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22 Irresistible Vegan Comfort Food Recipes

By Megan Edwards,

In need of a little TLC? We’ve rounded up our favorite vegan comfort food recipes, from creamy pastas to hearty stews, casseroles, and more. Whether you’ve had a hard day at work or are simply craving an ultra-satisfying meal, these dishes deliver that extra dose of yum that you deserve. Take a look at the list below and treat yourself to a meal that feels like a warm hug with every bite.

Mushroom Stroganoff with Wheatballs in a white bowl

Mushroom Stroganoff with Wheatballs

What’s more satisfying than a bowl full of tender pasta and creamy gravy? This plant-based twist on beef stroganoff replaces the meat with hearty mushrooms and quinoa wheatballs that soak up the decadent sauce. This recipe is so good you might want to lick the plate!
Creamy Vegan Ramen in a white bowl with a metal spoon

Creamy Vegan Ramen

Cozy up to a big helping of this tasty soup packed full of fresh veggies, tofu, and chewy ramen noodles. The savory broth is enhanced with ginger, miso, and plenty of umami-rich mushrooms to give this dish an extra comforting edge. One reader raves: “Amazing flavors!”
Vegan Sweet Potato Gratin with fresh sage leaves in a white casserole dish

Vegan Sweet Potato Gratin

Is there anything better than warm cheesy potatoes? This vegan gratin uses multicolored sweet potatoes to create a tasty mosaic, which gets slathered in a creamy sauce and topped with fresh sage. Nutritional yeast brings that salty, cheesy flavor you crave, while chipotle chili powder adds just enough kick to warm you up from the inside out. 
Cauliflower Barbecue Vegan Pizza Made at Home - shown on gray surface

BBQ Cauliflower and Pineapple Pizza

Dive into sweet-and-savory heaven with this finger-licking-good pizza. Tender cauliflower florets are drenched in barbecue sauce and layered on a whole wheat pizza crust with succulent bites of pineapple. But what really ups the wow factor of this comfort food recipe is the creamy cannellini spread that replaces standard pizza sauce.
vegan mac and cheese

Stove-Top Vegan Macaroni and Cheese

When you’re in the mood for a nostalgic meal, it’s time to break out the mac and cheese. This plant-based version of the classic comfort food uses potatoes, carrots, onion, cashews, and nutritional yeast to create a gooey cheese sauce that tastes like the real deal. Feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand, but classic elbow noodles will dial up the comfort factor.
Plant-based tacos with a mushroom chorizo filling served on a blue table

Mushroom Chorizo Tacos con Papas

Gobble up these delicious tacos, which feature a mouthwatering filling of potatoes, mushrooms, chickpeas, and smoky Southwest spices. Top the plant-based chorizo mixture with fresh cilantro, cabbage, lime juice, and any other taco garnishes you love to create a beautiful meal bursting with flavor. The warm corn tortillas and meaty texture are sure to hit the spot.
A woman's hand scoop up a spoonful of the Best-Ever Beefless Stew (a Vegan Beef Stew) from a ceramic bowl

Best-Ever Beefless Stew

Slurp up this rich stew that replaces animal products with meaty portobello mushrooms. The warming broth is flavored with bold Italian spices and fresh rosemary to give it a savory kick, while the diced veggies add heft and get deliciously tender as they simmer in the soup. One reader says: “This was an amazing stew! Hearty, savory, and feel-good food!”
Vegetable pot pie

Vegetable Potpie

A flaky pie crust and gooey vegetable gravy make this potpie the ultimate vegan comfort food. A hearty mix of chickpeas, mushrooms, carrots, celery, and squash gets simmered to bubbly perfection before being poured into the crust. Make this special dish when you’re in need of a pick-me-up.
Two breaded air-fryer portobello burgers shown from above, drizzled with Thousand Island dressing, which is also in a ramekin between the burgers

Air-Fryer Portobello Burgers with Thousand Island Aïoli

Got a fast-food craving? Try these delectable plant-based burgers, which skip the meat and oil without skimping on flavor. Portobello patties are coated in a crunchy breadcrumb mixture and air-fried to crispy perfection before being topped with a tangy, creamy Thousand Island dressing. Serve with a side of oven-baked fries for a nourishing and familiar meal. 
Barbecue Vegan Bean Casserole and Cornbread Bake

Barbecue Bean and Cornbread Bake

The classic combo of chili-and-cornbread gets a plant-based update with this easy vegan casserole. The smoky-sweet base of bean and veggies makes the perfect nest for pockets of fluffy cornbread dumplings, and a sprinkling of scallions at the end add a tangy bite. The result? A big pot of nourishing goodness that screams Southern comfort food.
Pumpkin Red Lentil Dal

Pumpkin and Red Lentil Dal

Melt-in-your-mouth cubes of pumpkin steal the show in this colorful and vibrantly flavored stew from Darshana Thacker, head chef and culinary projects manager for Forks Over Knives. Staples of Indian cooking such as turmeric, coriander, ginger, and mustard seeds add layers of delicious aromas to the broth, while red lentils add substance. Your spirits will soar after one bite of this delicious dal.
Big plate of vegan spaghetti with vegan meatballs and red sauce served in gray-blue bowl and table

Vegan Spaghetti Marinara with Lentil Balls

Is there a more iconic comfort food than spaghetti and meatballs? This vegan version incorporates homemade lentil balls, which are infused with savory, umami-rich flavors thanks to mushrooms, soy sauce, and nutritional yeast. Toss with some warm marinara, and you have a wholesome, nourishing meal perfect for soothing frazzled nerves.
Hearty Vegan Lentil Nachos

Loaded Lentil Nachos

Crispy tortilla chips are loaded with seasoned lentils, fresh pico de gallo, and a scrumptious nacho “cheese” sauce to create a totally crave-worthy dish. Whether you’re making this as a game-day snack or quick and easy dinner, these stellar nachos will satisfy your hankering for vegan comfort food any day of the week.
Pumpkin Alfredo Casserole Wordpress

Pumpkin Alfredo Casserole

This creamy casserole bake is the ultimate dish to warm your belly and lift your spirits. Canned pumpkin transforms into a decadent alfredo sauce when blended with potatoes, cauliflower, and onion. Tender linguine soaks up the good-for-you sauce, while fresh sage brings out the earthiness in the pumpkin. Happy feasting!

Vegan Vegetable Korma

Looking for a nourishing curry recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes? You’ve hit the jackpot. This hearty korma dish serves up a big helping of fresh veggies simmered in delicious Indian spices—just as satisfying as takeout. Soak up the extra sauce with brown rice or whole wheat naan to up the comfort level to 10/10.
Hearty Red Bean Chili in a white bowl with tortillas on the side

Hearty Vegan Red Bean Chili

Tuck into a big bowl of this brightly colored chili whenever you’re feeling the blues. Kidney beans, fresh veggies, and hearty millet are infused with smoky spices and simmered until your house is filled with the delicious aroma of dinner. For extra spice, sprinkle some jalapeño slices on top.

Sweet Potato Lasagna

Serving vegan comfort food to a large group can be daunting, but this delightful recipe makes hosting a breeze. Layers of tender sweet potatoes, savory cashew cheese sauce, garlicky greens, and hearty noodles meld together in the oven for a decadent lasagna packed full of healthy ingredients. Top with some fresh basil, and prepare to receive some compliments from your guests!
Creamy Broccoli Chowder Soup shown on dark table with a bowl of toasted croutons on the side

Creamy Vegan Broccoli Chowder with Garlic Croutons

Feeling crabby? This seafood-free chowder is here to help. Potatoes, cannellini beans, and plant-based milk form the creamy base for this incredible vegan soup, which is far healthier than any dairy-based chowder. Fresh broccoli florets and crunchy garlic croutons add delicious texture and depth of flavor. One reader raves: “This recipe was fantastic. It turned out so well that even my 3 year old enjoyed it!”

Shepherd’s Pot Pie

A fluffy layer of mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection, hides a treasure trove of creamy veggies in this comforting vegan casserole. Feel free to use any extra produce you have on hand for the potpie filling, and sprinkle everything with fresh chives for a restaurant-quality meal.

Bean & Corn Enchiladas

Holy guacamole are these tasty! A savory homemade enchilada sauce coats tender tortillas that are stuffed with beans, corn, green chiles, and scallions. Topped with fresh onion, cilantro, avocado, and extra salsa, this Mexican-inspired dish will make your taste buds dance with delight.
creamy vegan risotto with mushrooms, carrots, and peas, in a white bowl on a red plate

Lots-of-Vegetables Risotto

Name a more comforting dish than risotto… That’s right—there are none! This vegan version gets its creaminess from plant-based milk and savory veggie stock. Mushrooms, carrots, cauliflower, and peas add tasty texture, but you can swap in any other produce that you like. One bite of this recipe and you’ll instantly feel a stressful day melt away.
Close-up shot of a lentil sloppy joe with filling spilling out of bun

Lentil Sloppy Joes

Closing out our list of the best vegan comfort food recipes is the all-American sloppy Joes sandwich. In this one-pot recipe, hearty lentils are slowly simmered in a smoky-sweet concoction, making for an immensely flavorful filling that’s tastier and healthier than meat. Load it onto some whole grain buns, add all your favorite sandwich trimmings, and enjoy!

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About the Author

Headshot of Megan Edwards

About the Author

Megan Edwards

Megan Edwards is a staff writer and content producer for Forks Over Knives. She is also a certified RYT-500 yoga teacher who is passionate about cultivating holistic wellness through plant-based eating, mindful movement, and meditation. With a background in journalism and marketing, she supports both the online presence and quarterly print magazine for Forks Over Knives.
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