17 Vegetarian Meals Even Meat Eaters Will Love

With the World Health Organization's recent news that meat consumption may be linked to cancer, we're all about finding easy vegetarian recipes that are so delicious, that even a devoted carnivore might be compelled to try them. After all, vegetarian food isn't all salads and soup — and there are plenty of ways to get ample protein without digging into a steak. Avoiding (or at least cutting down) the amount of meat you eat doesn't have to be hard.

Plus, going vegetarian is just good for your heath. Eating meat negatively affects your body in other ways too, by clogging your arteries, and affecting your mood. Whether or not you choose to go veg or simply cut down your meat intake in the wake of WHO's recent study, it's important to know the effect that what you eat has on your body. And it's important to know that a more veggie-filled alternative is actually pretty delicious.

It's not all plain cubes tofu and kale salads. A lot of your favorite meals can be replicated without meat — and sometimes, we think they taste even better that way. Steer clear of those freezer aisle veggie burgers, and start thinking outside of the box. Being vegetarian has never been so tasty and so easy — and these 17 veg meals will not let you down.

1. Vegetarian Spaghetti And Meatballs

You don't need ground beef to make this vegetarian version of the Italian favorite. A Beautiful Mess uses tempeh to make a protein-packed alternative.

2. Quinoa Black Bean Tacos With Creamy Avocado Sauce

Taco Tuesday can be completely vegan without sacrificing any spicy, savory flavor, as Cookie and Kate proves.

3. Sweet Potato Curry With Brown Rice

Curry is one of the easiest dishes to make vegetarian, and Naturally Ella uses nutritious sweet potato to make this hearty bowl.

4. Vegetable Lasagna

Topped with plenty of cheese, Averie Cooks' vegetable-filled lasagna is healthier than what you may have grown up with, but it's no less comforting.

5. Broccoli Pesto Mac And Cheese

Mac and cheese is a classic, but think beyond the box. Love and Lemons' pesto-topped dish is a main course we'll enjoy anytime.

6. Rice And Bean Veggie Burgers

Steer clear of the processed stuff. A Cozy Kitchen's veggie burgers are so good that you won't even crave a cheeseburger instead.

7. Baked Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

Tempeh, tomato sauce, and peppers make up Sloppy Joes that are actually pretty good for you. Thanks, A Beautiful Mess!

8. Seared Tofu Banh Mi Sandwiches

This Vietnamese sandwich makes a filling lunch. Trust Love and Lemons on this one.

9. Spinach Artichoke And Red Pepper Cheesy Squares

Think of your favorite spinach and artichoke dip, and then imagine it in casserole form — and that is Averie Cooks' wondrous creation.

10. Spicy Vegan Chili

As long as you have some beans on hand, you can make spicy and satisfying chili with the help of A Cozy Kitchen.

11. Homemade Falafel

No need to go to a halal cart. The Crepes of Wrath breaks down how to make falafel from scratch for a tasty Middle Eastern meal.

12. Gingery Kimchi Fried Rice

This zesty Korean twist on fried rice by Five and Spice will inspire you to not order takeout for once.

13. Roasted Vegetable Tostadas

Beans and veggies will help keep you full — so it's hard to resist making A Spicy Perspective's tostadas multiple nights a week.

14. Curried Lentils And Butternut Squash

Who says that vegetarians don't get enough protein? Cara's Cravings can prove them wrong with this dish.

15. Vegetable Jambalaya

Even if you're meat-free, you can still enjoy this traditional Creole dish thanks to The Kitchn.

16. Oven-Roasted Eggplant With Caramelized Miso

We love eggplant parm, but sometimes we need a change. I Am A Food Blog's caramelized miso eggplant gives our tastebuds a much-needed refresh.

17. Mushroom Ragout

Mushrooms are one of tastiest staples of a vegetarian diet, and The Crepes of Wrath's mushroom ragout is the perfect meal for a cool, rainy day. Hungry yet?

For more food ideas, check out Bustle on YouTube.

Images: A Beautiful Mess (3); Cookie and Kate (2); Naturally Ella; Averie Cooks; Love and Lemons; A Cozy Kitchen; The Crepes of Wrath (2); Five and Spice; A Spicy Perspective; Cara's Cravings; The Kitchn; I Am A Food Blog