Lent is almost here!  It’s the time of year that some Catholics start thinking of ideas for meals that are meatless.  And recipes that most of the family will enjoy.  Without feeling too deprived.

Using pinterest, it’s clear that we’re blessed to live in a time where there are almost countless recipes out there that fit the bill – meatless and family friendly!  So, whether you’re someone looking for a few good (meatless) meals this Lent season or you’re someone who just wants to use less meat in your meal rotation, here’s a good list for you of some family friendly meatless options!

• Shrimp/Veggie Teriyaki Fried Rice – Use shrimp instead of chicken, increase the eggs or add more veggies and you’ll have a very quick to come together meal!
• Cheese or Veggie Quesadilla – Skip the chicken in this recipe and you’ll still have a satisfying meal.  Serve with sides of salsa and sour cream for dipping.  Or use fajita veggies too – that’d get my vote!
• Baked Potato Soup – Leave the bacon out, of course, but this soup is wonderful!  So many times, we think of meatless soups as only being vegetable soup.  And while I love vegetable soup sometimes, Baked Potato Soup is a great choice.
• Shrimp – Remember Forrest Gump?  He had tons of ways you can make shrimp.  It’s wonderfully versatile!  There’s Honey Garlic Shrimp.  And Oven Grilled Shrimp.  And Spicy Grilled Shrimp.  And Shrimp Creole.  And Shrimp Scampi.  Need I say more!?
• Spaghetti – Of course, spaghetti is on this list.  But it doesn’t have to stop there.  Anything you normally use spaghetti sauce in can go meatless.  Lasagna.  Pasta bakes.
• Grilled Cheese – I often put deli ham in the middle of my grilled cheese, but forgo that this time.  Making a bunch for the family?  No problem — make them in the oven!
• Spicy Rigatoni – Just leave the chicken out of this pasta dish and you’re golden!  I love this dish because it has a slight kick AND because it uses a mix of alfredo and red pasta sauces.  Creamy, but still tomato-y!
• Baked Potato Buffet – Possibilities abound!  Cheese, veggies, salsa are all good, vegetarian options!
• French Toast Casserole – Breakfast for dinner is always a popular option.  Pancakes, quiche, french toast and eggs (fried, scrambled, hard boiled) all come to mind.  But try this French Toast Casserole if you haven’t already – it’s a winner and so fun to serve.  It’ll feel like you’re having dessert instead of dinner!
• Skillet or Sheet Pan Nachos – This is a fun way to serve dinner!  We often have lunch this way.  Layer chips on top of cheese on a cookie sheet or in a skillet and bake until cheese is melted.  Top with all the mexican toppings you want!
• Vegan French Dip – The “meatiness” of the mushrooms will satisfy even hearty appetites!
• Tuna Noodle Casserole – I’m an odd duck maybe, but I loved this recipe growing up.  It isn’t for everyone, but it’s definitely a “comfort food” for me!
• Cauliflower Buffalo Bites – The heat of buffalo sauce will have you thinking “man, this is good!” not “dude, where’s the beef?”
• Tuna Melts – Another sandwich to have that you can bake right in the oven, making it simple to feed the whole family quickly.
• Appetizer night – Have an appetizer night!  It might take more time to prepare a few different things, but it’d be like having a party!  I’m thinking potato skins (minus the bacon), cheesy bean dip, or tortilla roll ups!

Jayme is a wife to 1 and a mother to four little boys. She coupons, price matches and meal plans. While she likes to cook, she’s in the stage of life where simple is usually better – she never knows how many hands she’ll have free at dinner time! You can find her at No Regrets Living.

If you love this, check out more recipes: