Low Fat Hearty Vegetarian Meatballs

Satisfy your comfort food cravings with these Low Fat Hearty Vegetarian Meatballs, a guilt-free yet flavorful twist on a beloved classic. Made with wholesome ingredients like protein-packed chickpeas, fiber-rich rolled oats, and umami-packed mushrooms, these meat-free masterpieces deliver a hearty bite without the excess fat. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a hint of soy sauce, each meatball bursts with savory flavor while maintaining a satisfying texture. Perfectly golden and baked—not fried—for a healthier option, they are ready in under an hour and versatile enough to pair with pasta, pack into sandwiches, or serve as a party appetizer. These vegetarian meatballs are perfect for anyone seeking a lighter, nutrient-rich, plant-based alternative while still indulging in comforting, home-cooked goodness.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 8 ounces mushrooms
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 1 small onion
• 1 egg
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Place them in a food processor along with the rolled oats. Pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.

Step 3

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are soft and most of the moisture has evaporated, around 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Add the cooked mushroom mixture to the food processor along with the chickpea and oat mixture.

Step 6

Add grated Parmesan, egg, parsley, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined, but not completely smooth. You should still see some texture.

Step 7

Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are firm and golden brown, flipping halfway through to ensure even baking.

Step 9

Serve these meatballs with your favorite pasta, in a sandwich, or with a dipping sauce as an appetizer. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(990.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1624.9

Total Fat 59.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.9g
Cholesterol 236mg	0%
Sodium 2913.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 198.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 46.4g	0%
Total Sugars 31.5g
Protein 85.2g	0%

Vitamin D 48IU	0%
Calcium 797.8mg	0%
Iron 19.2mg	0%
Potassium 3079.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.9%

Protein: 20.4%

Carbs: 47.7%