Lent began this week.
For many that means not eating meat on Fridays.
Every year I get stuck in a rut, making the same 2 meals on Fridays during Lent.
To avoid getting stuck in that rut, and to make sure my husband isn’t eating frozen fish sticks, I’ve come up with a list of delicious and simple meatless meals for Lent.
Of course these quick dinner ideas could be used any time of the year. You may also enjoy these under 30 minute dinner ideas.
Simple Meatless Meals for Lent
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Tomato Soup. Simple comfort food. Dress up the soup with shredded cheese, sour cream, or a bit of salsa. Slice up a tomato to add to the grilled cheese sandwich.
Tuna Salad Sandwiches. As a kid this was a staple during Lent. We always had it with cream of mushroom soup. Or, skip the sandwiches and put your tuna salad on lettuce with chunks of tomatoes on the side.
Egg Salad Sandwiches. This has become a big favorite with my kids. In fact, the 6 and 8 year-old can make it themselves as long as I boil the eggs for them.
Salmon Patties. This was another dinner staple during Lent when I was a child. The salmon patty recipe I use is super simple, and the kids love it. Serve them with a hot vegetable and mac-n-cheese as sides, and dinner is ready in 20 minutes.
Eggplant Parmesan. Such a yummy way to increase your vegetable intake. We love this simple Eggplant Parmesan recipe.
Vegetarian or Cheese Pizza. Whether it’s delivery or you make your own, sometimes it’s nice to be able to just snuggle with the kids in front of a good movie and share a pizza at the end of the work week. Pizza Bagels are a great alternative if it’s dinner for just one or two, or if you’re looking for a great lunch idea.
Pasta and Marinara Sauce. Spaghetti is a staple here on nights when I need to get dinner on the table in a hurry. Make it more fun by changing up the type of pasta used. Want something other than marinara sauce? Try Alfredo sauce. Not only is this meal fast, but pasta is one of the most inexpensive meals you can serve.
Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups. These spinach lasagna roll-ups are so delicious you won’t even notice there’s no meat involved.
Cheese Quesadillas. Make cheese quesadillas in minutes. Serve them with salsa and sour cream for dipping and vegetarian re-fried beans.
Bean Burritos. Try this baked bean burrito recipe from Pint-Sized Treasures for a delicious meal that’s ready in 15 minutes. Just be sure to use vegetarian re-fried beans.
Leave the fish sticks in the freezer. With 7 Fridays during Lent, and these 10 simple meatless dinner ideas, there’s no need to get stuck in a rut and no need to heat up fish sticks as a last minute dinner.
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Leslie says
These are great suggestions. I myself love tuna sandwiches. I want to try eggplant parm but I haven’t yet, it looks intimidating to make.
OneMommy says
I promise this eggplant parm recipe is totally doable! 🙂
Christine Carter says
Oh such great ideas. I pinned and will definitely try them! 🙂