Vegetarian Meatballs are a delicious and hearty alternative to traditional meatballs, perfect for those who follow a vegetarian diet or simply want to try a plant-based version of this classic dish. Made with ingredients like lentils, beans, quinoa, or vegetables, these meatballs are packed with flavor and provide a satisfying texture. Whether served with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as a tasty appetizer, vegetarian meatballs are versatile and can easily be adapted to suit your taste preferences.
The base for vegetarian meatballs often includes lentils or chickpeas, which are cooked and mashed to create a firm yet tender texture. Adding breadcrumbs or oats helps bind the mixture together, while grated vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or onions provide additional flavor and moisture. For seasoning, a combination of garlic, herbs like basil and oregano, and spices like cumin or smoked paprika can be used to mimic the savory flavor of traditional meatballs. A bit of parmesan or nutritional yeast can also be added for a cheesy, umami taste.
Once the meatball mixture is ready, shape it into small balls and bake or pan-fry them until golden and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and tender on the inside. You can also simmer the vegetarian meatballs in a flavorful tomato sauce to infuse them with extra taste, making them perfect to serve over pasta or in a sub roll with marinara and melted cheese for a veggie-friendly meatball sub.
For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour in place of regular breadcrumbs. To make them vegan, simply substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg or a non-dairy binding ingredient like mashed potatoes or chickpea flour.
Vegetarian meatballs are not only healthier but also offer a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables and protein into your diet. They can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them a convenient and satisfying meal for busy weeknights. Whether you’re serving them with spaghetti or enjoying them on their own with a dipping sauce, vegetarian meatballs are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils green or brown lentils work best, cooked
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs panko or whole wheat
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese or a vegan alternative, grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion small, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1 egg large egg, or a flax egg for a vegan option
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and onion.
- Add the olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the egg and mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and firm.
- Serve with your favorite pasta sauce or as an appetizer with dipping sauce.
Nutrition
So easy to make! My kids helped roll the balls, and they devoured them! Will make again for sure.
That’s awesome! Involving kids in cooking is such a great idea. I’m glad they enjoyed it!
Are you sure kids actually like lentils? Mine wouldn’t touch them with a 10-foot pole! 🤷♂️
These veggie meatballs were a hit at my family dinner! So tasty and healthy. Will definitely make again.
I don’t get it. Veggie meatballs? Just eat the meat, its way better. Why fake it?
So glad to hear that! We loved them too. Have you tried adding any other veggies?
These meatballs are amazing! I used vegan cheese and they turned out perfect. My whole family loved them!
My first try at making meat substitutes! Was super easy and I felt so proud. Thanks for the recipe!
These look amazing! Going to try them this weekend. 😋
I dunno, lentils in meatballs? Sounds weird. Bet it won’t taste like real meat. 🤔
Yum! I’m excited for you to try them! 😍 Let us know how they turn out!
Meh. Tasteless balls of somethin’. Gonna stick with the real deal next time.
NOM! I added some hot sauce and wow, best thing ever. The kids gobbled them up! 😋
Yum! These are better than I expected. I added some chili flakes for extra kick. Delicious!
Better than expected? Hmm, not sure what you expected but lentils don’t exactly scream meatballs to me. :/
Glad you liked it! Chili flakes are a great idea for some extra heat. I’ll have to try that next time.
Not sure if it was me or the recipe, but mine turned out really mushy. Followed the directions exactly.
I’m not sure about this recipe. Lentils as meatballs? Seems weird. But I’ll give it a try just to see.
I didn’t think they would taste like meat but they do! Just need some hot sauce, lol.
Can you even call them meatballs? No meat! It ain’t right. But I guess they are ok for vegetarians.
Meatballs? More like beanballs! 😂
These were surprisingly good! I made them for my vegetarian friend and they loved it. Definitely will make again.
That’s awesome! I love vegetarian dishes that surprise you. I’ve got to try making these for my family!
I’m not sure about these. Lentils? In meatballs? Seems odd. Not convinced, but glad they worked for you!
Just okay. The flavor was kinda bland. Maybe needs more spices or something 🙁
Can I use black beans instead of lentils? I got a ton of beans but no lentils.
Black beans might work but they could change the flavor a little. Lentils have a different texture, you know?
What a great alternative to meat! I added some extra spices and wow!
I don’t know…they turned out kinda mushy for me. Maybe I didn’t cook the lentils enough? Not sure I’d make again.
Lentils instead of beef? Not a chance! Just doesn’t sound right to me.
I get where you’re coming from, but lentils are super healthy! Give it a try, you might be surprised!
No way! Meatballs gotta have meat! Lentils? Nah, sounds weird to me.
These meatballs are fantastic! I was skeptical at first, but they were so flavorful!
I tried these and they fell apart when cooking. Not sure what went wrong…
I tried it but they turned out mushy, any suggestions on how to prevent that next time? Maybe less olive oil?
Mushy? That’s weird! I’ve made them before and they’ve always turned out firm. Maybe cook the lentils less next time?
I think less olive oil might help, but also try adding more breadcrumbs to absorb moisture. Good luck next time!
Used flax egg for vegan option, turned out great! Thanks for sharing!
Easy to make and delicious! My kids loved them, and that’s a win in my book!