Name: Moist Baked Lentil Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups cooked lentils (brown or green, canned brown lentils recommended); 1 flax egg (or 1 large egg); 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp nutritional yeast (or parmesan cheese if not vegan); 1 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste); 1 pinch black pepper (to taste); 1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (can use regular breadcrumbs, up to 3/4 cup as needed)

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Introduction

These moist baked lentil meatballs are a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional meatballs. Packed with flavor and tender texture, they make a perfect addition to pasta, rice, or your favorite sauce. Easy to prepare and bake, they’re great for both weeknight dinners and meal prepping.

A white plate holds a neat nest of light brown spaghetti at the bottom layer, topped with several round meatballs covered in bright red tomato sauce. One meatball is cut open, showing a dense, crumbly brown inside. The red sauce is thick and chunky, spilling slightly over the pasta. White grated cheese is sprinkled generously on top of the meatballs and sauce, with a small green herb sprig placed as garnish. A silver fork rests on the plate, partially inserted into the pasta. The background has a white marbled texture, with soft lighting bringing out the colors vividly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups cooked lentils (brown or green, canned brown lentils recommended)
1 flax egg (*see notes, or 1 large egg)
1/2 medium yellow onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
3 tbsp nutritional yeast (or parmesan cheese if not vegan)
1 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
1 pinch black pepper (to taste)
1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (can use regular; up to 3/4 cup as needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine all ingredients except the breadcrumbs. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture—avoid pureeing.
Step 3: Add the whole wheat breadcrumbs and pulse again. If the mixture feels too wet, gradually add more breadcrumbs up to 3/4 cup until it holds together well.
Step 4: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll into balls using clean hands. Arrange the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown all around. Serve warm with pasta, rice, and your favorite sauce.

Tips & Variations

To make a flax egg, mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water and let it sit for 5 minutes until gelatinous.
For added moisture, you can mix in some finely grated zucchini or carrot.
Swap Italian seasoning for smoked paprika and cumin for a smoky twist.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage

Store cooled lentil meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

How to Serve

A white shallow bowl holds a neat nest of light beige spaghetti forming the bottom layer, topped with three round brown meatballs covered in bright red tomato sauce which also drapes over the spaghetti. The tomato sauce is thick with a rich texture, sprinkled generously with white grated cheese. A small green herb garnish sits lightly on top of the meatballs. To the right on the bowl’s edge, a spoon and a fork rest resting together. The bowl is placed on a white marbled texture surface. In the blurred background, another white plate with a similar dish is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make lentil meatballs without a food processor?

Yes, you can mash the lentils with a fork or potato masher and finely chop the onion and garlic. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to achieve a similar texture, but the texture may be less uniform.

Are these lentil meatballs vegan?

They can be vegan if you use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg and substitute nutritional yeast for parmesan cheese. Otherwise, using an egg and parmesan cheese makes them vegetarian but not vegan.