Vegetarian Classic Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

Savor the comforting flavors of these Vegetarian Classic Meatballs with Tomato Sauce, a delicious plant-based twist on a beloved classic. Made with hearty lentils, Parmesan cheese, and a medley of aromatic seasonings like oregano and garlic, these meatballs are baked to golden perfection for a satisfying texture. Simmered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce infused with fresh basil, this dish is brimming with robust, Italian-inspired flavors. Ready in just under an hour, it's an ideal dinner option for busy weeknights or special occasions. Serve these vegetarian meatballs over a bed of pasta, on their own with crusty bread, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Perfect for vegetarians and anyone seeking a wholesome comfort food experience, this recipe combines simplicity with bold, mouthwatering appeal.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 grated garlic clove
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, grated garlic, oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the mixture holds together when shaped.

Step 3

Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into about 16 meatballs, approximately the size of a golf ball.

Step 4

Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly brush them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 5

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and firm.

Step 6

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tomato sauce. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

Step 7

Add the canned crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Stir in the fresh basil leaves and sugar, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8

Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.

Step 9

Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully add them to the tomato sauce and gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.

Step 10

Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 11

Serve the vegetarian meatballs hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1303.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1379.6

Total Fat 53.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 226mg	0%
Sodium 4645.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 180.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.5g	0%
Total Sugars 49.3g
Protein 67.5g	0%

Vitamin D 41IU	0%
Calcium 907.9mg	0%
Iron 23.5mg	0%
Potassium 3917.4mg	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: 32.6%

Protein: 18.4%

Carbs: 49.0%