No Meat May: Hearty Dinner Recipes To Warm You Up

No Meat May is a global campaign that challenges people to give up meat for 31 days in May. Each year, participation has more than doubled, further proving how popular meat-free diets are becoming. 

Eating less meat is better for our health, particularly when cutting out on highly processed meats (cured meats, hot dogs etc.). The healthiest diets in the world are high in plants and low in meat products, for example, the plant-based diet and Mediterranean diet. Health isn’t the only motivation for quitting meat; other common motivations include ethical and environmental reasons. 

So whether you’re a dedicated vegan on the lookout for new dinner recipes, or a newbie that’s learning the ropes, I’ve got an eclectic list of comforting, meat-free dishes for you - from pot roast to potato chilli bake. 

By: Better Nature Method: Roasting, Frying, Blending Difficulty: Intermediate

Wellington is always a good idea when you aim to impress, and this tempeh version will undoubtedly blow away both meat-eaters and veggies alike. It’s not the easiest, but it’s worth the effort. Recipe here.

By: Tiba Tempeh Method: Cooking Difficulty: Intermediate

Meatballs are wonderfully versatile; have them with spaghetti, in a sub roll, or smothered in gravy alongside mashed potato. This vegan meatball recipe is meaty, hearty, nutritious, and won’t fall apart. If you’d like to make your neatballs even more flavourful, add a sprinkling of Italian seasoning in the mixture, and sprinkle vegan parmesan on top. Recipe here.

By: Clearspot Tofu Method: Baking Difficulty: Beginner

This sausage and vegetable traybake is for those nights that you want something easy to put together, but that’s also comforting and filling. Use your favourite vegan sausages or stick with the delicious Clearspot Tofu Sausages for a protein-packed dish! Recipe here.

By: Gaz Oakley Method: Baking Difficulty: Beginner

Chilli is one of the best comfort meals out there - it’s healthy, hearty and easy to make. Baked foods are also some of the best comfort meals, so you can imagine how delicious it would be to merge the two together. Serve up with herby, roasted veggies or some sautéed spinach for a nutritious family dinner. Recipe here.

By: Bonsan Method: Cooking, Baking  Difficulty: Intermediate

Who said pot roasts have to include meat?! This plant-based version combines tender jackfruit with tasty veggies to create a mouthwatering, filling meal. You can also try other proteins, such as seitan, tempeh or tofu. Recipe here.

By: Biona Organic Method: Cooking Difficulty: Intermediate

This soul-soothing chilli recipe is a healthy version of the meaty classic that many people grew up eating. It’ll have you wondering why you ever needed to use animal products in the first place! If you’re a fan of plant-based meats, you can add vegan mince as well as beans for extra protein and texture. Recipe here.

By: Mr. Organic Method: Frying, Boiling Difficulty: Intermediate

Believe it or not, this entire recipe can be made in under an hour! Not only is it quick, but it’s a great dish for meal prepping, so you can heat it up for lunch or dinner all week. Recipe here.

By: Clearspot Tofu Method: Frying, Stewing Difficulty: Beginner

Put your store cupboard ingredients to good use by cooking this rustic cassoulet that’s ready in just 30 minutes. To make the portions go even further, serve up with rice, salad or extra veggies on the side. Recipe here.