9 ‘meaty’ meat-free meals.

Whether you’re interested in eating more plant-based meals to help shape a kinder world for animals, protect the planet, improve your own health, or even just be a bit more adventurous in the kitchen – the great news is that you can still enjoy all your favourite meals along the way!

With a few simple swaps to veggie ingredients (or store-bought meat alternatives like plant-based mince and chicken strips, which are now readily available at your local supermarket), it’s easy to ‘veg-ify’ even the meatiest of recipes – from slow-cooked stews and crispy burgers to hearty pasta dishes, and even traditionally meat-heavy BBQ bowls.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite plant-based takes on classic dishes to help get you started! Whether you’re looking to cut down on meat, impress your family with a healthy yet indulgent dinner, or simply try something new, these easy, animal-friendly recipes are sure to hit the spot:

If you haven’t discovered the miraculous meat-replacing properties of Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) yet, consider this your sign to put TVP Bolognese on the menu, stat! TVP perfectly replicates the tenderness and texture of savoury beef mince – and is all the more convincing when simmered up in a hearty, flavour-packed Bolognese. The final touch to this comforting classic? A generous garnish of dairy-free cheese and fresh basil.

Craving all the cosiness of a rich chicken curry without harming our feathered friends? This veggie take on butter chicken swaps out the meat for succulent pieces of banana blossom – but if you want to make this dish even ‘meatier’, you could use a packet of plant-based chicken strips instead. Both options shine, especially when smothered in that velvety tomato and cashew cream sauce.

Grab some TVP slices or crispy plant-based chicken patties from the shops, and get ready to stack up the meat-free burger of your dreams. The recipe just calls for lettuce as the filling, but you can layer this bad boy with whatever fresh veggies you want – as long as you don’t skimp on that zingy stinger sauce!

What happens when you work a bit of magic with cashew cream, dried herbs, and garlicky fried mushrooms? You get a delightfully filling, plant-based version of stroganoff – complete with that deep ‘beefy’ flavour and iconic peppery kick. Best served over pasta, crusty bread, or a mountain of mashed potato

These golden, flaky sausage rolls are always a hit among vegetarians and omnivores alike! The aromatic mushroom and lentil filling is ridiculously simple to whip up and always guaranteed to impress. For more ways to create animal-friendly versions of classic Aussie sausage rolls and pies, check out these meat-free pastry recipes.

No animals were harmed in the making of this saucy ‘meatball’ marinara sub – but be warned, it’s dangerously tasty! In fact, it might just be the ultimate lunch option when you’re craving something cheeky yet wholesome. The recipe calls for plant-based mince, which is readily available in the vegetarian section of your local supermarket.

When you feel like a warming, cosy dish that’s just as nutritious as it is delicious, this crowd-pleasing shepherd’s pie recipe has got you covered. One bite of its lentil-packed, potatoey goodness and you’ll be adding this one to your regular rotation quicker than you can say meat-free Monday!

Plump, juicy mushrooms and melt-in-your-mouth bites of carrot and onion, all simmering together in a rich red wine sauce… This entirely veggie-based bourguignon is elegant enough to serve up at a dinner party, and deceptively ‘meaty’ enough to satisfy any appetite.

This loaded ‘chicken’ sandwich is a lunchtime favourite – and the ultimate proof that you can make literally anything plant-based. Featuring marinated banana blossom as a substitute for shredded chicken, the texture is so spot-on that it just about plays tricks on your mind! To complete the chicken-friendly picture, try adding a dollop of egg-free mayo.

There are amazing plant-based products in just about every aisle of your local supermarket these days, as well as specialty health stores, Asian grocers, and vegan-friendly retailers online.

In the refrigerated and frozen vegetarian sections at Coles and Woolworths, you’ll find heaps of plant-based meat alternatives to choose from, including meatless versions of chicken, beef, pork, bacon, ham, seafood, lamb, pies, sausage rolls, festive roasts – and even duck and turkey!

There are some truly creative plant-based chefs out there, and a whole delicious world of innovative recipes to explore. For even more ‘meaty’ meal ideas – that actually happen to be 100% meat-free and kind to animals – check out the recipe collections below:

• Chicken-inspired recipes
• Pork-inspired recipes
• Beef-inspired recipes
• Seafood-inspired recipes
• Lamb-inspired recipes
• Meat-free festive roast recipes
• Meat-free pie & sausage roll recipes

Be sure to grab a free Veg Starter Kit for even more cooking tips and recipe ideas! It contains everything you could possibly need to start eating more plant-based and making kinder choices for animals.