If you’ve been craving the comforting, rich flavors of classic meatballs but want to keep things plant-based, this Vegan Meatball Recipe with Beyond Meat is your new go-to! Beyond Meat’s plant-based ground provides the perfect texture and taste that mimics traditional meat, making these meatballs juicy, savory, and utterly satisfying.
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to cut down on meat without sacrificing flavor, these meatballs bring a hearty punch to any meal.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through crafting delicious vegan meatballs that are perfect for pasta nights, sandwiches, or even as a tasty appetizer. The combination of herbs, spices, and simple pantry staples elevates the taste, while the Beyond Meat base ensures a protein-packed bite every time.
Plus, these meatballs come together quickly and easily, making them ideal for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep.
Ready to dive into a flavorful plant-based feast? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beyond Meat vegan meatballs offer several benefits that make them a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire. First, they deliver the meaty texture and umami flavor that meat lovers crave, but entirely plant-based.
This means you get the best of both worlds — satisfying taste without compromising your dietary choices.
These meatballs are also incredibly versatile. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce atop spaghetti, stuff them into a sub roll for a vegan meatball sandwich, or enjoy them as finger food with a dipping sauce.
They freeze wonderfully, so you can make a big batch ahead of time and reheat for quick meals.
Lastly, this recipe is straightforward and accessible. No obscure ingredients or specialized equipment needed — just simple steps to create juicy, flavorful vegan meatballs that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Beyond Meat ground
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tbsp water (flax egg)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula or tongs
- Baking sheet (optional, if baking)
- Whisk or fork (for flax egg)
Instructions
- Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with water. Whisk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens and forms a gel-like consistency.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the Beyond Meat ground, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and chopped parsley.
- Add the flax egg: Pour the flax egg into the mixture. Using clean hands or a spatula, gently mix everything until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
- Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2 inch meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. You should get approximately 16 meatballs from this batch.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, turning carefully to brown all sides evenly. They should develop a crispy crust while remaining tender inside.
- Optional baking step: For a less oily option, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve your vegan meatballs warm with your favorite sauce or dish.
Tips & Variations
“For extra flavor, try adding a splash of vegan Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked chipotle powder to the mixture.”
Cooking tips: Handle the Beyond Meat mixture gently; it can become crumbly if overworked. If your mixture feels too wet to form meatballs, add a bit more breadcrumbs.
For a moister texture, use less breadcrumbs or add a splash of vegetable broth.
Variations: Swap the Italian seasoning for a Middle Eastern spice blend to create a different flavor profile. Add chopped mushrooms or walnuts for extra texture and nutrients.
You can also coat the meatballs lightly in flour or cornstarch before frying for an even crispier exterior.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. To make the recipe soy-free, replace soy sauce with coconut aminos.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (2 meatballs) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 14 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Carbohydrates | 8 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugar | 1 g |
Sodium | 320 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Classic spaghetti and marinara sauce is always a winner, but don’t stop there!
Try them in a hearty vegan meatball sub with melted vegan cheese and fresh basil.
For a party appetizer, serve the meatballs on toothpicks with a side of tangy barbecue or sweet chili dipping sauce. They also work great as a protein-packed addition to salads or vegan grain bowls.
Looking for inspiration on vegan sides? Check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners to complement your meatballs perfectly.
Conclusion
This vegan meatball recipe using Beyond Meat is a game-changer for anyone seeking plant-based comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. The combination of savory spices, fresh herbs, and the meaty texture of Beyond Meat creates a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and versatile.
Whether you’re serving these meatballs at a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, they’re sure to become a favorite.
Plus, their quick preparation and adaptable nature make them perfect for cooks of all skill levels. For more delicious vegan recipes that will inspire your kitchen adventures, be sure to explore our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Enjoy your cooking journey and happy eating!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Meatball Recipe Beyond Meat
Description: Delicious and hearty vegan meatballs made with Beyond Meat. Perfect for pasta, subs, or as a protein-packed snack.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package Beyond Meat Beyond Beef (12 oz)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix flaxseed and water, let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine Beyond Meat, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and flax mixture.
- Form mixture into 12 meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides for 5 minutes.
- Transfer meatballs to a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until cooked through.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 20g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 12g
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