Vegetarian Meatballs
A hearty vegetarian meatball dish featuring walnuts, oats, and vegetables, baked in flavorful gravy. Perfect for comforting family dinners or meatless meals.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup ground walnuts ⓘ
- 2 cup oatmeal ⓘ
- 1/2 cup wheat germ ⓘ
- 1 cup cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 4 to 5 cloves garlic, chopped
- 4 large red onions, chopped fine ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, chopped fine ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons parsley, chopped fine
- 1 cup favorite vege-meat ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 4 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 3 to 4 cups gravy ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground walnuts, oatmeal, wheat germ, cottage cheese, flour, chopped garlic, chopped onions, chopped celery, chopped parsley, vege-meat, salt, and beaten eggs.
- Mix thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the mixture into balls of desired size and place them in a casserole dish.
- Pour 3 to 4 cups of gravy over the meatballs to cover them.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 40 minutes until heated through and browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like cumin or smoked paprika into the mixture. You can substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free oats and flour. Additionally, if you don't have walnuts, ground almonds can serve as a suitable alternative.
Serving Suggestions
These vegetarian meatballs pair beautifully with spaghetti and marinara sauce or can be served on a sub roll with melted cheese for a hearty sandwich. Consider serving alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting side, try serving with mashed potatoes or polenta.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish covered with foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetarian Meatballs contains roughly 2411 calories, with 48g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 197g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (114% of the Daily Value), and potassium (103% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2858mg per serving (124% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the vegetarian meatballs?
Yes, these meatballs freeze well! After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes.
What can I use instead of vege-meat?
If you don't have vege-meat on hand, you can use finely chopped mushrooms or cooked lentils as a substitute. Both options will enhance the texture and flavor of the meatballs. Additionally, using crumbled tofu mixed with a bit of soy sauce can create a similar effect while keeping the dish vegetarian.
How do I make these meatballs spicier?
To add some heat to your vegetarian meatballs, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the mixture. You could also mix in some hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra spiciness. Adjust the amount to your preference for a customized flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).