butternut Mole Enchiladas
Roasted butternut squash makes a sweet and spicy (and 100% meatless) filling for enchiladas.
Get the Butternut Mole Enchiladas recipe.
RELATED: 32 Easy Butternut Squash Recipes Perfect for Cozy Fall Dinners
9
Linguine with Arugula Pesto
The secret to this slightly creamy sauce is a protein powerhouse.
Get the Linguine with Arugula Pesto recipe.
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10
Migas
Consider this the ultimate fridge clean-out recipe: Scramble eggs and fold in tortilla chips and cheese — and the rest is up to you (a scoop of pico de gallo keeps it classic).
Get the Migas recipe.
11
Pinto Bean and Poblano Soup
This smoky, hearty soup has a satisfying creamy texture — without any cream.
Get the Pinto Bean and Poblano Soup recipe.
12
Cheesy Lemon-Pepper Spaghetti
Consider this cacio e pepe's lemony cousin (that packs in 21 grams of protein per serving!).
Get the Cheesy Lemon-Pepper Spaghetti recipe.
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13
Wedge Salads with Buffalo Tofu Croutons
"Bread" tofu in crushed cornflakes for an crunchy bite made extra-crisp in the air fryer.
Get the Wedge Salads with Buffalo Tofu Croutons recipe.
RELATED: 78 Other Recipes You Can Make in Your Air Fryer
14
Sesame Noodles
Make a dreamy sauce for this vegetarian noodle bowl with creamy, store-bought tahini — or make your own tahini with just one ingredient.
Get the Sesame Noodles recipe.
15
Green Goddess Sandwiches
These dinner-worthy stackers star hard-boiled eggs made in the air fryer (you read that right).
Get the Green Goddess Sandwiches recipe.
RELATED: Fill Up With 30 More Protein-Packed Egg Recipes
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16
Roasted Eggplant Veggie Burgers
Meaty roasted eggplant and lentils form the base of these burgers, for a hearty bite that clocks 18 grams of protein.
Get the Roasted Eggplant Veggie Burgers recipe.
17
Kitchen-Sink Frittata
Waste not and follow our foolproof frittata formula: Cook on-the-verge veggies in a skillet, add whisked eggs and cheese and bake until set (and seriously delicious).
Get the Kitchen-Sink Frittata recipe.
18
Butternut Squash Mac 'n’ Cheese
Pick up canned butternut squash for faster prep. No roasting or blending required!
Get the Butternut Squash Mac 'n’ Cheese recipe.
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19
Kale and Chickpea Toasts
Bread and a can of beans is all you really need to make this weeknight dinner, but a pile of wine-braised kale completes the meal.
Get the Kale and Chickpea Toasts recipe.
20
Sticky Tofu Bowl
Roast tofu with soy sauce, dark brown sugar and chili garlic sauce for a savory-sweet, sticky finish.
Get the Sticky Tofu Bowl recipe.
RELATED: 35 Healthy Tofu Recipes That Even Meat Lovers Will Crave
