If you’re looking for a delicious, hearty, and satisfying vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs, these All Recipes Vegetarian Meatballs are exactly what you need. Bursting with flavor and texture, these meatballs are crafted from wholesome ingredients that mimic the comforting feel of classic meatballs without any meat.
Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan (with slight modifications), or just experimenting with plant-based meals, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Perfect as a main dish, an appetizer, or even as a protein-packed snack, these vegetarian meatballs are versatile and easy to prepare. They come together with pantry staples and fresh herbs, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Plus, they pair wonderfully with your favorite sauces and sides, offering a nutritious and tasty meal everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian meatball recipe stands out for its rich, comforting taste and satisfying texture. Made with a combination of beans, grains, and vegetables, these meatballs deliver protein and fiber, keeping you full and energized.
They’re gluten-free if you opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you can easily customize the spices to suit your palate.
Another reason to love this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. No complicated ingredients or equipment needed!
Plus, these meatballs freeze beautifully, making them a convenient option for busy days. Whether you’re serving them with spaghetti, in a sub sandwich, or on their own with dipping sauce, these meatballs never disappoint.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for vegetarian; omit for vegan)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Baking sheet (optional, for baking instead of frying)
- Spatula or tongs
Instructions
- Prepare the beans: Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly. Place them in a large mixing bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but still a bit chunky for texture.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and egg to the mashed beans. Mix everything well until all ingredients are incorporated and the mixture holds together.
- Form the meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 15-18 meatballs from this recipe.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning gently to brown all sides evenly. They should develop a crispy, golden crust.
- Optional baking method: If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They will be less crispy but healthier.
- Serve warm: Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite sauce or side dish.
Tips & Variations
For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). Omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Try adding finely chopped mushrooms or grated carrots to the mixture for extra moisture and nutrition.
If you like spicy food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (3 meatballs) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 9 g |
Carbohydrates | 22 g |
Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Saturated Fat | 1 g |
Cholesterol | 25 mg (omit if vegan) |
Sodium | 400 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegetarian meatballs are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for a variety of meals. Serve them atop spaghetti with marinara sauce for a classic twist.
They also shine in a sub sandwich with melted cheese and fresh basil.
For a lighter meal, enjoy them with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables. They can even be paired with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta for a comforting dinner.
Get creative and try dipping them in barbecue sauce or a tangy tzatziki for a flavorful snack.
If you want to explore more hearty vegetarian dishes, check out our Bread And Gravy Recipe or elevate your breakfast game with this Breakfast Wellington Recipe. For a special occasion, the Bluebill Duck Recipes are worth exploring.
Conclusion
These All Recipes Vegetarian Meatballs are a fantastic addition to any meal plan, offering a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional meatballs. They are simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
The combination of beans, grains, and herbs creates a delightful texture and taste that will satisfy your cravings and provide a wholesome source of protein and fiber.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or aiming to impress guests with a meat-free dish, this recipe delivers every time. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices and add-ins to make it your own.
Once you try these meatballs, they’ll become a favorite in your recipe collection, offering endless possibilities for tasty, plant-based meals.
📖 Recipe Card: All Recipes Vegetarian Meatballs
Description: Delicious and hearty vegetarian meatballs made with a blend of beans, vegetables, and spices. Perfect as a main dish or in pasta dishes.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mash black beans in a large bowl until mostly smooth.
- Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Form mixture into 12 meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer meatballs to oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 18 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “All Recipes Vegetarian Meatballs”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Delicious and hearty vegetarian meatballs made with a blend of beans, vegetables, and spices. Perfect as a main dish or in pasta dishes.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT40M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed”, “1/2 cup breadcrumbs”, “1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1/4 cup finely chopped onion”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 large egg”, “2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley”, “1 teaspoon Italian seasoning”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mash black beans in a large bowl until mostly smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Form mixture into 12 meatballs and place on a baking sheet.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer meatballs to oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “9 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18 g”}}