We live lives so busy that convenience often trumps health. That’s why the demand for quick, affordable, and delicious vegan meals is on the rise. It’s a good thing this article has you covered, whether you're a busy professional, a college student on a tight budget, or simply someone who appreciates easy meals.

So for our budget-savvy vegan friends out there, we've put together a collection of nine effortless meals that fit your budget while staying true to your ethical choices. Read on! 

The Rise of Lazy Veganism

What is Lazy Veganism?

Lazy veganism is a growing trend among those who seek a plant-based diet but lack time or culinary skills. It emphasizes simplicity, convenience, and affordability, making it accessible to all.

The Appeal of Lazy Vegan Meals

What you’ll enjoy with these lazy vegan meals are the following: 

• They won't break the bank with wallet-friendly staples like beans, rice, and veggies. 
• Perfect for hectic days, they're quick to prepare. 
• They're your ticket to a healthier lifestyle by cutting cholesterol and lowering chronic disease risks. 
• Choosing vegan means making ethical strides towards a kinder, more compassionate world.

Lazy Vegan Meals To Try At Home

Photo credits: The Conscious Plant Kitchen

1. Quick and Hearty Veggie Stir-Fry

Don't let a busy day derail your healthy eating goals. Enter the stir-fry solution: a medley of vibrant bell peppers, nutrient-packed broccoli, sweet carrots, and snappy snap peas. Add your choice of tofu or tempeh, infuse it with soy sauce, and season it to perfection. Within minutes, you'll savor a nutritious, flavor-packed meal that conquers time constraints.

You can also follow the Vegan Stiry Fry recipe from The Conscious Plant Kitchen. 

Photo Credits: Caitlin Bensel / The Mediterranean Dish

2. One-Pot Lentil Soup

When you're in the mood for a laid-back evening, turn to a classic: lentil soup. Simply toss lentils, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and your preferred spices into a pot. Let it simmer until the lentils reach the perfect tenderness. The result? A hearty, protein-packed option that demands minimal effort.

Here’s a great Vegan Lentil Soup recipe you can try from The Mediterranean Dish.

3. Avocado Toast with a Twist

Transform a simple yet delectable dish into a gourmet delight! Here’s how: 

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 4 whole-grain bread slices
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red pepper flakes
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mash avocados, season with salt and pepper.
2. Toast bread until golden.
3. Spread avocado on toast.
4. Top with cherry tomatoes.
5. Sprinkle red pepper flakes.
6. Drizzle with olive oil.
7. Garnish with basil (optional).
   
   

Photo Credits: Rainbow Plant Life

 

4. Vegan Burrito Bowl

Whip up a flavourful meal effortlessly! All you have to do is grab some cooked rice, toss in black beans, sweet corn, and diced tomatoes, and don't be shy with that guacamole and salsa. Now, let's jazz it up with your fave toppings—diced onions, jalapeños, or some vegan cheese for that extra oomph. It's an easy, yummy adventure!

Here’s a Vegan Burrito Bowl recipe from Rainbow Plant Life. They swear it's better than Chipotle! 

Photo credits: Ambitious Kitchen

5. Lazy Pasta Primavera

Prepare a delightful and surprisingly simple pasta dish. Boil your preferred pasta, then toss it with either steamed or roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and asparagus. To elevate the dish, drizzle a creamy vegan sauce crafted from cashews, nutritional yeast, and garlic. 

If you want a no-fuss recipe, try Ambitious Kitchen’s Vegan Pasta Primavera with Creamy Garlic Cashew Sauce! 

Photo credits: Kitchen Sanctuary

6. Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry

Delight in a one-pot wonder that combines sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and diced tomatoes, all simmered in a fragrant curry sauce crafted from coconut milk and spices. Elevate the experience by serving it over a bed of rice, resulting in a comforting, lazy vegan meal.

Here’s a more detailed recipe from Kitchen Sanctuary.

7. Vegan Tacos

Make quick, customisable vegan tacos in a flash with this recipe: 

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 8 small tortillas
• Vegan toppings: guacamole, salsa, vegan sour cream, cilantro, vegan cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, hot sauce (optional)
• Cooking oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and bell pepper in oil until tender. Add black beans, cook for 2-3 mins.
2. Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
3. Fill tortillas with the bean mixture.
4. Add your choice of vegan toppings.
5. Fold and serve.

Photo credits: Lazy Vegan

8. Lazy Vegan Pizza

Let's make pizza night a breeze! Start by either snagging a pre-made crust or using whole-wheat pita bread as your pizza base. Slather it with your fave tomato sauce, then go wild with vegan cheese, sliced olives, yummy mushrooms, and those colorful bell peppers. Pop it in the oven, and get ready for a crispy, cheesy masterpiece!

For a more detailed recipe, check out Lazy Vegan’s take on this classic vegan meal! 

9. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

Lazy moments deserve a delicious rescue plan, and that's where the peanut butter and banana sandwich comes in! Here’s our quick recipe so you can whip this up anytime your heart desires: 

Ingredients:

• Hearty whole-grain bread
• Creamy peanut butter
• Banana slices
• Honey or maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Take two slices of hearty whole-grain bread.
2. Generously spread creamy peanut butter on one side of each slice.
3. Arrange banana slices on one of the bread slices.
4. Drizzle honey or maple syrup on top of the bananas.
5. Place the other bread slice on top, peanut butter side down, to make a sandwich.
6. Press gently to seal.
7. Enjoy your quick and delicious peanut butter and banana sandwich!

Adequate Protein Intake for Vegans

Remember, adequate protein intake for vegans like you is extremely important to consider. Those delightful, fuss-free meals we mentioned earlier are fantastic, but it's vital to keep your protein game strong. 

Infuse flavor and nutrition by adding protein-rich options like tofu, tempeh, lentils, chickpeas, and beans. And don't stop there—elevate your culinary game with the goodness of nuts, seeds, and plant-based powders.

Keep an eye on your protein needs and have some fun trying other vegan protein sources. Your taste buds and body will thank you!