Vegan Meatballs Recipe

Who says you need meat to enjoy a good, hearty meatball? These Vegan Meatballs are packed with flavor, have the perfect texture, and hold up beautifully in your favorite sauces.

Whether you're serving them with pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer, they bring all the comfort of traditional meatballs—without the meat.

Instead of using processed alternatives, we’re making these from scratch with simple, wholesome ingredients like lentils, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs.

The result?

A tender yet firm bite, loads of umami, and a recipe that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For the Vegan Meatballs:

• 1 cup cooked lentils (brown or green, drained well)

• ½ cup finely chopped mushrooms

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or oat flour for gluten-free)

• ¼ cup finely chopped onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 5 tablespoons water (flax egg)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For Serving (Optional):

• Marinara sauce (for classic spaghetti and meatballs)

• Pasta or zucchini noodles

• Sub rolls and vegan cheese (for meatball subs)

Step 1: Make the Flax Egg

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens. This acts as the binder to hold the meatballs together.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms, Onion, and Garlic

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

• Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.

• Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become slightly browned.

Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mash the Lentils

In a large bowl, add the cooked lentils and mash them with a fork or potato masher. You want a chunky texture—some lentils fully mashed, others still whole—for the perfect meatball consistency.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

To the mashed lentils, add:

• The cooked mushroom-onion mixture

• The breadcrumbs

• The flax egg

• Soy sauce, tomato paste, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt

Mix everything well until it forms a dough-like consistency. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs. If too dry, add a splash of water or vegetable broth.

Step 5: Shape the Meatballs

Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should get about 12-15 meatballs.

For best results, refrigerate the meatballs for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps them firm up and hold their shape.

Step 6: Cook the Meatballs

Option 1: Bake (Healthier Option)

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and lightly brush with olive oil.

• Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and firm.

Option 2: Pan-Fry (Crispier Option)

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning every few minutes, until they are golden and crisp on all sides.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Now for the best part—serving them up! Here are a few ways to enjoy your vegan meatballs:

• Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs – Toss them in warm marinara sauce and serve over pasta with fresh basil.

• Meatball Subs – Stuff them into toasted rolls, add marinara and vegan cheese, and bake until melty.

• Appetizer Style – Serve with toothpicks and a side of dipping sauce like barbecue or sweet chili.

Conclusion

These Vegan Meatballs are packed with flavor, hold their shape beautifully, and work in so many different dishes. Whether you’re making a cozy pasta dinner or a satisfying sub, they deliver on both taste and texture.

Give them a try and let me know your favorite way to eat them! 😊🍝👇💖