19 Veggie Recipes That Could’ve Saved Your Grocery Budget and Your Mood

Some meals stretch a dollar without feeling like a compromise. These veggie recipes keep things simple, affordable, and still satisfying enough to turn a day around. They’re easy on the budget and good for nights when you just want something that works. Here are 19 veggie recipes that could’ve saved your grocery budget and your mood.

A black pot of bean stew with tomatoes, peppers, and vegetables beside a bowl of couscous on a white surface. — Tomato and White Bean Soup with Harissa. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Marinated Brussels Sprouts

Marinated Brussels sprouts take 20 minutes and soak up a garlicky vinaigrette with a little bite. The flavor is tangy, bold, and slightly savory. The sprouts keep a firm texture with just enough softness. They work as a side but don’t feel like one.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Brussels Sprouts

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded cauliflower mash takes 30 minutes and blends cauliflower with cheese, sour cream, and herbs. It’s creamy, savory, and has enough richness to feel like comfort food. The texture is smooth with just a hint of texture. It’s a solid stand-in when potatoes need a break.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts roast in 30 minutes and get coated in a tangy, slightly sweet reduction. The flavor is deep and sharp with caramelized edges. The centers stay soft while the glaze sticks to every bite. It’s a simple way to make Brussels sprouts feel like more.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky green beans with fried onions take 25 minutes and mix crisp-tender beans with golden crunchy topping. The garlic flavor is strong but not overwhelming. Each bite has contrast in texture and taste. They’re not trying to be fancy, but they still stand out.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam masala Brussels sprouts roast in 30 minutes with Indian spices and olive oil. The flavor is warm, bold, and layered with just enough heat. The edges turn golden while the centers stay soft. It’s a switch-up that works every time.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

A bowl of roasted brussels sprouts. — Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with almonds and feta bake in 30 minutes with just enough crunch and salt. The sprouts get crispy while the almonds add texture and the feta cools it all down. The flavors hit all at once. It doesn’t need anything else on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage. — Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy mashed potatoes come together in 30 minutes using butter, cream, and soft Yukon Golds. The flavor is mild and rich without feeling too heavy. The texture stays smooth but not overly whipped. They do more than just fill space on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Surprise Potatoes

A casserole dish with shredded cheese and a wooden spoon. — Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Surprise potatoes bake in under an hour with hidden fillings like cheese, herbs, or veggies. The outside gets crisp while the inside stays soft and savory. The flavor changes depending on what’s tucked inside. They’re not just good—they’re fun to serve.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown butter garlic mashed potatoes take 35 minutes and use roasted garlic with browned butter for added depth. The flavor is nutty, rich, and just garlicky enough. The potatoes are creamy but still hold their shape. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire green beans cook in 20 minutes and bring out a savory, bold flavor with garlic and soy. The beans stay crisp with just the right amount of bite. The sauce clings without making them soggy. They pull more weight than most sides.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Red, yellow, and orange honey glazed carrots on a slate board. — Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted honey glazed carrots take 30 minutes and mix honey, garlic, and butter for a sticky glaze. The carrots roast to softness with just a bit of char. The flavor is sweet, salty, and slightly caramelized. They don’t play second fiddle to anything.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A dish of beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted in the oven with sprigs of sage. — Oven Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Oven roasted root vegetables take about 40 minutes with carrots, potatoes, and parsnips in oil and herbs. The edges brown while the insides stay soft. The flavor is earthy, slightly sweet, and totally satisfying. They do the job of a main without trying.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Baked sweet potato slices on a cutting board with a spoon. — Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown sugar baked sweet potato slices roast in 35 minutes with butter and brown sugar. The edges turn golden and the centers stay tender. The flavor is sweet, warm, and balanced. They’re simple but disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Easy Oven Asparagus

Easy oven asparagus roasts in 15 minutes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. The stalks stay firm with crisp tips. The flavor is clean with a slight nuttiness. It’s the kind of dish that makes a plain plate feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans cook in 15 minutes over high heat with oil and seasoning. They blister quickly, keeping a tender center and smoky flavor. The beans are salty, sharp, and bold. They never sit quietly on the table.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey garlic carrots roast in 25 minutes with honey, garlic, and butter. They’re soft with just enough bite, coated in a sticky-sweet glaze. The flavor is balanced and full. They bring more than color to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Sweet Potato Toast Recipe – Topped with Avocado and Eggs

A plate of sweet potato toast topped with avccado and egg. — Sweet Potato Toast Recipe – Topped with Avocado and Eggs. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Sweet potato toast with avocado and eggs takes 25 minutes and swaps bread for thick sweet potato slices. The texture is firm with soft toppings and a creamy egg finish. The flavor is rich and slightly sweet with savory contrast. It’s a full meal on one slice.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Toast Recipe – Topped with Avocado and Eggs

Tomato and White Bean Soup with Harissa

Tomato and white bean soup with harissa takes about 45 minutes and blends canned tomatoes, beans, and spicy harissa paste. The soup is hearty, warm, and full of flavor without being too thick. It’s slightly spicy with soft beans and bold tomato flavor. It’s a strong case for skipping meat.
Get the Recipe: Tomato and White Bean Soup with Harissa

Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Tahini

A roasted cabbage steak is served on a pink plate. It is topped with a creamy sauce, pumpkin seeds, and chopped green onions. The cabbage is browned and slightly charred at the edges. — Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Tahini. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Spicy air fryer cabbage steaks cook in 25 minutes with paprika, garlic, and a creamy tahini drizzle. The cabbage gets crisp at the edges and tender in the middle. The flavor is smoky, nutty, and surprisingly bold. It holds the plate like a main.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Tahini