Sharing some of our favorite meatless meals that can be made easily thanks to the Instant Pot, Slow Cooker or Air Fryer. All delicious and all designed to save your time in the kitchen.
Making Meal Time Easier
There are so many kitchen appliances on the market that are geared towards the making cooking easier. Blenders, mixers, choppers, egg cookers, food processors and toaster ovens to name a few.
The three major appliances we use time and time again seem to be the Crock Pot (slow cooker), Air Fryer and Instant Pot (pressure cooker).
We asked some of our Dietitian friends to share their favorite meatless recipes using either an instant pot, slow cooker or air fryer. We don’t know about you but the collection sounds like the perfect fall and winter dish rotation.
Incorporating Meatless Meals into your Diet
The Mediterranean diet has shown time and time again that increasing plant based foods in your diet is one way to help increase health and reduce risk for certain chronic diseases. Focusing on whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and olive oils is the main goal of this lifestyle.
Sometimes it can be hard, especially if you are used to having meat at every meal, to feel confident having a meal without any meat. Luckily there are so many delicious plant based meals available on the internet, in magazines and social media these days.
If you are new to experimenting with meatless meals, here are some of our tips –
- Start small. Pick one meal a week to try going meatless
- Lentils and beans are great ways to keep meals hearty and filling thanks to their protein and fiber content. Check out more in this Why We Love Lentils and You Should too post.
- Mushrooms offer a texture that is similar to meat in some recipes like spaghetti sauce, tacos or burgers.
- Get your family on board and part of the process, make it fun!
- Experiment and play around with new recipes, spices, and ingredients
So without further ado, check out the collection of delicious recipes to get you started below.
Crock Pot and Slow Cooker Recipes
Healthy Crock Pot Cincinnati Chili from Being Nutritious
Lentils replace the beef in this thick and hearty Crock Pot Chili recipe. Perfect for chilly fall days when you want to come home and dinner is already done and waiting for you.
Sweet Potato Lentil Curry from Lettuce Veg Out
This delicious and rich tasting sweet potato lentil curry is easy to make thanks to the slow cooker…just dump and go, set it and forget it. Making lunches and dinner a breeze.
Slow Cooker Applesauce from The Domestic Dietitian
Welcome fall with open arms by making a big batch of this simple and delicious Slow Cooker Applesauce recipe.
Instant Pot Recipes
Easy Spicy Lentil Chili from Melissa Traub
The instant pot is great for cooking beans and lentils because they don’t require any soaking. This fiber and protein packed chili is easy and quick.
Sweet Potato Soup with Tofu from Nourish Nutrition Blog
This soup is creamy, silky and easy to cook thanks to the Instant Pot.
Mediterranean Style Eggplant Pasta from Melissa Traub
A delicious instant pot meal featuring eggplant and whole grain spaghetti that comes together quick, making it perfect for any night of the week.
Lentil Curry from To Taste
“Made from pantry-staple ingredients and designed to work with any budget, this Instant Pot lentil curry is as easy as it gets”!
Hamburger Helper from KeyVion Miller Nutrition
“A super easy, one pot dish that’s cheesy, flavorful and done in 30 minutes”! Just follow the easy and helpful instructions for making it meatless and you’ve got yourself a vegetarian meal the whole family will love.
Sweet Potato Lentil Soup with Turmeric and Fennel from Sound Bites Nutrition
Fragrant and filling, this fiber and protein filled soup will be on repeat all fall and winter long in our kitchen.
Lentil Cauliflower Curry from Champagne Nutrition
Hearty vegetables like cauliflower and carrots combine with tomato sauce, rice and lentils to create this fast cooking dish.
Leek and Cauliflower Soup from Lauren Ann Nutrition
This recipe turns cauliflowers, leeks, and celery into a silky, creamy soup and will fool any meat eater!
Lentil Stroganoff from Nourish Nutrition Blog
“If you’re looking for a delicious, cosy, and easy dinner, this Instant Pot lentil stroganoff with tender, meaty mushrooms fits the bill. It’s hearty, filling, and a fun vegetarian take on the traditional beef stroganoff“.
Air Fryer Recipes
Easy Air Fryer Falafel from EA Stewart, The Spicy RD
A nourishing and delicious, plant based and gluten free meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Perfectly Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts from The Domestic Dietitian
The perfect blend of warm Brussels sprouts and those delectable crispy edges, all topped with melted parmesan and toasted panko breadcrumbs.
Crispy Pasta Chips with Spicy Marinara from The Domestic Dietitian
These pasta chips are a fun way to serve up an old, family favorite.
