Keep the core of this cheesy pasta feast the same, then pile on the veggies for a colourful, Italian-style plateful. Our meat-free carbonara can be on the table in 30 minutes and uses egg yolks – not cream – to create a silky sauce that’s rich with savoury flavour. If you have time, try serving it with our super simple cheese & garlic pull-apart loaf.
Browse our family pasta recipes for more mouthwatering mac ‘n’ cheese ideas and sumptuous spaghetti dishes.
2. Halloumi traybake
Our cheesy halloumi traybake might look decadent but it packs in a whopping four of your five-a-day. Serve up a colourful selection of peppers, onion, broccoli, tomatoes and chickpeas. Start off by putting baby potatoes in the oven, then add your veg and lay the halloumi on top before finishing under the grill for a winning dinner.
Discover even more halloumi-stuffed wraps, sandwiches and salads with our collection of halloumi recipes .
3. Veggie toad-in-the-hole
Your cooking repertoire wouldn’t be complete without knowing how to make perfect Yorkshire puddings, an essential part of our veggie toad-in-the-hole. Simply substitute the usual pork sausages for a high-quality vegetarian version and serve with a selection of classic British veg for the ultimate Sunday dinner. You can also partner this recipe with our crunchy polenta roasties, caramelised honey carrots and a rich veggie gravy which uses a spoonul of Marmite for a savoury hit.
Take a look at our top tips for making Yorkies.
4. Lentil & mushroom shepherd’s pie with parsnip mash
It’s a fact universally acknowledged that everything is better when topped with mashed potato – and this vegetarian shepherd’s pie is no exception. Give your mash a seasonal twist by adding parsnips for a hint of natural sweetness.
This recipe serves 4-6, making it perfect for family dinners, but it’s also freezer-friendly. When you’re short on time, pop it in the oven from frozen – it’ll take an extra 20-30 minutes to cook, giving you a hearty meal with minimal effort.
Check out our lentil recipes for more ideas with this protein-packed pulse.
5. Loaded baked potatoes with slaw
Combine classic baked tatties, creamy yogurt and lashings of strong cheddar and what do you get? Good Food’s loaded baked potatoes. These warming wonders feel super indulgent and will also help you on the way to getting your five-a-day. Serve them with a sprinkling of fresh chives and a healthy helping of crunchy carrot and cabbage slaw.
Liven up your spuds with more of our baked potato recipes.
Imagine a warming veggie curry waiting for you at the end of a long day. But what could make it even better? Turning it into a pie, of course! This twist on a classic makhani-style paneer curry is topped with a buttery, flaky puff pastry lid, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the richly spiced sauce.
Discover more flavourful dishes in our collection of vegetarian curry recipes.
7. Next level ratatouille
Seasonal vegetables are all slow-cooked together in a family-friendly dish that truly celebrates summer and serves up to six. Serve this next level ratatouille with bread of your choice, or for a more substantial family dinner, as a side with barbecued or roasted meat or fish.
8. Gnocchi & tomato bake
You can never go wrong with an oozing and cheesy gnocchi bake on the table, so why not give this comforting veggie main, packed with rich Italian flavours, a go for dinner tonight? Our gnocchi & tomato bake makes a filling family supper and is ready in just half an hour.
Find more comforting gnocchi recipes.
9. Tomato & mascarpone risotto
There’s little more comforting than a rich and creamy risotto. This flavoursome cherry tomato & mascarpone risotto uses just a handful of ingredients but the flavour really intensifies through the cooking process. Follow our instructions for achieving the perfect texture, so that the risotto has a thick, creamy consistency yet maintains some bite.
Check out more ideas in our collection of vegetarian risotto recipes.
10. Air fryer mac & cheese
Turn your air fryer into a comfort food hero with this classic mac and cheese. Cooking it in the air fryer gives it a gorgeous crisp topping, and you can personalise it with your favourite veg additions – peas or roasted squash work brilliantly for a touch of sweetness to balance the rich cheese.
Discover even more air fryer recipes to get the most out of this kitchen hero.
Enjoyed these recipes? Try more of our family meals…
Vegetarian family classics
Healthy vegetarian comfort food recipes
Quick family comfort food recipes
The best vegan family meals
Quick and budget family meals
Healthy vegan pasta dishes
Vegan bowl recipes
Quick vegetarian recipes
What’s your favourite meat-free comfort food? Leave a comment below…
