Vegetarian Comfort Food

These cozy, hearty, satisfying vegetarian dishes prove that comfort food doesn't need meat.

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Photo By: Matt Armendariz

Photo By: Teri Lyn Fisher

Chickless Pot Pie Recipe

Trisha Yearwood's vegetarian take on chicken pot pie is just as decadent without the meat. Although the luscious vegetable filling with peas, carrots and potatoes could be a meal on its own, wrapping it in premade pie dough seals in flavor with a crispy crust.

Get the Recipe: Chickless Pot Pie

Fettuccine Alfredo

Giada uses heavy cream to achieve an irresistible creamy richness in her classic fettuccine Alfredo. Use fresh lemon juice to cut through the heaviness of the cream and add a kick of freshness.

Get the Recipe: Fettuccine Alfredo

Vegetarian Chicken-Fried Portobello Mushroom Steaks

Attention, vegetarians! You don't have to miss out on a classic blue-plate special any longer. This mushroom version has the exact same breading used for chicken-fried steak (it works great), fried until it's golden and crispy. Be generous with the flavor-packed veggie gravy (you can make it ahead and freeze it for up to a month).

Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Chicken-Fried Portobello Mushroom Steaks

Mushroom Bourguignon

We took inspiration from the classic French dish of braised beef and veggies and transformed it into a vegetarian-friendly meal. The combination of mixed mushrooms adds earthiness and umami to the sauce, while the tender parsnips and carrots deliver just the right amount of creaminess and textural appeal. Serve over tender egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes or a bowl of polenta for a hearty and comforting meal.

Get the Recipe: Mushroom Bourguignon

Gluten-Free Eggplant Parmesan

An Italian favorite gets a gluten-free makeover thanks to almond meal. Cleanup is also easier: Instead of frying in a skillet, bake the nut-crusted eggplant on a rack until it's golden brown.

Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Eggplant Parmesan

Broccoli and Orzo Casserole

Use a favorite creamy cheese, Havarti, in this comforting casserole. The mild Danish cheese is widely available in different flavors — try dill or caraway for extra punch.

Get the Recipe: Broccoli and Orzo Casserole

Chicken Fried Mushroom Po'Boy

A New Orleans po'boy is traditionally loaded with fresh seafood from the coast and sandwiched between a soft French-style loaf. In this version, we kept the classic fixings, such as sliced tomato, finely shredded lettuce and a generous drizzle of homemade remoulade sauce. But we swapped in wild mushrooms that are "chicken fried" — coated in a shaggy buttermilk and seasoned flour batter, then deep fried to golden perfection, giving you a hearty vegetarian alternative to the beloved sandwich. We opted for maitake and oyster mushrooms because they hold the batter well and fry up crispy, but a variety of mushrooms would work well for this recipe.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Mushroom Po'Boy

Vegetarian Skillet Chili Topped with Cornbread

A hearty chili made with butternut squash and fluffy cornbread comes together in this single-skillet meal. Serve it with extra sour cream and pickled jalapenos on the side for topping.

Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Skillet Chili Topped with Cornbread

Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

No need for a flour-and-butter roux in this easy stovetop version of an old favorite: The cream cheese adds body and richness. If your mac and cheese gets a little stiff as it cools, just stir in some warm water to smooth it out — it works like a charm!

Get the Recipe: Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Chicken-Fried Cauliflower

Who needs meat? This unique twist on classic chicken-fried steak gives vegetarians an indulgent main course that will make even meat eaters a little jealous.

Get the Recipe: Chicken-Fried Cauliflower

Healthy Chili Bean and Bulgur Burgers

Don't let these veggie burgers fool you: They may look like fried-chicken sandwiches, but they're actually packed with plant protein and fiber and flavor! We love the simple broiler method for cooking the patties. A light coating of cooking spray makes the outside come out nice and crunchy.

Get the Recipe: Healthy Chili Bean and Bulgur Burgers

Shortcut Chana Masala

I’ve yet to have a better chickpea dish than chana masala or chickpea curry. There are many versions of this dish. My favorite is when the chickpeas are smothered with a delicious thick, piquant and spiced gravy. Many recipes start with dried chickpeas that are infused with black tea and cardamom. This is an easy take that starts with canned chickpeas, so you can make it even on a weekday. I like it even more the next day, and it also freezes really well.

Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chana Masala

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Kale and Mushrooms

Don't be alarmed by how much kale you start with for this recipe. It will cook down quite a bit and pairs deliciously with the creamy pasta and shiitake mushrooms.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Kale and Mushrooms

Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables

Baked pasta is always a super-easy crowd-pleaser, and Giada's recipe is no exception. The secret to roasting vegetables perfectly is to cut them all about the same size so they cook evenly in the oven.

Get the Recipe: Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables

Eggplant Parmesan Hero

Eggplant Parm is the perfect dish to satisfy a savory craving, especially when served on a fluffy bun. Dip the eggplant in egg and dredge it through the breadcrumbs for a crispy result.

Get the Recipe: Eggplant Parmesan Hero