No one enjoys cleaning a mountain of dishes after a long day. To keep your mealtime stress to a minimum, we’ve rounded up the best one-pot vegan recipes that guarantee more time spent enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing down the kitchen. From veggie-packed stews to luscious pastas, you’ll love the wide range of fragrant flavors in these dishes, which don’t require complex cooking techniques. Simply heat up a pot on the stove, throw in your ingredients, and enjoy a delicious meal that will nourish your body and soul.
Note: While the majority of these recipes only call for a single pot, a few require an additional small bowl to mix up a sauce or dressing that is drizzled into the main pot.
Hungry for a healthy meal in a hurry? One pot and 15 minutes is all you need to create this Asian-style noodle bowl. With finely chopped vegetables, tofu, canned adzuki beans, mushrooms, vermicelli, and flavor boosters such as Thai basil, fresh ginger, and miso, this bountiful bowl tastes like you spent far longer in the kitchen than you did.
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Perfect for using up straggler produce and that extra can of beans at the back of your pantry, this tasty pesto pasta dish comes together in a matter of minutes. Bursts of juicy tomato, tangy red onion, and starchy red beans add an agreeable texture to the hearty whole wheat penne. Feel free to add in any other leftover veggies you have on hand to jazz up this versatile recipe!
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Minimal kitchen cleanup is the name of the game for this scrumptious pasta salad. Hearty rotini noodles and fresh produce make a winning combination, but the real star of the show is the tangy sauce that ties everything together. Creamy cashew butter, tart lemon juice, and slightly spicy Dijon mustard join forces to deliver a dish that will wow your taste buds.
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Get out your slurping spoons: This one-pot vegan recipe is sure to become your new favorite soup. Comforting cubes of potatoes get delightfully tender in the herb-infused broth while kale and cannellini beans offer additional substance. Add a few cracks of black pepper before serving, and you’ll be delighted by this easy and nourishing meal no matter how many times you make it.
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The best type of one-pot meal is the kind where you barely even need to stir it! Toss all the ingredients for this veggie minestrone into your Instant Pot to create a comforting stew that will warm you up on a cold night. While this classic Italian dish traditionally uses summer produce, our version calls for rutabaga, turnips, and parsnips to put an autumnal spin on this tasty recipe.
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Layers of textures and flavors are abundant in this dish, which cleverly turns old bread into a mouthwatering salad. Earthy Brussels sprouts, tangy dried cherries, crunchy walnuts, and succulent squash bring new life to cubes of crusty bread. Toss everything with fresh herbs and lemon juice, and you have a one-pot recipe that tastes great and reduces food waste.
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Five ingredients, one pot, and 20 minutes is all it takes to bring together this yummy recipe. Simply boil fennel, onion, and butternut squash in the same water as your pasta to concoct a meal that’s abundant with autumnal produce. Crunchy walnuts and fennel fronds make for a tasty (and visually appealing) topping!
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This vegan one-pot recipe is perfect for mornings when you’re craving something cheesy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Nutritional yeast adds plant-based cheesy goodness in this veggie scramble, while soy sauce brings an extra layer of mouthwatering umami flavor. While most vegan scrambles use tofu, ours opts for cauliflower, mushrooms, and peppers so you get a wide range of nutrients to power you through the day.
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Simple and refreshing, this soba noodle salad is ideal for days when you’re craving a light meal that’s packed full of bright flavor. The nutty buckwheat noodles soak up a tasty mixture of yuzu ponzu, brown rice vinegar, and fresh ginger that adds a distinctly Asian flare to the dish. Thinly sliced veggies add crunch and color so every forkful is a treat to eat.
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Not sure what to do with that bushel of radishes in your CSA box? This vegan one-pot recipe uses both the bulbs and the leaves to create a delicious zero-waste meal. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy decadence, while garlic and red pepper flakes add layers of heat and flavor. The starchy pasta water turns the simple spices into a silky smooth sauce so you’ll want a second serving before you’ve even finished the first.
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There’s nothing better than a simple meal where you can truly taste the interplay of all the different ingredients. In this quick pasta recipe, onion-like leeks lend their mellow flavor to earthy lentil rotini, while shiitake mushrooms add bursts of rich umami flavor. A little bit of lemon, rosemary, and black pepper add brightness that ties the whole dish together.
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Artichoke hearts steal the show in this tantalizing 20-minute penne pasta recipe. The rich, earthy artichoke chunks complement savory leeks and bright lemon for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile you’ll love. Stir in some tahini and fresh herbs right before serving, and get ready to chow down.
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Tired of bland oatmeal? Switch up your morning routine with this hearty bowl of sweet sorghum. The chewy grains are simmered with cinnamon, cardamom, and maple syrup to produce a porridge-like texture and then garnished with raspberries, pistachio, and chia seeds. Feel free to be creative with the toppings if you have other favorite breakfast flavors.
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This radiant root veggie pasta features thinly sliced carrots, parsnips, and radishes that blend in with hearty whole wheat noodles. Chickpeas add extra heft while currants bring in bursts of juicy sweetness to balance out the earthy produce. Sprinkle with chopped basil, and voilá! You have a one-pot meal that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
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There’s no simpler meal than this flavor-packed microwave chili. Sweet potatoes, tomatoes, white beans, and kale join forces to deliver a satisfying stew that needs just a few minutes in the micro to get scrumptiously saucy. Served over brown rice, you’ll love having this recipe in your back pocket on days where you don’t want to labor over a hot stove.
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One of our most beloved soup recipes of all time, this savory stew is bursting with tender butter beans, earthy asparagus, and hearty potatoes. Sautéed leeks provide a mellow sweetness, while mustard seeds and fresh dill deepen the complexity of the nourishing broth. One happy reader raves, “Oh my goodness! This soup is soooooo good!”
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Comforting and creamy, this one-pot recipe is the perfect pasta dish to use up extra produce. Mushrooms, broccoli, and roasted red peppers offer a range of varying textures that complement the starchy noodles. Fresh tarragon adds a delicious herbal element that leaves you craving more after each bite.
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Cozy up to this incredible one-pot vegan chili that gets a spicy kick from fresh jalapeño peppers. Millet and kidney beans replace the meat of a traditional chili but are just as filling, especially when paired with plump fire-roasted tomatoes and sweet bell peppers. A symphony of seasonings brings bold flavor that gets richer as the stew has time to settle, which makes this recipe perfect for prepping over the weekend to enjoy on a busy weeknight.
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The secret ingredient in this vegan one-pot meal is a salty strip of kelp called kombu, which is widely used in Japanese cuisine. While this stew would taste good without it, this clever addition adds a mushroom-like umami richness to the broth that is utterly delicious and will have you slurping up each spoonful with glee. This dish is also incredibly versatile and acts as a catch-all meal for when you need to use up the leftover ingredients in your fridge.
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They say we eat with our eyes before our stomachs, and this stunning soup is surely proof of that. Green peas provide dramatic contrast against vibrant purple cabbage so this one-pot meal is as much a visual feast as it is an actual meal. Chunks of potatoes soak up the savory broth, which is elevated with fresh thyme and parsley. Serve this at your next dinner party when you want to wow a crowd.
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Cooking with jackfruit may seem intimidating at first, but mastering this versatile Asian ingredient will elevate your plant-based meals to a whole new level of yum. In this recipe, meaty jackfruit chunks soak up a finger-licking-good broth and provide a tasty contrast to the textures of trumpet mushrooms, butternut squash, and other fresh veggies. Season with red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level, and enjoy!
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You know it’s going to be a great day when your breakfast is packed full of fresh produce. This morning hash recipe is seasoned with chili powder, garlic, and any soft green herbs you have on hand. Serve alongside toast, a tofu scramble, or pancakes to fuel up on good ingredients that will keep your mind and body sharp for the rest of the day.
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Warm and creamy and comforting, all the ingredients in this split pea soup are thrown in the crockpot in the morning so you have a delightfully low-effort dinner waiting for you at the end of the day. Paprika gives this dish its classic smokiness, while fennel adds an herbal, licorice-like component to perfectly balance out the savory peas. One happy reader says, “It was delicious, filling, and made a lot.”
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You’ll savor every bite of this exceptional one-pot meal that harnesses that subtle sweetness of butternut squash to create an irresistible autumnal stew. The tender chunks of squash pair perfectly with creamy kidney beans and crisp bell peppers so every bite is full of melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Striking the right balance between smoky and sweet, the plethora of seasonings in this soup layer on top of each other to create a rich broth worthy of serving at a high-end restaurant.
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Just as tasty as getting takeout, tucking into a bowl of this cozy vegan ramen will make all the stresses of the day melt away. Two varieties of mushrooms create a rich, savory base that’s laced with fragrant fresh ginger and spicy togarashi seasoning. Noodles, tofu, and veggies swim together in the slurpable broth for a one-pot meal that you’ll want to make again and again.
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An FOK reader favorite, one satisfied home chef gives this soup a rating of “10 stars!” The subtle sweetness of sautéed leek melds with the punchy herbs in Italian seasoning to jazz up a simple broth that seeps into tender summer squash. Cannellini beans add substance, while nutrient-dense leafy greens (such as kale or spinach) add an extra layer of nourishment to this healthy home-cooked meal.
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Soak up the flavors of the South with this incredible Creole-inspired vegan jambalaya. Meaty jackfruit is stewed with a medley of mixed veggies, beans, and rice to create a one-pot meal that will absolutely blow your mind. Punchy Creaole seasoning adds spice, smokiness, and a little salt so every bite is perfectly balanced. Garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
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It’s common to use rhubarb in baked goods, but this inventive one-pot meal transforms it into a savory soup packed full of good-for-you ingredients. Chewy quinoa soaks up a cinnamon- and turmeric-spiced broth that gets even more Moroccan inspiration when topped with pistachios right before serving. Carrots and spinach get tender alongside the chopped rhubarb, which means this colorful meal is brimming with tons of different nutrients.
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Savory black-eyed peas are rumored to bring good luck at the start of a new year, and while we aren’t sure if that’s true, we know for a fact this delicious one-pot vegan recipe will satisfy your stomach and nourish your soul. Also featuring collard greens, zucchini, and carrots, this yummy soup is a great way to eat your veggies whether it’s New Year’s Day or not.
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Pumpkin isn’t an ingredient only used in seasonal lattes! This eye-catching dal soup is packed with chunks of the orange squash, which get melt-in-your-mouth tender as the broth simmers on the stove. Featuring hearty lentils and Indian-inspired spices, you’ll love the depth of flavor that floods your senses with every bite.
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Full of fresh herbs and seasonal veggies, this excellent Instant Pot recipe is easy-peasy and totally tasty. Use any shape of pasta you have on hand and feel free to add extra veggies that you need to eat before they go bad. Serve alongside a simple salad or with a slice of crusty whole wheat bread to soak up the extra broth.
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Transport your taste buds to India with this delicious one-pot meal that calls on a plethora of fragrant spices to create a flavor-packed meal you won’t soon forget. Hearty kidney beans are stewed with sweet dates, spicy ginger, warming garam masala, and a host of other seasonings that meld into a savory stew. Serve over a bed of rice or with a side of pita bread to get the full dal experience.
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Brimming with a wealth of tasty ingredients, the standout component of this cold weather soup is the wild rice. Its nutty, earthy flavor adds tons of depth to a simple broth that takes on a creamy texture thanks to a mixture of almond and chickpea flour. Finished with fresh thyme and a dash of white wine vinegar, you’ll love ladling out a bowl of this filling stew to keep the winter blues at bay.
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Invite the flavors of Morocco into your kitchen with this simple and satisfying stew. Starchy chickpeas complement soft chunks of squash that absorb a tantalizing blend of cumin, paprika, ginger, and curry powder. One happy reader writes, “Very tasty, easy to make, and so full of flavor!”
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Spice up your oatmeal game with this veggie-packed version that calls on nutritional yeast and salsa to deliver delicious savory flavor. Root veggies and kale are mixed into the oats for extra nourishment and crunchy pumpkin seeds replace the nuts that might top a sweeter bowl of porridge. Sprinkle on some sliced avocado and black pepper before digging into this tasty twist on a breakfast classic.
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Craving the comforting chicken noodle soup you enjoyed as a child? This vegan version is a fantastic one-pot meal that delivers all the same flavors using plant-based ingredients. Dried marjoram, sage, and thyme create the perfect blend of savory seasonings, while chopped celery and carrots add the chunky texture that’s critical for this type of soup. Add a dash of soy sauce for extra umami flavor, and dig in.
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When you want to keep dinner simple but satisfying, break out this super tasty one-pot recipe. Throwing green lentils in an Instant Pot with diced tomatoes, onions, carrots, and celery makes them perfectly creamy and plump with the flavors of fresh produce. Eat as is, or serve with rice for an extra filling meal.
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Cozy up to this creamy curry when you’re in need of a little comfort food. Sweet potatoes and lentils get delightfully soft as the bold flavors of curry powder, garam masala, and turmeric take center stage. Swiss chard leaves add a nice textural component, while vegan yogurt adds a cool tang to complement the warming spice palette. One FOK fan says, “This was fabulous.”
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Is there anything more delicious than a bowl full of creamy, savory rice? We sure don’t think so! This vegan one-pot recipe transforms traditional risotto (which uses lots of butter and cheese) into a plant-based powerhouse that’s full of fresh flavors. Zucchini noodles and cherry tomatoes are the perfect garnish for this classic Italian dish with a vegan twist.
View RecipeThis article was originally published on Oct. 5, 2022, and has been updated.
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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Comments (4)
So many of these recipes make my mouth water, as I look at them and think, “Ooh! I’d like to try that combo!” Bowls of composite foods have been my family’s primary form of meals ever since discovering the health benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. We rarely use our plates these days, and we have an eclectic collection of bowls to choose from – along with each member’s personal favorite – for our soups, chilis, roasts, scrambles and “slops” (a default term when we don’t know what else to call it).
Thank you for sending out all of these ‘one-pot’ recipes. They are SO great for the working crowd. We are retired & my hubby will not eat most of these, but I enjoy freezing things in portions for myself & then just have to cook what he likes.
Thanx, again, for the great food ideas that you provide & for all of the good work that you do !
Thank you so much! I can’t wait to try some new recipes!
Thank you for these wonderful recipes. I am making the split pea soup today.