Description

This Vegan Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is the perfect plant-based twist on a classic comfort food. Juicy vegan meatballs made from lentils, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs are served over spaghetti with a rich, homemade tomato sauce. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend meals with family.

Ingredients

For the Vegan Meatballs:

1 cup cooked brown lentils
1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 5 tbsp water (flax egg)
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for frying or baking)

For the Tomato Sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the Pasta:

12 oz spaghetti (gluten-free if needed)
Salt for boiling water

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Instructions

Make the flax egg: In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseed with water. Set aside for 5–10 minutes to thicken.

Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, mash the cooked lentils with a fork or potato masher. Add mushrooms, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, seasonings, and the flax egg. Mix well until combined.

Form the meatballs: Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. You should get around 16–20 meatballs.

Cook the meatballs:

Option 1 (Baking): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with a little oil, and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Option 2 (Stovetop): Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 8–10 minutes, turning to brown all sides.

Make the tomato sauce: Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.

Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain.

Assemble: Toss spaghetti with the sauce. Top with meatballs and garnish with fresh basil or vegan parmesan if desired.

Notes

You can use store-bought vegan meatballs for a shortcut.
Make the meatballs ahead and freeze them for easy meal prep.

Use gluten-free spaghetti and breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.