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Back when we were still kids ordering off the children’s menu, meatballs were a staple part of our restaurant routine. Nary a trip out to eat went by when we weren’t snacking on either poorly-seasoned spaghetti with meatballs, partially-melted grilled cheese, or lukewarm chicken fingers with fries. Appetizing, right?

As we’ve grown older and our palates have evolved to crave more complex flavors, the humble meatball has always held a special place in our hearts — which is why we’re so excited to share these 15 leveled-up vegan meatball recipes from the Food Monster App! Below you’ll find vegan meatball recipes made with veggies, plant-based meats, beans, grains, and more.


1. BBQ Lentil Balls

Source: BBQ Lentil Balls

These irresistible BBQ Lentil Balls by Gina Hoskins are made out of simple plant-based ingredients like lentils, rice, mushrooms, and BBQ sauce. It makes for a vegan protein-packed dish that is ideal for post-workout dinners. If you want to share the love, bring them as a yummy, savory appetizer to events!

2. Albóndigas con Picada de Almendra: Spanish Meatballs

Source: Albóndigas con Picada de Almendra: Spanish Meatballs

This dish from Smith and Daughters goes with pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, anything really! Albóndigas con Picada de Almendra: Spanish Meatballs can also be frozen, making them perfect for last-minute dinners. You can also turn them into burger patties for your next barbecue. “Picada de alemendra” translates to chopped almonds which refers to the crispy, toasted almond and sourdough bread pieces that are stirred into the sauce.


3. Spaghetti With Black-Eyed Pea ‘Meatballs’

Source: Spaghetti With Black-Eyed Pea ‘Meatballs’

This is the ideal summer weekend meal, it takes a little time to prepare but not so much that it’s onerous. These Spaghetti With Black-Eyed Pea ‘Meatballs’ by Elsa Brobbey are hearty with deliciously rich and savory flavors. There may be leftovers, which you can have for dinner during the week! The meatless balls and tomato sauce can be made in advance, when you’re ready, cook the pasta and toss it with them together. So easy, so delicious.


4. Chickpea Balls

Source: Chickpea Balls

The Chickpea Balls here by Nadia Petrova are inspired by falafel. They have dried and sweet melon pieces! The chickpea balls turned out delicious! Are you eager to try?


10. Tempeh Meatballs

Source: Tempeh Meatballs

These Tempeh Meatballs by Rhea Parsons taste rich and flavorful with a perfect soft yet firm meatball texture. They hold up well in sauce and are filling and satisfying.

11. Spinach Meatballs in Spicy Sauce

Source: Spinach Meatballs in Spicy Sauce

Spinach Meatballs in Spicy Sauce by Simona Malerba are good with everything. Well, okay, not EVERYTHING, but they’re pretty amazing with a lot of things like pasta, in sandwiches, lasagna, and salads (don’t knock it ’til you try it). These spinach meatballs will surely take you back to your childhood.

12. Swedish Mushroom Meatballs

Source: Swedish Mushroom Meatballs

These Swedish Mushroom Meatballs from the Cruelty Free Family are blended with fragrant onions, garlic, nutritional yeast for cheesiness, Sriracha, savory liquid aminos, and a few other spices. After being formed and baked until crispy, these meatballs are tossed in a creamy cashew sauce which tastes amazing over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. Yum

13. Lentil Carrot Meatballs

Source: Lentil Carrot Meatballs

These Lentil Carrot Meatballs by Maryke Wylde are an energizing and nourishing addition to any meal. Made with savory brown lentils, tender carrots, sweet potatoes, juicy cherry tomatoes, and walnuts, these meatballs are supremely satisfying. Serve them with a generous pour of tomato sauce and some pine nuts and parsley for garnish.

14. Italian ‘Meatballs’ With Cauliflower Mash

Source: Italian ‘Meatballs’ With Cauliflower Mash

These Italian ‘Meatballs’ With Cauliflower Mash by Buffy-Ellen Gill combines herby and flavorsome “meatballs” with a rich and luxurious Italian tomato sauce and deliciously creamy cauliflower mash. The other awesome thing about the elements of this recipe is that every single one can be used in a different guise as well. So once you’ve mastered it, it’s guaranteed you’ll want to whip out the individual elements in a different form for your next meal.

15. Harissa Lentil Quinoa Meatballs

Source: Harissa Lentil Quinoa Meatballs

These Harissa Lentil Quinoa Meatballs by Maya Sozer are hearty, spicy, smoky veggie meatballs with a ton of high-quality plant protein. Each bite of these has a rich variety of flavor, from spicy harissa to nutty tahini. Use these to make a hearty sub, to top a bowl of spaghetti, or add some depth to a salad.

For more vegan meatball inspiration, check out these 10 Incredible Ways to Make Veggie Meatballs and this guide on How to Make All Kinds of Vegan Meatballs. Yum!

We also highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 15,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!

For more Vegan Food, Health, Recipe, Animal, and Life content published daily, don’t forget to subscribe to the One Green Planet Newsletter!

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