96 Super Satisfying Dinners for Lent

Stick to your Friday fast with the best recipes for Lent. These hearty fish, seafood and vegetarian dinners are so filling, you won't miss the meat.

1 / 96

Garlic Lemon Shrimp

You’ll be amazed that you can make this simple, elegant pasta in mere minutes. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all of the garlic lemon sauce. It makes a great meal for Lent. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina

Go to Recipe

2 / 96

Cauliflower Tikka Masala

I’m a vegetarian, and it can be challenging to find new recipes for Lent. This cauliflower tikka masala is my easy take on the original. —Garima Arora, Charlotte, North Carolina
3 / 96

Vegan Butter Cauliflower

I created this Indian butter cauliflower recipe for all the picky eaters in my family who love ethnic food. It's also vegan-friendly. —Mihaela Metaxa-Albu, London, New York
4 / 96

Special Seafood Casserole

I first sampled this casserole at a baby shower and founds myself going back for more! It’s a good option for a Friday dinner during Lent. —Angela Schwartz, Marietta, Georgia
5 / 96

Halibut Soft Tacos

I sometimes serve these halibut tacos wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas. Either way, the mango salsa tastes amazing with grilled halibut. This warm-weather recipe is quick, colorful and full of nutrients. —Kristin Kossak, Bozeman, Montana
6 / 96

Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo

This easy Alfredo sauce is creamy, comforting and coats fettuccine noodles in fine fashion. This recipe is wonderful as is, but sometimes I like to add sliced fresh mushrooms and black olives that have been sautéed in butter and garlic. —Jo Gray, Park City, Montana
7 / 96

Pesto Flatbread

We kneaded basil, oregano and Parmesan cheese into packaged bread dough for this full-flavored crust. Purchased pesto sauce keeps the pesto flatbread big on taste and convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
8 / 96

Red Pepper & Parmesan Tilapia

My husband and I are always looking for light fish recipes for Lent and for health. This Parmesan tilapia is a hit with him, and we’ve served it at dinner parties, too. It’s a staple! —Michelle Martin, Durham, North Carolina
9 / 96

Pineapple Shrimp Tacos

Taste the tropics with our cool, crispy take on shrimp tacos. Wrapping the shells in lettuce adds even more crunch while keeping the tacos tidy after you take a bite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
10 / 96

Shrimp Mozambique

This shrimp Mozambique recipe was passed down from my grandma and is frequently made in our Portuguese culture. Variations include adding other seafood, such as clams, mussels or scallops. I've also made it with chicken since my kids will not eat seafood. —Christina Souza, Brooksville, Florida
11 / 96

Ravioli with Creamy Squash Sauce

Store-bought ravioli speeds assembly of this cozy, restaurant-quality dish that tastes so good your family won't notice it's meatless. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
12 / 96

Pinto Bean Zucchini Boats

Zucchini shells take center stage when filled with vegetables, beans and sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
13 / 96

Baked Halibut

I got this easy, protein-rich recipe from Sandy Schroth of the Puffin Bed & Breakfast in Gustavus, Alaska. —Edward Mahnke, Houston, Texas
14 / 96

Weeknight Skillet Spinach Pie

I love sneaking extra veggies into my kids’ dinners, especially with this skillet spinach pie recipe. Because of this pie's flaky crust and extra cheese, the kids never know they’re eating a vitamin-rich dish. Plus, I’m not hovering over an oven for hours. Put the spinach and phyllo sheets in the refrigerator the night before or early in the morning for thawing. —Kristyne McDougle, Lorain, Ohio
15 / 96

Crumb-Coated Red Snapper

I reel in compliments with this moist, crispy red snapper recipe. Heart-healthy omega-3 oils are an added bonus with the simple but delicious entree that’s done in mere minutes. It's one of the best red snapper recipes I've found. —Charlotte Elliott, Neenah, Wisconsin
16 / 96

Salmon with Vegetable Salsa

This recipe is delightful. You can pair the salsa with grilled chicken breasts or barbecued shrimp kabobs, too. The only fresh ingredient not available in my son's garden was the avocado! Make a double batch of the salsa to serve with crisp tortilla chips. —Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
17 / 96

Ravioli Casserole

The whole family will love the fun, cheesy flavor of this ravioli casserole. It's like lasagna—without all the fuss! Timesaving ingredients such as prepared spaghetti sauce and frozen ravioli make it a cinch to fix. Children can help you assemble this one. —Mary Ann Rothert, Austin, Texas
18 / 96

Popcorn Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

I love combining classic flavors in new ways. This healthy recipe combines crispy popcorn shrimp and tacos! It’s one of my family’s favorites. To make the tacos lower in carbs, use lettuce instead of tortillas. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
19 / 96

Salmon Loaf

During the Depression, Mom's tasty salmon loaf was a welcome change from the usual meat loaf everyone made to stretch a meal. I still like a lot of the make-do meals of those days, but this loaf is one of my favorites. —Dorothy Bateman, Carver, Massachusetts
20 / 96

Tomato Walnut Tilapia

Tomato, bread crumbs and crunchy walnuts dress up pan tilapia fillets in this favorite recipe for Lent. I serve it with cooked julienne carrots and green beans. —Phyl Broich-Wessling, Garner, Iowa
21 / 96

Martha's Fish Tacos

We can’t get enough barbecued fish at our house. This recipe can be made ahead and served cold, or you can eat it hot off the grill. It’s fantastic either way! —Martha Benoit, Proctorsville, Vermont
22 / 96

Mushroom Shepherd's Pie

It sounds silly, but the one thing I miss most about meatless meals is, well, the meat! That is, except for this one. Hearty and satisfying, this shepherd’s pie works as a meatless entree or in smaller portions as a side dish. —Glen Warren, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
23 / 96

Moroccan Vegetable Stew

This fragrant, spicy vegetable stew can be served over couscous or with warm pita bread. Try topping the Moroccan dish with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream to cool it down. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
24 / 96

Vegetarian Enchilada Bake

I’ve had this vegetarian enchilada bake recipe for years. You’ll enjoy the delicious Tex-Mex flavors so much that you won't even miss the meat. —Barbara Stelluto, Devon, Pennsylvania
25 / 96

Portobello and Chickpea Sheet-Pan Supper

This is a fantastic meatless dinner or an amazing side dish. It works well with a variety of sheet-pan-roasted vegetables. We enjoy using zucchini or squash in the summer, and you can also change up the herbs in the dressing. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
26 / 96

Spinach Burritos

I made up this recipe a couple years ago after trying a similar dish in a restaurant. Our oldest son tells me these burritos are 'awesome'! Plus, they're easy and inexpensive. —Dolores Zornow, Poynette, Wisconsin
27 / 96

Catfish Parmesan

Mississippi is the nation's largest producer of farm-raised catfish. My family loves this dish, and asks for it often. One reason I like it is it's so simple to prepare. —Mrs. W.D. Baker, Starkville, Mississippi
28 / 96

Quick and Easy Vegetable Potpie

This meatless Monday superstar comes together quickly and is inexpensive as well. My 4-year-old always asks for seconds! You can substitute any canned or frozen beans for the canned lentils in this easy vegetable potpie. We also like using frozen edamame. —Maggie Torsney-Weir, Los Angeles, California
29 / 96

Meatless Chili Mac

I came across this recipe in a newspaper years ago and it’s been a hit at our house ever since. It’s fast and flavorful, and it appeals to all ages. — Cindy Ragan, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
30 / 96

Kimchi Fried Rice

Forget ordinary fried rice! Kimchi fried rice is just as easy, but it packs a flavorful punch. This is a fantastic use for leftovers too. You can freeze the fried rice for up to three months. When cooking your defrosted rice, add a little extra soy sauce so it doesn't dry out. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
31 / 96

Zucchini Roll-Ups

We love lasagna, but these zucchini roll-ups are a little healthier and a lot quicker! Using zucchini "pasta" also makes the dish gluten free and grain free. To make zucchini strips, use a box grater or mandoline to get even slices. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
32 / 96

Shrimp Egg Foo Young

If you love Chinese food as much as I do, you'll appreciate this shrimp egg foo young that features all the flavor without all the fat and calories. The secret lies in using just the egg white instead of the whole egg. —Quimberley Rice, Decatur, Georgia
33 / 96

Nutty Cheese Tortellini

I like to plant Italian flat-leaf parsley in a long terra-cotta planter so I always have some on hand. It adds bright, fresh flavor to this pasta dish. —Barbara Penatzer, Vestal, New York
34 / 96

Pan-Fried Scallops with White Wine Reduction

I learned the art of wine reduction from a cooking class...the flavor is fabulous! Despite the fancy title, pan-fried scallops are easy to prepare. —Katherine Robinson, Glenwood Springs, Colorado
35 / 96

Veggie-Cashew Stir-Fry

Getting my meat-loving husband and two sons, ages 5 and 7, to eat more veggies had always been a struggle until I whipped up this stir-fry. I was shocked when they cleaned their plates and asked for seconds. —Abbey Hoffman, Ashland, Ohio
36 / 96

Tuscan Portobello Stew

Here’s a healthy one-skillet meal that’s quick and easy to prepare yet elegant enough for company. I often take this stew to my school’s potlucks, where it is devoured by teachers and students alike. —Jane Siemon, Viroqua, Wisconsin
37 / 96

Modern Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole was my favorite as a kid, and I found myself craving it as an adult. I reconfigured the recipe to include more vegetables, and the result is perfection. —Rebecca Blanton, St. Helena, California
38 / 96

Crumb-Topped Sole

Looking for a low-carb supper that’s ready in a hurry? These buttery sole fillets have just a dab of rich sauce and are topped with toasty bread crumbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
39 / 96

Eggplant Rollatini

Want to learn how to cook eggplant? Here's where to start. These authentic eggplant roll-ups may take some time to prepare, but the end result is restaurant-quality. Your family will request this recipe time and again. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
40 / 96

Creamy Scallop Crepes

These savory crepes feel so elegant for the holidays. I like to add a fourth teaspoon of fresh dill weed to the crepe batter before refrigerating. —Doreen Kelly, Hatboro, Pennsylvania
41 / 96

Lemon-Batter Fish

Fishing is a popular recreational activity where we live, so folks are always looking for ways to prepare their catches. My husband ranks this as one of his favorite fish fry batters. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan
42 / 96

Po'Boy Tacos

I intended to make tostadas, but I misread a couple of ingredients and had to use what I had on hand. I put my own twist on a po'boy recipe and ended up with something even better. —Cynthia Nelson, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
43 / 96

Easy Moroccan Chickpea Stew

When I'm invited to a potluck, I easily double or triple this healthy Moroccan chickpea stew to treat the crowd to an exotic dish of enticing, bold flavors. —Heather Demeritte, Scottsdale, Arizona
44 / 96

Crab Egg Foo Yong

Enjoy a classic Chinese takeout without leaving your home. This makes a quick dinner and is as delicious as what you would get in any restaurant. —Beverly Preston, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
45 / 96

California Roll in a Jar

I'm a big sushi fan, but I don't always have time to make those intricate rolls at home. This jar is layered with my favorite California roll ingredients, so I can get the flavor I love without the fuss. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
46 / 96

Farmers Market Enchiladas

These vegetarian enchiladas use a lot of garden favorites in a quick weeknight meal. Feel free to substitute with whatever vegetables you have from your garden: yellow summer squash, eggplant and corn—all taste great! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grv, Utah
47 / 96

Spinach Feta Turnovers

These quick and easy turnovers are a favorite with my wife, who says they are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. —David Baruch, Weston, Florida
48 / 96

Crispy Dill Tilapia

Every week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
49 / 96

Avocado Crab Boats

These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they're always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon
50 / 96

Thai Salmon Brown Rice Bowls

This speedy salmon recipe couldn't be any easier. The store-bought sesame ginger dressing saves time and adds extra flavor to this healthy dish. — Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
51 / 96

Black Bean Bulgur Salad

The only cooking in this easy bulgur salad is heating the broth and bulgur. You can adapt the recipe to your preference; if you want to add chopped cooked chicken, use chicken broth in place of vegetable broth. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
52 / 96

Quickpea Curry

This colorful curry is a nice change of pace for a busy weeknight. I like to substitute fresh peas for frozen when they're in season. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois
53 / 96

Lentil Burritos

I'm constantly trying to incorporate healthy but tasty meals into our menu. Kids and adults alike love these mildly spiced burritos that combine filling lentils with crisp zucchini. —Pam Masters, Wickenburg, Arizona
54 / 96

Sheet-Pan Tilapia and Vegetable Medley

Unlike some one-pan dinners that require precooking in a skillet or pot, this one uses just the sheet pan, period. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
55 / 96

Pasta Pizza

My family often requests this meatless main dish. It's a tempting cross between pizza and spaghetti. —Andrea Quick, Columbus, Ohio.
56 / 96

General Tso’s Cauliflower

Cauliflower florets are deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, then coated in a sauce with just the right amount of kick. This is a fun alternative to the classic chicken dish. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
57 / 96

Seasoned Crab Cakes

At the National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield, Maryland, these scrumptious crab cakes won me first place. I entered them on a whim after trying many crab cake recipes for my family. —Betsy Hedeman, Timonium, Maryland
58 / 96

Flounder with Shrimp Stuffing

The delicious shrimp-herb stuffing makes this fish recipe special enough for company. But it really isn’t hard to make, and since our family enjoys fish, we eat it often. —Marie Forte, Raritan, New Jersey
59 / 96

Fajita-Style Shrimp and Grits

I combined two of my favorite dishes—fajitas and shrimp with cheesy grits—into this spicy one-dish meal. For more heat, use pepper jack cheese instead of a Mexican cheese blend. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
60 / 96

Naked Fish Tacos

This is one of my husband's all-time favorite meals. I've even converted some friends to fish after eating this. I serve it with fresh melon when it's in season to balance the subtle heat of the cabbage mixture. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
61 / 96
62 / 96

Ricotta, Tomato & Corn Pasta

I love to make healthy meals with produce from my latest farmers market trip. This pasta takes just 30 minutes from pantry to dinner table. You can easily make it a meat entree by adding cooked, shredded chicken. —Jerilyn Korver, Bellflower, California
63 / 96

One-Pan Tuscan Ravioli

Sometimes I use chickpeas instead of cannellini beans, grated Asiago or Provolone instead of Parmesan, and all zucchini if I don’t have eggplant. Very flexible! —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
64 / 96

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

This is the ultimate mac and cheese recipe for Lent. It’s saucy, thick and very rich, with a wonderful cheddar flavor. Once you taste it, you’ll be hooked. —Cindy Hartley, Chesapeake, Virginia
65 / 96

Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia

You won’t have to fish for compliments when this is the catch of the day! —Christi McElroy, Neenah, Wisconsin
66 / 96

Blushing Penne Pasta

I reworked this Lent recipe from an original that called for vodka and heavy whipping cream. My friends and family had a hard time believing a sauce this rich, flavorful and creamy could be light. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California
67 / 96

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Bake

This Lent-friendly casserole brings together two classic comfort foods: grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. There’s no need for your hands to get messy dipping bread into a bowl of hot soup! Best of all, my picky-eater husband devours every bite. —Megan Kuns, Perrysburg, Ohio
68 / 96

Creamy Seafood Enchiladas

Shrimp and crab cooked with a flavorful sauce add up to outstanding enchiladas. I made them for an annual fundraiser, and now they’re always in demand. Spice up the recipe to your taste by adding more green chiles and salsa. —Evelyn Gebhardt, Kasilof, Alaska
69 / 96

Tilapia with Corn Salsa

My family loves fish, and this quick and tasty dish is very popular at my house. Though it tastes like it takes a long time, it cooks in minutes under the broiler. We enjoy it with lemon wedges with couscous on the side. —Brenda Coffey, Singer Island, Florida
70 / 96

Pierogi Casserole

My husband never tires of this hearty pierogi casserole, no matter how many times I serve it. It's great for potlucks, too! —Margaret Popou, Kaslo, British Columbia
71 / 96

Almond-Topped Fish

A co-worker gave me this recipe, but I didn't try it until recently. What a mistake it was to wait! It's easier than dipping, coating and frying—and the flavor is outstanding. Once you've tried this tender fish, you'll never go back to fried. —Heidi Kirsch, Waterloo, Iowa
72 / 96

Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake

I like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing, but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It’s all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
73 / 96

Quick Bean and Rice Burritos

These hearty and zippy burritos can be whipped up in a jiffy. —Kimberly Hardison, Maitland, Florida
74 / 96

Stuffed-Olive Cod

Visit the olive bar in your supermarket to put a new twist on cod in this simple high-protein, low-fat entree that’s a weeknight lifesaver. — Tria Olsen, Queen Creek, Arizona
75 / 96

Veggie Fajitas

For a scrumptious and super healthy party dish, these colorful, hearty veggie fajitas packed with crisp-tender vegetables are perfect for Lent. —Sarah Mercer, Wichita, Kansas
76 / 96

Tuna-Filled Shells

Hot tuna’s a hit when you mix it with sizable pasta shells and a cheesy sauce. Dill also complements the fish nicely in this cream comfort food. It’s a great change of pace from the traditional recipes for Lent. —Connie Staal, Greenbrier, Arkansas
77 / 96

Stir-Fried Shrimp and Mushrooms

After a tiring but beautiful day of fishing, this is a fast and delicious way to serve our famous Key West pink shrimp. It's always a big hit with guests. —Jeanne Wolfort, Summerland Key, Florida
78 / 96

Creamy Avocado Manicotti

I am always looking for creative ways to make recipes for Lent a little different. I grow my own basil, and avocados are a versatile favorite, so this recipe is a fantastic way to make manicotti that’s a little unusual. —Jennifer Coduto, Kent, Ohio
79 / 96

White Seafood Lasagna

We make lasagna with shrimp and scallops as part of the traditional Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes. Every bite delivers a tasty “jewel” from the sea. —Joe Colamonico, North Charleston, South Carolina
80 / 96

Lemony Parsley Baked Cod

The trick to avoid overcooking a good piece of fish is to cook it at a high temperature for a short amount of time. Do that and the fish stays moist and tender. —Sherry Day, Pinckney, Michigan
81 / 96
82 / 96

Breaded Sea Scallops

I never liked seafood dinners until my husband urged me to try scallops, and now I love them. He says my breaded version is the best he’s ever had. A tip I learned was to put them on a paper-towel-topped plate to soak up excess oil. —Martina Preston, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
83 / 96

Spinach and Artichoke Pizza

My from-scratch pizza has a whole wheat crust flavored with beer. Top it with spinach, artichoke hearts and tomatoes, then add chicken or ham and fresh basil if you want to include meat. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
84 / 96

Garlic-Herb Salmon Sliders

The fresh flavors of the salmon and herbs are just unbeatable. I serve these as full-size burgers on kaiser rolls, too. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
85 / 96

Fish Tacos with Guacamole

Fish tacos are my new favorite recipe for Lent. They’re lighter and healthier than beef tacos smothered in cheese. Try adding tomatoes, green onions and chopped jalapeno on top. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
86 / 96

Maryland-Style Crab Soup

Try this hearty soup that incorporates the best of vegetable soup and flavorful crab. I break whole crabs and claws into pieces and drop them into the soup to cook, then serve it with saltine crackers and a cold beer. —Freelove Knott, Palm Bay, Florida
87 / 96

Apple, White Cheddar & Arugula Tarts

These tarts remind me of the autumns I spent in Michigan, where I grew up. —Maria Davis, Hermosa Beach, California
88 / 96

Salmon and Spud Salad

I headed straight for the kitchen when I decided to pick up a healthier lifestyle. This salmon with veggies proves that smart choices can be simple and satisfying. —Matthew Teixeira, Milton, Ontario
89 / 96

Tomato-Poached Halibut

My halibut with a burst of lemon comes together in one pan and stays super moist. Try it with polenta, angel hair pasta or crusty bread. —Danna Rogers, Westport, Connecticut
90 / 96

Best Ever Mac & Cheese

To make this amazing mac, I make a sauce loaded with three different cheeses to toss with the noodles. When baked, it's gooey goodness with a crunchy topping that...don't get me started! —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
91 / 96

Basil-Lemon Crab Linguine

I always add herbs to pasta to really punch up the flavor. This linguine looks and tastes like it's from a five-star restaurant. We love it. —Tonya Burkhard, Palm Coast, Florida
92 / 96

Quinoa & Black Bean Stuffed Peppers

If you’re thinking about a meatless meal for Lent, give these no-fuss peppers a try. They come together with just a few ingredients and put a tasty spin on a low-fat dinner! —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, PA
93 / 96

Artichoke Florentine Pasta

Pasta loaded with artichokes and creamy cheese is everything a Lenten dinner should be: rich, tasty and memorable. Add cooked chicken, shrimp or crab if you like. —Nancy Beckman, Helena, Montana
94 / 96

Cod with Hearty Tomato Sauce

My father made up this sweet, flavorful recipe for my mother when he took over the cooking. We serve it with whole wheat pasta or brown rice. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington
95 / 96

Warm Rice & Pintos Salad

During my undergrad years, my roommate taught me how to cook vegetarian dishes like brown rice with pintos. It's so versatile; you can turn it into a wrap or casserole. —Natalie Van Apeldoorn, Vancouver, British Columbia
96 / 96

Carolina Shrimp Soup

Fresh shrimp from the Carolina coast is one of our favorite recipes for Lent. We add kale, garlic, red peppers and black-eyed peas to complete this wholesome, filling soup. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

Next Up: Good Friday meals