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! 🤷♂️
Make sure to use good quality lentils! Mine were kinda bland.
Pretty good! I used flax egg and added a little extra breadcrumbs because the mixture felt too wet. End result was tasty, just slightly softer than real meatballs.
My lentils were cooked a little watery (oops), so the balls didn’t firm up right. I added more breadcrumbs and baked longer, but I think the recipe needs a note about moisture level.
Yes!! Moisture is everything with lentil “meatballs.” I’ve noticed if the lentils aren’t thoroughly drained, the breadcrumb-to-lentil ratio gets thrown off fast. A quick note like “drain very well / let steam evaporate a few minutes” would help a ton.
Interesting—mine always firm up fine, maybe my lentils were just drier. But adding extra breadcrumbs and baking longer makes sense. 25 minutes might be short if the mix is wetter though—maybe try chilling the formed balls 15 min before baking?
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?
Made these last night, they were okay. A bit mushy, I think I overmixed? Not the best but I’ll try again.
Mushy? Really? I’ve made these like 3 times and they always turn out great. Maybe try not mixing so hard?
Don’t worry! It happens to the best of us. Just keep the mixing to a minimum next time. They’re really delicious when done right!
My family said these were bland. I doubled the salt and pepper and it helped some, but the oregano/basil combo tasted a little “soap-y” to me (could be my dried herbs).
Super easy weeknight recipe. The parchment trick helps a lot. I made them smaller and they browned nicely. Served with marinara and it was a hit.
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!
The baking time threw me off. 25 minutes wasn’t enough for my oven—had to bake like 10 more. Still yummy, but watch them.
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.
Meh.
Meh? I’m into it. Lentils + parm sounds way better than I expected. Next time I’ll add some smoked paprika though.
Fair. I think the spices are solid, but mine came out a little dry—probably needed less time or a touch more oil.
Very easy! My kids helped me and they were a hit at dinner. 😊👍
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.
These lentil meatballs are amazing! So easy to make and taste delicious. Will definitely make again!
I haven’t tried these, but they sound good! Can I use black beans instead of lentils?
These sound gross! Lentils as meatballs? No way, I’ll stick to real meat.
Honestly the idea is great, but 25 minutes wasn’t enough for my oven—mine were pale and soft in the middle. I ended up baking 10 more minutes.
I added some chili flakes for a kick, and I’m glad I did! Spicy and tasty!
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.
Meh. Mine came out kinda dry and not super “meaty.” Could be my lentils were overcooked or I packed the balls too tight. Flavor was decent though—oregano/basil combo is good.
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.
Made these tonight and they actually held together really well. I used brown lentils and whole wheat breadcrumbs—perfectly savory. The garlic + oregano combo is legit.
Love hearing that! Brown lentils + whole wheat crumbs sounds like a great swap for extra savory flavor. The garlic/oregano really does carry the whole thing.
These turned out way better than I expected—crispy-ish on the outside and actually filling. I used a flax egg and they held together fine. Will make again!
I followed the recipe but they fell apart. Maybe the egg wasn’t enough? Idk.
Sorry but mine totally fell apart 😭 I might’ve used uncooked lentils by accident (I know, my bad). Still tasted good—just not meatball shaped.
Not gonna lie, “vegetarian meatballs” sounds like a trick, but these actually taste comforting. I used brown lentils and they came out hearty. Would make again.