Best Vegan Meatless Meatballs These hearty and delicious vegan meatballs are loaded with plant-based protein and flavor. So easy to make with just 6 ingredients, get ready for a new go-to dish to add to your favorite recipes!
My husband John loves to cook even more than I do. He has a natural knack at combining flavors and seasonings often resulting in the most amazing dishes. This is one of those. He had been watching a local food show on TV and was intrigued by a very non-vegan recipe for sliders the host was demonstrating. The next day, John was pulling these insanely good meatballs out of the oven. This is his recipe.
You won't miss the 'meat' in these fantastic meatballs. This vivacious vegan version of traditional meatballs is going to be your #1 go-to dish for summer entertaining, tailgate events, and everyday fare. Serve as a slider, sandwich, on top of spaghetti, pasta, or all by itself with our favorite homemade vegan marinara or this tasty vegan honey mustard. You won't believe how incredibly hearty and satisfying these yummy meatless meatballs can be. Simply delicious!
Table of Contents
Vegan meatless meatballs have been a huge hit with our vegan and non-vegan friends. They're hearty, satisfying, loaded with flavor and protein. Best of all they're all 100% plant-based and cruelty-free.
These marvelous meatless meatballs can be dressed up for an elegant meal.
Or simply served as casual fare for your next tailgate or game day event!
Ingredient Notes
🥕See the printable recipe card below for quantities & details
Vegan burger meat - Beyond Meat patties, Impossible, or your favorite.
Vegan Italian sausages - we used Field Roast, but any vegan brand is fine.
Non-dairy cheese - any semi-firm vegan cheese will work.
Breadcrumbs - we use Italian seasoned Panko. Can be substituted with plain breadcrumbs plus a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or a mix of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder. Breadcrumbs add a nice crispy texture to the meatballs
Parsley - fresh Italian (flat leaf) or common curly leaf parsley.
Vegan Egg Replacer - we use powdered egg replacer mixed with water. It acts as a binder and adds to the overall texture of the meatballs.
Salt & Pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425℉/220℃
2. Break apart burger patties and sausages with a fork or food processor and place into a large bowl.
3. Finely chop parsley. Prepare equivalent of 3 eggs using vegan egg replacer.
4. Place all the ingredients into bowl.
5. Using a large spoon or very clean hands, thoroughly mix or knead all ingredients together.
6. Once combined, place mixture onto a clean cutting board. Pat into a 1" thick rectangular block. Slice into 12 equal squares.
7. Roll the squares into balls and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 425℉/220℃ for 20-25 minutes until browned. Remove from oven and enjoy while hot.
Serve with on spaghetti, topped with this homemade marinara sauce and a sprinkle of this easy vegan parmesan. Meatless meatballs pair beautifully our fabulous zucchini ravioli, and vegan spinach and cheese stuffed shells . You can also make the best vegan meatballs sandwiches or sliders, in soups or as a side with a fresh green salad.
FAQ's
Can I use any plant-based burger patty for the meatballs?
Yes, you can use your preferred plant-based burger patty. Opt for varieties that have a texture and flavor similar to traditional meat if you want your meatballs to closely resemble their non-vegan counterparts.
How do I make vegan meatballs stick together without eggs?
While we use a powdered egg replacer in this recipe, you can also use flaxseed meal mixed with water can act as a binding agent. For each egg, you can mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.
Can I freeze vegan meatballs for later use?
Absolutely! Vegan meatballs freeze well and can be stored for several weeks. Make sure to cool them completely before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is vegan cheese necessary for meatless meatballs?
Vegan cheese adds a cheesy flavor and texture to the meatballs, but it's not mandatory. You can omit it if you prefer or experiment with different varieties of vegan cheese to suit your taste preferences.
Can I make gluten-free vegan meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats for traditional breadcrumbs to make gluten-free vegan meatballs. Ensure that all your ingredients, including the plant-based burger patties and vegan cheese, are gluten-free.
If you love this recipe ★★★★★ please be sure to rate it below! Sharing your experience lets me know that you enjoyed it and will help other readers decide if they should give the recipe a try too. Thanks a bunch!🥕
Recipe
Best Vegan Meatless Meatballs
Equipment
- food processor optional
- large bowl
- baking sheet
- Chef's knife
- large spoon for mixing
Ingredients
- 4 vegan burgers (4 patties) Beyond Meat The Beyond Burger
- 2 vegan sausages Field Roast Italian Sausages
- 6 oz vegan cheese (¾ package )Miyoko's Fresh Italian Style Mozz
- 1-½ C breadcrumbs Panko Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 C parsley Italian parsley - freshly chopped
- 3 vegan egg replacer* equivalent of 3 eggs using vegan egg replacer
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425º
- Break apart burger patties and sausages with a fork or food processorand put into large bowl.
- Prepare equivalent of 3 eggs using vegan egg replacer.
- Combine all ingredients in bowl. Thoroughly knead or mix all ingredients together.
- Once combined, spoon mixture onto cutting board.
- Pat into 1" thick rectangular block. Cut block into 12 equal squares.
- Shape squares into balls and place on baking sheet.
- Bake at 425º for 20-25 minutes, until browned.
- Remove from oven.
- Serve with marinara, pasta, as sandwiches or sliders, in soups,or as a side with a fresh green salad. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
These are estimated values generated from a nutritional database using unbranded products. Please do your own research with the products you're using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.
Bette says
Hi, I am interested in serving the vegetarian meatballs with the dipping sauces as an appetizer during an hour long gathering. Should the meatballs be kept hot somehow?
Connie Edwards McGaughy says
Hi Bette! Great question. 😊 If the meatballs are served hot to begin with, they should fine sitting out for about an hour. From a food safety standpoint, that's well within the general guideline of no more than 2 hours at room temperature (or 1 hour if it's outdoors in very hot weather, above 90°F/32°C). If you'd like to keep them warm for serving, a small slow cooker or warming tray works great, but it isn't necessary for just an hour. And just between us, my husband John loves them cold straight from the refrigerator, so they're delicious either way! Enjoy your event!
Stacye says
HI .. What Parmesan are you two using?? I'd like to try it!! Thanks, SVM
Connie Edwards McGaughy says
Hi Stacye, that is vegan parm from Violife. We love it. https://amzn.to/3ebLLZj
Connie Edwards McGaughy says
Loaded with protein and fantastic flavor, these meatless meatballs are so good!