• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Family Food on the Table
  • Recipe Index
  • Main Dishes
  • Baby Food
  • Subscribe
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Main Dishes
  • Baby Food
  • Subscribe
  • About
×
Home » Resources » Cooking Resources

Easy Ways to Use Less Meat

By: Kathryn Doherty | Last Updated: Jun 20, 2025 | Published: May 15, 2020
This post may contain affiliate links. See my 
disclosure policy.

Easy ways to use less meat, including how to help extend your meat in recipes and how to incorporate more plant-based meals that are simple, convenient, family-friendly and delicious!

A collage of photos showing plant-based meals and substitutes for ways to use less meat.


 

Using less meat - or stretching your meat - is a great way to save money and eat healthier.

But for those of us accustomed to having a main dish meat entree every night at dinner, it can seem intimidating.

Today, I wanted to share some easy, painless ways to use less meat in your cooking.

We’re not talking soy textured protein or a bunch of ideas for tofu. Nothing wrong with those, but that’s not as convenient and family-friendly as I’m going for today.

Instead, we’re looking at ways to use less meat in our meals and ways to incorporate more meals that are primarily plant-based.

And I promise, it’s super duper easy and also really yummy!

First off, let’s talk about smart ways to use the meat you have.

You can make the most of your meat by making it an accent to, rather than the main event, of the meal.

This makes me think of my Southern ancestors, who knew how to use meat scraps to flavor pots of beans, soups or veggies. The meat was there, but not center stage.

Sautéed mushrooms and onions in a skillet

Meat extenders (which, if you ask me, is a terrible name) are things that you can add to your dish so you use less meat.

Here are a couple of examples:

Use a half pound of ground beef or turkey (instead of a full pound) and after it’s cooked and crumbled in the pan, stir in a can of black beans. Then mix it all together, season with taco seasoning and use for tacos. Same amount of the end product for stuffing tacos, but half as much meat used.

For spaghetti night, halve the amount of ground meat you would normally use and replace it with finely chopped mushrooms. Cook them all together and serve. The mushrooms have a great meaty quality and will make the meat go further in the recipe.

Lentils scattered on a surface
Shelled walnuts in a bowl beside a bowl of walnuts in the shell

Meat extenders:

Beans — cooked or canned beans can be added to meat to help stretch it. As mentioned, think about using half as much ground beef or turkey and adding a can of black or pinto beans to your taco mix. Or use beans for nachos or in fajitas to help make up for less meat.

Mashed beans can also be used and are easily disguised when added to meat if you don't want to know they are really there. Mashed black or pinto beans will combine well with ground beef or turkey, while mashed white beans, such as cannellini beans or great Northern beans, go great with ground chicken and ground turkey.

Mushrooms — roughly chop raw mushrooms (or pulse in a food processor) until it resembles raw ground meat; add along with your protein of choice to cook for your recipe.

Lentils — Cooked brown lentils have a similar appearance — both color and texture wise — as cooked ground meat and can be added to help increase the servings of a smaller quantity.

Walnuts  — Pulsed walnuts are a standing raw and vegan substitute for taco meat and make a really rich, flavorful swap. They’re also great for nachos and burgers or in pasta dishes.

Whole grains like quinoa or oats — The crumby texture of quinoa and bulgur makes these perfect to help add volume and nutrients. (Bonus: Quinoa is a complete protein!) Add about a cup of cooked grains per pound of meat.

Oats, or even chia seeds, can also be used as a binder for meats, such as in burgers or meatloaf.

Vegetables — Adding extra vegetables to your dishes can offset a lack of meat. You can add hearty vegetables like winter squash, sweet or white potatoes and mushrooms, or melt in kale, spinach, shredded zucchini or other softer vegetables to dishes. They add bulk, nutrition and flavor.

A large dark skillet with a mixture of quinoa with corn and peppers with a wooden spoon tucked in and limes and cilantro to the side for garnish.

Of course, vegetarian meals are a great way to make your meat last because you’re not even using any.

You can check out all of my easy vegetarian recipes, which are lunch and dinner main dishes (not just baked goods and breakfasts that happen to be vegetarian).

But here’s a couple of tips on going effortlessly meatless, especially for families with kids (or spouses that might balk at vegetarian entrees).

  1. Opt for familiar meals that are easily made vegetarian, such as veggie burgers and vegetarian chili (more examples below).
  2. Skip the substitutes like tofu or imitation chicken that may bring objections. Nothing wrong with adding these in at some point, but that may be better down the road to reduce the number of pouts and faces.
  3. Keep it fun and interesting with toppings or serve-yourself-bars, such as for vegetarian tacos or grain bowls.
Bubbly cheesy baked sweet potato black bean enchiladas in a white casserole dish.

Here are a few general ideas for meatless meals that will have your family going back for seconds - and requesting them again!

Vegetarian Meal Ideas:

  • Vegetarian chili
  • Veggie tacos, burritos and enchiladas
  • Vegetarian meatballs
  • Vegetarian lasagna
  • Veggie burgers
  • Veggie stir fry or fried rice
  • Vegetarian curry
  • Vegetarian pasta salads
  • Vegetarian soups and stews
  • Mac and cheese
  • Grain bowls
  • Stuffed squash or zucchini boats
  • Big salads (with fillers like beans, nuts, cheese, eggs, etc.)

And for many of these types of recipes, you could add in a bit of chicken or pork or other meats if you have some to use.

Also, there’s nothing wrong with buying some store-bought frozen veggie meatballs or veggie burgers. (For what it’s worth, Dr. Praeger’s and Gardein are two frozen brands I really like.)

Finally, keep reading below for some of my favorite, tested, tried-and-true easy vegetarian recipes that are family-friendly and seriously delicious.

Happy cooking!

Kathryn

1
Close up of one pot vegetarian spaghetti served in a low bowl with parsley and Parmesan on top.
One-pot vegetarian spaghetti
Vegetarian spaghetti makes an easy, healthy one-pot pasta dinner!
Check out this recipe
2
Black beans, corn and bell peppers on a taco shell with cilantro and avocado nearby
Vegetarian tacos
These vegetarian tacos feature black beans and just a handful of other ingredients for a delicious and easy meatless meal that’s ready in 15 minutes!
Check out this recipe
3
A bowl of spaghetti topped with marinara sauce and vegetarian meatballs with two forks resting in the bowl
Vegetarian meatballs
Vegetarian meatballs are made with grated zucchini, basil and Parmesan cheese for a really flavorful meatless meatball. They hold together beautifully and are baked to perfection in the oven for an easy vegetarian meal!
Check out this recipe
4
Veggie meatballs served with spaghetti and sauce in a large white bowl
Mushroom meatballs
Mushroom meatballs are hearty, flavorful and perfectly seasoned for a delicious vegetarian protein. They are baked till golden brown and delicious for spaghetti, pizza, grain bowls and more.
Check out this recipe
5
Close up of a serving spoon lifting up cheesy sweet potato black bean enchiladas from a white baking dish.
Sweet potato black bean enchiladas
Sweet potato black bean enchiladas are seasoned to perfection and baked until bubbly for a delicious and hearty vegetarian meal.
Check out this recipe
6
Close up of a large dark skillet with quinoa, black beans, corn and peppers mixed and cooked together.
Southwest vegetarian quinoa skillet
Southwest vegetarian quinoa skillet is a quick and easy one-pan dinner recipe that’s healthy but very filling and perfect for meatless Monday!
Check out this recipe
7
Close up of a white bowl with a vegetarian quinoa chili with beans topped with shredded white cheddar cheese and sliced green onions.
Quinoa vegetarian chili
A hearty vegan quinoa chili ready in about 35 minutes (and no need to pre-cook the quinoa)!
Check out this recipe
8
A wooden spoon resting in a large skillet with a chickpea curry mixture with spinach, peas and tomatoes.
Quick and easy vegetarian curry
This quick and easy vegetarian curry is loaded with veggies and warm spices for a beautiful, flavorful dinner!
Check out this recipe
9
Easy lentil soup served in a white bowl with Parmesan cheese and fresh bread
Instant Pot lentil soup
Instant Pot lentil soup is a really hearty, flavorful soup that is prepped and cooked entirely in the Instant Pot. Perfect for an easy dinner on a chilly night.
Check out this recipe
10
Close up of a vegetarian chickpea burger served atop of lettuce on a bakery bun alongside sweet potato fries on a white plate.
Easy chickpea burgers
Easy chickpea burgers come together quickly, are sturdy while cooking and have delicious flavor! Add your favorite toppings and use for burgers, wraps, on salads, or in grain bowls at lunch or dinner.
Check out this recipe
11
Veggie burger scramble
Veggie burger scramble
Veggie burger scramble is a quick and easy one-pan dinner that’s vegan, gluten free and ready in about 20 minutes!
Check out this recipe
12
Close up of a veggie burger on a bun with lettuce on a small white plate with mustard drizzled on top.
Simplified veggie burgers
These easy veggie burgers require just 3 frozen vegetables plus seasonings – and they come out with delicious flavor!
Check out this recipe
13
Baked macaroni and cheese casserole with a spoonful being taken out
Classic baked mac and cheese
This classic baked mac and cheese with a crunchy, buttery breadcrumb crust is absolutely delicious and comfort food at its best! Easy to make, with just 7 ingredients, this baked macaroni and cheese casserole is sure to satisfy!
Check out this recipe
14
Kale and butternut squash mac and cheese is an easy, healthy and deliciously creamy side dish!
Kale and butternut squash mac and cheese
Kale and butternut squash mac and cheese is an easy, healthy and deliciously creamy side dish that everyone’s sure to love!
Check out this recipe
15
A taco-flavored vegetarian power bowl with sweet potatoes, black beans and a spiced yogurt sauce - an easy, healthy vegetarian dinner!
Taco-flavored vegetarian power bowl
A vegetarian power bowl with taco-flavored sweet potatoes and black beans and a spiced Greek yogurt sauce.
Check out this recipe
16
Two Greek style vegetarian grain bowls with farro, greens, tomatoes, olives, red onion and hummus with feta cheese over top.
Vegetarian Greek grain bowls
Vegetarian Greek grain bowls are loaded with wholesome grains and veggies and topped with an easy red wine vinaigrette for a beautiful and delicious lunch or light dinner!
Check out this recipe
17
A creamy cilantro dressing being poured over an orzo salad in a large white serving bowl with separate piles of black beans, zucchini, diced orange bell pepper and crumbled queso fresco before being mixed together.
Southwestern orzo salad
A cool, creamy southwestern orzo salad with black beans, veggies, queso fresco and an easy homemade cilantro-lime vinaigrette.
Check out this recipe
18
Summer veggie pasta salad in a large white bowl with colorful napkins nearby and a serving spoon
Summer veggie pasta salad
This fresh and colorful summer veggie pasta salad is perfect for BBQ parties, potlucks and picnics!
Check out this recipe
19
A butternut squash salad with spinach and quinoa in a white bowl set on a green napkin.
Butternut squash salad with quinoa
This warm butternut squash salad with quinoa is mixed with spinach, dried cranberries, walnuts and Parmesan and tossed with an apple cider vinaigrette to give it extra flavor!
Check out this recipe
20
Two stuffed butternut squash halves on a white platter loaded with quinoa, mushrooms, spinach and dried cranberries with grated Parmesan on top and extra spinach and dried cranberries scattered on the platter.
Stuffed butternut squash with quinoa, mushrooms and spinach
These stuffed butternut squash are a gluten-free + vegetarian dish that’s hearty and filling and full of flavor!
Check out this recipe
21
A mixed Mediterranean quinoa salad with cucumber, peppers and olives and feta cheese on top with a lemon half and fresh basil to the side for garnish.
Mediterranean quinoa salad
Mediterranean quinoa salad is a flavorful, veggie-loaded salad with great colors, flavors and textures!
Check out this recipe
22
A pot with a quinoa, beans and veggie mixture with wilted spinach.
One pot quinoa cannellini beans skillet
Quinoa cannellini beans skillet is a quick and easy one-pot vegetarian meal with rich Italian flavors!

Check out this recipe
Pin

More Cooking Resources

  • Collage of four store-bought items for easy dinners, including a bagged salad, frozen chicken bites, prepared chicken pot pie and a frozen veggie and grain blend.
    Easy Dinners Using Store-Bought Foods
  • Four dinner photos in a square collage.
    July Meal Plan
  • A collage of 4 photos of different dinner ideas.
    May Meal Plan
  • A square collage of four dinner ideas.
    April Meal Plan

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ruth

    May 17, 2020 at 10:36 am

    Kathryn,
    Thank you so much for this treasure trove of great ideas and wonderful recipes. I'm looking forward to trying lots of them. I have loved all of your recipes that I've made so far. I had already been reducing my meat consumption before the pandemic struck, and these great ideas from you really inspire me to continue down that road.
    Stay safe and stay healthy,
    Ruth

    Reply
    • Kathryn Doherty

      May 19, 2020 at 12:25 pm

      Well this comment made my day! I'm so, so happy to hear this was helpful Ruth and that you've loved my recipes. Thanks so much for letting me know! Stay safe and healthy! ❤️

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Meet Kathryn

Hi there! I’m Kathryn Doherty, a cookbook author, mom of two, and devoted food and home cooking nut. I’ve got lots of easy recipes to help you get delicious food on the table for your family!

More about me →

Popular Recipes

  • A cream cheese chicken and mushroom mixture in a large pan with a wooden spoon resting in it.
    Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
  • Close up of honey garlic chicken served in a blue and white bowl with sliced green onions on top.
    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
  • Close up of a whole roasted chicken on a large white serving platter with veggies and fresh parsley to the side.
    Easy Whole Roasted Chicken
  • Close up of a fork resting in a bowl of rice and curried ground turkey with peas.
    Curry Ground Turkey with Rice and Peas
  • Close up of a wooden spoon drizzling pan gravy over seared pork chops.
    Easy Skillet Pork Chops with Gravy
  • Close up of a dark skillet with a saucy honey garlic chicken dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions sprinkled on top.
    15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken

Footer

↑back to top

About

  • Contact
  • Work With Me

Newsletter

  • Sign up for emails!

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright
  • Accessibility

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Family Food on the Table