Main Dishes
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Vegan Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
If you’re looking for a dish that’s hearty enough to feed a crowd and cozy enough for a chilly night, vegan cowboy cornbread casserole is the answer. This classic Southern-inspired comfort food layers savory chili with a fluffy cornbread topping. Traditionally made with beef and cheese, my vegan version keeps all the smoky, spicy flavor while being 100% plant-based. It’s the perfect one-pan meal for family dinners, potlucks, or even game day. Why You’ll Love This Dish The Vegan Cowboy Twist Instead of ground beef, this recipe uses black beans and pinto beans for a hearty base. Chili spices bring warmth and depth, while the cornbread topping bakes up golden…
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Cuban Style Black Beans
If you’ve only ever used canned beans you will be amazed by the flavors you can develop cooking beans from scratch. Simple ingredients can create deep soulful flavor. This recipe for Cuban Style Black Beans slowly simmers dried black beans to create signature Cuban flavors that are bold but comforting. While starting with dried beans takes a bit more time, the payoff is a creamier texture and a broth infused with deep, savory seasoning. This classic recipe is rich, savory, and infused with cumin, oregano, bay leaves, and uses a traditional sofrito of onions, peppers, and garlic to create a bold flavor profile that is naturally vegan and gluten-free. It’s…
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Vegan Chicken and Dumplings — Southern Comfort Food
When the weather turns cool, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of vegan chicken and dumplings. This Southern classic is known for its rich, creamy broth, tender vegetables, hearty “chicken” and fluffy dumplings floating on top. But guess what? You don’t need meat or dairy to enjoy all of that home cooked goodness. My vegan chicken and dumplings recipe is proof that vegan comfort food can be every bit as satisfying. By swapping in plant-based ingredients we keep the same delicious flavors but make it lighter and kinder. This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a…
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Copycat Taziki’s Friday Pasta Special
This isn’t just a pasta dish, it’s a Taziki’s classic. The Friday Pasta Special is legendary for its irresistible balance of tender penne tossed in a bright balsamic vinaigrette, salty feta, fresh tomatoes, a pop of fresh basil served over lettuce. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and fresh, Mediterranean tang. Now you can capture that famous flavor with this simple, delicious vegetarian copycat recipe. The Friday Pasta Special Taziki’s is a casual Greek restaurant chain that was founded in Birmingham, Alabama. They have over a hundred locations now across the southeast. When we lived in Birmingham I was obsessed with the Friday Pasta Special. I wasn’t alone in my…
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Vegan Chickpea Biscuit Pot Pie – Cozy Comfort Food
This chickpea biscuit pot pie transforms a classic Southern dish into a plant-based delight. Featuring chickpeas, mixed veggies, and a creamy dairy-free sauce topped with fluffy vegan biscuits, it's hearty and customizable. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this one-pan recipe offers satisfying comfort without dairy or meat.
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Cozy Corn Chowder for Chilly Evenings
When the air turns crisp and the days get shorter, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy comforting vegetarian corn chowder to warm you up. This recipe makes a hearty yet simple dinner, and it’s easy enough to make on a weeknight. Sweet corn pairs with tender potatoes, onions, and just the right touch of spice for a bowl that feels like a hug from the inside out. This is a soup recipe that I often make in the fall. I like to make it for hikes or picnics and pack it in a thermos. It’s the perfect warming soup for chilly fall days. It reminds me of cold…
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Nanny’s Baked Macaroni and Cheese
My grandmother who lived in Atlanta, Nanny, made the best baked macaroni and cheese. It wasn’t anything fancy. It is a very simple recipe that uses basic ingredients. It’s so yummy because it’s homemade. We had Sunday dinners at Nanny’s house on a regular basis and she often made mac and cheese. The term Sunday dinner can be misleading because it was served at lunch time. In the South when someone is talking about a big meal they often call it dinner regardless of the time it is served. In the early 1900 when my grandmother was raised the main meal of the day would be served midday so farmers…
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Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
This healthy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is delicious and comforting. Make it as a side dish for the holidays or for a simple weeknight dinner! Casseroles are hearty, filling meals that often offer time saving convenience and are easy on your budget. I love a casserole because they are easy to prep. Then you can throw it in the oven and move on with your life. They make great leftovers and are easy to freeze. This recipe makes about 8 servings. We will usually eat about half and then freeze the rest for an easy weeknight meal some other time in the future. What’s Special About This Casserole? Casseroles hold a…
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Southern Vegan Tomato Cobbler
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. A Savory Twist on a Summer Classic When you hear the word “cobbler,” your mind probably goes straight to bubbling peaches or tart blackberries topped with a sugary crust. But in the South, we know that summer’s true crown jewel is the tomato. When the garden is overflowing and you’ve already had your fill of Southern Tomato Sandwiches, it’s time to turn that harvest into something hearty, rustic, and deeply savory. Enter the Southern Vegan Tomato Cobbler! Think of this as the…
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Spicy Firecracker Beyond Beef Bowl
This Spicy Firecracker Beyond Beef Bowl is my absolute favorite solution for busy weeknights when I’m short on time but craving something bold. Beyond Beef is such a versatile plant-based protein. It swaps perfectly into any recipe calling for ground beef, making it an easy win for vegetarian-friendly dinners. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Beyond Meat or just looking for a flavorful meatless meal, this 20-minute bowl delivers the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. For more meal ideas with plant-based protein check out my guide to 20 High-Protein Vegan Pantry Staples. Why You Will Love This Recipe What’s in this Beyond Beef Bowl? This Spicy Firecracker Beyond Beef…
