Vegan Hearty Sausage Meatballs

Experience the ultimate comfort food with a plant-based twist in these Vegan Hearty Sausage Meatballs! Crafted from a wholesome blend of chickpeas, finely chopped mushrooms, gluten-free breadcrumbs, and rolled oats, these meatballs are packed with flavor and texture. Seasoned with smoky paprika, fennel seeds, and tamari sauce, they deliver a savory depth reminiscent of classic Italian sausage—without any animal products. A quick and easy flaxseed "egg" binds the mixture, while a hint of liquid smoke elevates the aroma. Baked to golden perfection, these meatballs are firm on the outside yet tender on the inside, making them perfect for pairing with marinara over pasta, as a hearty sandwich filling, or an irresistible appetizer. Ready in under an hour, this satisfying vegan recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests with its crave-worthy, plant-based innovation.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup Mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs (gluten-free optional)
• 1 cup Rolled oats
• 2 tbsp Flaxseed meal
• 5 tbsp Water
• 2 tbsp Nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp Tamari sauce
• 1 tsp Liquid smoke
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Fennel seeds
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 2 tbsp Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine the flaxseed meal and water to create a flax egg. Stir well and let it sit for 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 2

In a food processor, add the chickpeas, finely chopped mushrooms, breadcrumbs, rolled oats, nutritional yeast, tamari sauce, liquid smoke, and the prepared flax egg.

Step 3

Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, fennel seeds, black pepper, and salt to the food processor.

Step 4

Pulse the mixture until it is well combined but still has some texture. Avoid over-processing into a paste.

Step 5

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

Step 6

Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7

Brush the meatballs lightly with olive oil to help them brown and develop a nice crust.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking, until the meatballs are firm and golden brown.

Step 9

Serve the vegan hearty sausage meatballs with your favorite pasta sauce, over spaghetti, or on a sub roll with marinara sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1006.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1921.5

Total Fat 57.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6307.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 274.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 55.3g	0%
Total Sugars 29.0g
Protein 84.3g	0%

Vitamin D 14IU	0%
Calcium 425.2mg	0%
Iron 23.0mg	0%
Potassium 2840.0mg	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: 26.5%

Protein: 17.3%

Carbs: 56.2%