Hearty, Healthy Black Bean Meatballs
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, or just want a simple recipe for ‘Meatless Mondays,’ these black bean meatballs may just be exactly what you’re looking for. They are made from a combination of black beans, sunflower seeds, oats, and several herbs, spices, and seasonings (but are also super versatile to substitutions and variations!). Not only are these vegan meatballs packed with protein, but they’re flavorful with a firm, crispy outside and tender middle. Having experimented with several vegetarian meatball recipes, I found the biggest issue with any meatless meatballs is avoiding crumbling, and a gummy texture, while achieving enough ‘bite’ to mimic that firm but tender texture you want from a meatball. Luckily, these tick all the boxes! Want to know the secret to delicious meat-free meatballs (or one of them, at-least)? It’s all in the seasoning! The ingredients list for this recipe may seem quite long at first glance. However, you will likely have the majority of the herbs/spices already in your kitchen. There’s nothing worse than spending the time to blend, fry, and bake a batch of any meat alternative and finding it lacking in seasoning – don’t worry, I’ve been there! When served alongside a creamy, rich, dairy-free curry gravy (recipe also below!) and some Mashed Potatoes, you’ll have a delicious bowl of healthy, flavor-packed comfort food at its finest. However, if gravy isn’t what you’re in the mood for, then these black bean meatballs pair well with tons of meals. Just check out my ‘how to serve’ section below for several of my favorite ideas.
How To Make Vegan Meatballs?
For The Black Bean Meatballs
Step 1: Add all of the meatball ingredients (except the oil) to a food processor or blender and blend to a thick paste consistency. Note – If you don’t have a food processor/blender, then you can add the ingredients to a bowl and use a potato masher or fork. It will be a chunkier consistency, but it will work.
Step 2: Roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls (there should be around 15). Note – if the mixture is a little wet, add a little more oats and/or allow the mixture to chill in the fridge for 30-60 minutes. You can also lightly oil your hands when rolling the meatballs to avoid sticking.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 390F/200C. Meanwhile, lightly fry the meatballs in a large, oiled pan/skillet over medium heat, until lightly browned, turning occasionally.
Step 4: Transfer to a baking sheet and bake until crispy and browned. Note – By using a stovetop and oven combo, you get a slight crust from the pan before further crisping up and drying out their centers (so they’re not mushy!) during the baking time.
For The Spiced Gravy
Step 1: As the vegan meatballs bake, add the tomato paste and plant-based cream to your pan/skillet on the stovetop and whisk until smooth, slowly adding the veggie broth as you whisk. Step 2: Bring to a boil, add all of the remaining ingredients (apart from the cornstarch and parsley), and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Note- Reduce the amount of curry powder for less heat and a more ‘muted’ gravy flavor, if preferred. I suggest adding half, tasting, and then increasing as needed. Step 3: Mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and then mix into the gravy, heating for a further couple of minutes while it further thickens- then it’s ready to serve! You can check out my potato method here if you want to serve the vegan meatballs and gravy with mashed potatoes. For the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information, read the recipe card below.
How to Store
Store the leftover vegan meatballs and gravy (separately) in the fridge for 4-5 days. You can also freeze them in their uncooked or cooked form. They tend to become even crispier when reheating after they’re already baked once, so that’s what I prefer to do. To freeze, layer in a freezer-safe container between layers of parchment paper, so they don’t stick as they freeze. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating, bake from frozen (increase the time in the oven a bit), or drop them into a pot of sauce on the hob from frozen or thawed until warmed through.
How to Serve
These meatless meatballs are super versatile, perfect for serving with tons of meals apart from the spicy gravy so that they’re never becoming boring. Here are a few of my other favorite options:
With Marinara sauce – either alone or with spaghetti, mash, or rice. Spaghetti & meatballs Or other pasta dishes – like this Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, Alfredo Pasta, or even German Schupfnudeln. In a meatball sub/wrap with this Vegan Cheese Sauce. Add the vegan meatballs to soups and stews – like this easy Tomato Pasta Soup, Lasagna Soup, or Creamy Pasta Soup. As part of traybake with roasted veggies. Use, halved, as a Pizza topping. They also become firmer as they cool, so they are great for serving in cold pasta salads or as finger-food alongside some Yum Yum Sauce or other dips.
And don’t forget to serve with a liberal sprinkle of Vegan Parmesan to top- delicious!
Ingredient Substitutions
Oats: You can substitute the oats with your flour of choice – such as buckwheat. You can also use grain-free options, including almond, quinoa, and chickpea flour. Avoid coconut flour as it’s very absorbent and could lead to crumbly meatballs. The Cream: You can use plant-based cream, coconut cream, or full-fat coconut milk. You could also use any other plant-based milk (soy, oat, etc.), but the gravy won’t be as rich and creamy. Sunflower Seeds: Or you can use the seeds/nuts of your choice (Pumpkin, hemp, walnut, cashew, almond, hazelnut). Beans: Feel free to sub the black beans for kidney beans or even chickpeas. Optional Add-ins: You could add a splash of liquid smoke or soy sauce/tamari (GF option) for additional flavor. Cornstarch: Substitute this with arrowroot or tapioca starch.
Other Helpful Tips
To cook these in an air-fryer: I haven’t tried, but I suggest using the same temperature, spray lightly with a little oil and cook for between 10-15 minutes. To only pan-fry: Simply heat for longer in the pan. They will be slightly softer/mushier this way, except if you deep-fry them. To only oven-bake: Bake in the oven for an extra few minutes. They won’t be quite as crispy this way. Readers’ Tip: You can omit the pan-frying and bake these veggie meatballs in a Muffin tin. That way, they get crispy all over but with no need for excess oil or turning them over. You can adjust these black bean meatballs into vegan burger patties by shaping them into patties and increasing the cooking time.
Related Recipes without Meat
Vegan Hungarian Goulash Meat-free Meatloaf with Mushroom Sauce Vegan Shawarma Kebab Meat-Free Sausage Recipe
If you try this vegan meatball recipe, I’d love a comment and recipe ★★★★★ rating below. Also, don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan/ #elavegan – I love seeing your recreations.
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