Aldi Vegan Meatball Recipe: Easy & Delicious Meal Idea

If you’re on the lookout for a delicious, easy-to-make vegan dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion, look no further than this Aldi Vegan Meatball recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, a flexitarian, or simply someone curious about plant-based meals, these meatballs offer a satisfying, hearty alternative to traditional meatballs.

Using affordable and easily accessible ingredients from Aldi, this recipe proves that eating vegan doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. From weeknight dinners to casual gatherings, these vegan meatballs shine in pasta dishes, sandwiches, or even as a tasty appetizer.

Let’s dive into a recipe that’s not only kind to animals but also kind to your wallet and taste buds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First off, these vegan meatballs are incredibly versatile. They can be served with your favorite pasta sauce, added to a sub sandwich, or even enjoyed as finger food dipped in barbecue or marinara sauce.

Made primarily with plant-based ingredients found at Aldi, this recipe is budget-friendly without compromising on taste or texture.

The combination of lentils, oats, and spices creates a robust, meaty texture that holds together perfectly, making these meatballs ideal for baking or pan-frying. Plus, the recipe is straightforward, with simple ingredients and minimal prep time, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

If you love hearty, wholesome meals with a vegan twist, this one is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils (drained and cooled)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tbsp water (flax egg)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying or brushing)

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Food processor or blender (optional, for smoother texture)
• Baking tray lined with parchment paper
• Frying pan (optional for pan-frying)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon or spatula

Instructions

1. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with water and set aside for 10 minutes to thicken.
2. Cook lentils: If not already cooked, rinse and boil lentils until tender but not mushy, about 20-25 minutes. Drain and cool.
3. Mix the base: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, rolled oats, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the flax egg: Pour the thickened flaxseed mixture into the bowl and mix everything thoroughly. For a smoother texture, pulse the mixture in a food processor or blender a few times, but avoid over-processing; some texture is good.
5. Form the meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. This recipe should yield around 12-15 meatballs.
6. Cook the meatballs: You have two options:
   • Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking tray, brush lightly with olive oil, and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and firm.
   • Pan-frying: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for 5-7 minutes on each side until crisp and browned.
7. Serve and enjoy: These meatballs are fantastic tossed in marinara sauce, served over pasta, or nestled in a vegan sub roll with your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

For a nutty flavor and added texture, consider adding 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the mixture.

If you prefer gluten-free, replace rolled oats with gluten-free oats or use cooked quinoa instead. You can also experiment by adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a more vibrant taste.

For a smoky kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder. If you want to prepare these in advance, the uncooked meatballs freeze well.

Simply thaw before cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan meatballs pair beautifully with a rich marinara sauce and your favorite pasta for a classic Italian meal. For a twist, serve them over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes.

Try them in a vegan sub sandwich with marinara, vegan cheese, and fresh basil for a satisfying lunch or dinner. They also make excellent finger foods at parties—serve with dipping sauces like barbecue, vegan ranch, or spicy tomato chutney.

For a lighter option, toss the meatballs with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to keep your meal balanced and nutritious.

Looking for more plant-based inspiration? Check out our Blackberry Juicing Recipes for refreshing drinks, or dive into hearty vegan-friendly dishes like our Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe.

For a sweet treat that complements your meal, don’t miss the 50 Cupcake Recipes collection.

Conclusion

This Aldi Vegan Meatball recipe is a wonderful example of how plant-based cooking can be simple, delicious, and affordable. By using pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that satisfies both vegans and meat-eaters alike.

The texture and flavor balance make these meatballs a versatile addition to your meal rotation, perfect for quick dinners or special occasions.

Embracing vegan meals doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or taste. With this recipe, you get the best of both worlds—a wholesome, hearty dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Next time you visit Aldi, stock up on these ingredients and give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite meal!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Aldi Vegan Meatball Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Delicious and easy vegan meatballs made with Aldi plant-based ingredients. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a snack.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 package Aldi vegan ground meat substitute (12 oz)”, “1/2 cup breadcrumbs”, “1/4 cup finely chopped onion”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tbsp water”, “2 tbsp nutritional yeast”, “1 tbsp soy sauce”, “1 tsp dried Italian seasoning”, “1/2 tsp salt”, “1/4 tsp black pepper”, “2 tbsp olive oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix flaxseed and water; let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, combine vegan ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, flax mixture, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Form mixture into 16 meatballs.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer meatballs to a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until cooked through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with your favorite sauce or pasta.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220”, “proteinContent”: “15g”, “fatContent”: “10g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18g”}}