Vegetarian Classic Beef Meatballs

Satisfy your comfort food cravings with these mouthwatering Vegetarian Classic Beef Meatballs—an irresistibly hearty and savory plant-based twist on the traditional dish. Made with a wholesome base of protein-packed lentils and umami-rich mushrooms, these meatballs are perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and soy sauce for a flavor that mimics the depth of classic beef. Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs ensure a tender yet firm texture, while a brief bake in the oven provides the perfect golden finish. Ready in just an hour, these vegetarian meatballs are as versatile as they are delicious—serve them with marinara sauce over spaghetti, in a hearty sub sandwich, or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether you're a devoted vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more meatless options into your meals, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Lentils
• 2.5 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 8 ounces Mushrooms
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large Egg
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and drain the lentils. In a medium pot, bring the lentils and water to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Drain any remaining water and let lentils cool.

Step 2

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Finely chop the onion and garlic, and sauté them in the pan until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the chopped mushrooms to the pan and cook for another 5-7 minutes until softened and most of the moisture has evaporated.

Step 4

Transfer the cooked vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, soy sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Step 5

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until well combined.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and form them into 1.5-inch balls. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8

Bake the meatballs in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are firm and lightly browned.

Step 9

Serve the vegetarian meatballs with your favorite marinara sauce and pasta, or use them as a hearty filling for a sub sandwich.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1436.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1491.9

Total Fat 75.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 13.6g
Cholesterol 259.5mg	0%
Sodium 5577.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 149.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.1g	0%
Total Sugars 23.5g
Protein 66.8g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 682.2mg	0%
Iron 13.9mg	0%
Potassium 2141.5mg	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: 44.1%

Protein: 17.3%

Carbs: 38.7%