This blog has already discussed meatless meals, but I feel that you can never have too many recipes for meatless meals. After all, they're healthy and more affordable. Here are a couple more recipes I hope you enjoy.

Vegetarian Nachos
Serves 4

2 large red onions, chopped
2 large zucchinis, halved and sliced
2 large green peppers, chopped
Olive oil
2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped
2 cans of chili beans, drained and rinsed
1 can of enchilada sauce
1 cup of 2-percent shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag of whole wheat tortilla chips

1. Sautee the onions, zucchini and green peppers in olive oil until cooked through.
2. Stir in the tomatoes, chili beans and enchilada sauce and bring to a simmer.
3. Top with cheese, cover the pan and let simmer until the cheese melts.
4. Serve with tortilla chips.

White Vegetarian Lasagna
Serves 8

3 large onions, chopped
1 pound of sliced mushrooms
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Olive oil
2 boxes of frozen spinach, thawed
16-ounce container of low-fat ricotta cheese
16-ounce container of low-fat cottage cheese
2 cups of 2-percent shredded mozzarella
¼ cup parmesan cheese
2 jars of low-fat Alfredo sauce
1 box of lasagna noodles

1. Sautee the onions, mushrooms and garlic in olive oil and allow to cool.
2. Mix the onions, mushrooms and garlic with the spinach and set aside.
3. Mix the ricotta, cottage cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella and the parmesan cheese and set aside.
4. Pour a ¼ cup of Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish and add a layer of noodles.
5. Add another layer of sauce. Then add a layer of the cheese mixture and a layer of vegetables.
6. Repeat the layers ending with sauce. Top the sauce with the remaining mozzarella.
7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
8. Remove the aluminum foil and bake an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is browned.
9. Serve with side salad and garlic bread.

You don't have to be a vegetarian to understand the importance of meatless meals. You also don't have to choke down tofu in order to enjoy the benefits of a meatless meal. Meat-free meals are packed with nutrition, are affordable to prepare and can be prepared quickly. What's not to love? The following are just a few recipes to get you started.

Spicy Egg Burritos
Serves 4
1 cup of egg substitute
4 ounces of pepper jack cheese, shredded
2 - 4 tablespoons of pickled jalapenos, sliced
2 cups of chili beans, heated
4 whole wheat tortillas
8 tablespoons of reduced-fat sour cream

1. Cook the egg substitute according to the package directions.
2. Right before the eggs are done, add the cheese and jalapenos.
3. Heat the tortillas in the microwave under a damp paper towel for 30 to 60 seconds or until softened.
4. Top the tortillas with the eggs, beans and sour cream.
5. Fold the sides of the tortilla in and roll.
6. Serve with salsa for dipping.

Mexican Bean Pizza
Serves 4-6
1 whole wheat pizza crust
1 large can of fat-free refried beans
1 cup of Mexican cheese blend
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 cups of shredded lettuce
1 cup of salsa
½ cup of reduced-fat sour cream

1. Top the pizza crust with the refried beans and cheese.
2. Bake according to the package directions or until cheese has melted.
3. Top with tomatoes, lettuce, salsa and sour cream.
4. Serve immediately.

Green Beans with New Potatoes
Serves 8
2-pound bag of frozen green beans
16 small new potatoes
½ cup of garlic infused olive oil
½ cup water

1. Boil the green beans for 5 minutes and drain.
2. Toss the green beans with new potatoes and olive oil.
3. Pour water into a slow cooker followed by the beans and potatoes.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours.
5. Serve with whole wheat rolls.

Meatless meals don't have to be boring. They also don't have to strain your pocketbook.