Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs That Everyone Loves (7 Easy Wins)

Name: Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups cooked lentils brown or green; 1 flax egg or 1 large egg; ½ medium yellow onion diced; 3 cloves garlic minced; 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast or parmesan; 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 1 pinch black pepper; 1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste; ½ to ¾ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for a hearty, feel-good dinner that checks all the boxes—cozy, flavorful, and totally doable on a busy night—Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs are about to become your new kitchen crush. 💚 These little baked beauties are savory, tender, and packed with plant-based goodness, yet they still give off that classic “comfort food” vibe we all crave after a long day.

As a chef, I love recipes that work hard for you. These Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep Sundays, or even impressing guests who swear they “need meat to feel full.” (Spoiler alert: they won’t miss it.)

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking—because your kitchen is about to smell amazing.

Why You’ll Love These Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs

Let me count the ways—because there are plenty:

Protein-packed & satisfying without feeling heavy
Baked, not fried, so they’re wholesome and weeknight-friendly
Budget-conscious (hello, lentils!)
Freezer-friendly, making future-you very happy
Flexible for vegan or vegetarian diets

I’ve served these Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs at casual family dinners and dressed-up pasta nights, and they disappear every single time. That’s when you know you’ve got a winner.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Simple Pantry Staples)

Here’s what makes these meatballs shine—nothing fancy, just smart flavor builders:

1 ½ cups cooked lentils (brown or green; canned works beautifully)
1 flax egg (or 1 large egg if not vegan)
½ medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp nutritional yeast (or Parmesan if vegetarian)
1 ½ tbsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp sea salt, or to taste
Pinch of black pepper
1 ½ tbsp tomato paste
½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (up to ¾ cup as needed)

Chef tip: Lentils are the MVP here. They add structure, protein, and that subtly earthy flavor that makes these Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs so satisfying.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs

Don’t worry—this process is beginner-friendly and totally forgiving.

1. Prep Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Easy cleanup = instant joy.

2. Blend the Flavor Base

In a food processor, add everything except the breadcrumbs. Pulse until the mixture is combined but still textured. You’re going for “rustic,” not baby food.

3. Add Breadcrumbs

Add ½ cup breadcrumbs and pulse again. If the mixture feels too wet or sticky, sprinkle in more breadcrumbs, up to ¾ cup.

(If your mixture looks a little rebellious—don’t panic. Breadcrumbs are great peacemakers.)

4. Roll & Arrange

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture at a time and roll into balls using clean hands. Place them evenly on your baking sheet.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for golden-brown outsides and a firm-but-tender bite.

Serve your Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs hot with pasta, rice, or tucked into a cozy sub sandwich with marinara.

Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs baked in rich tomato sauce with fresh basil — Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs served over spaghetti with marinara and herbs make the perfect meatless pasta night.

Chef Omar’s Pro Tips for Foolproof Lentil Meatballs

Don’t overblend. Texture is what keeps these meatballs hearty.
Taste before baking. A quick nibble lets you adjust salt or seasoning.
Use damp hands when rolling to keep the mixture from sticking.
Double the batch. These freeze like champs and reheat beautifully.

One time, I made these for friends who stopped by unexpectedly. I served them over spaghetti with a jarred marinara (no shame!), and everyone asked for the recipe. That’s the magic of Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs—they feel special without being fussy.

Delicious Ways to Serve Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs

Need inspiration? Try them:

Over classic spaghetti with marinara
In a meatball sub with melted mozzarella
On creamy polenta for a cozy dinner
Tossed into a grain bowl with roasted veggies
As a party appetizer with toothpicks and sauce

These Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs love a good sauce moment, so don’t hold back.

FAQs About Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs

Can I make these vegan?

Absolutely! Just use a flax egg and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

How long do they last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, they’ll keep for 4–5 days.

Can I freeze Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs?

Yes! Freeze after baking for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Can I pan-fry them instead?

You can, but baking keeps them lighter and less messy.

Ready to Fall in Love With Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs?

These Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs are proof that plant-based comfort food can be just as cozy, flavorful, and satisfying as the classics. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something nourishing and delicious, this recipe has your back.

So grab that baking sheet, fire up the oven, and let these lentil-packed gems bring a little joy to your table. From my kitchen to yours—happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!

More Cozy Lentil Dinners You’ll Love

If these Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs hit the spot, here are a few more comforting, flavor-packed dishes that keep the lentil goodness going and fit beautifully into the same mealtime mood, plus a little extra inspiration from around the web:

Try lentil shepherd’s pie for a cozy, hearty plant-based dinner when you’re craving classic comfort with a meatless twist
Switch things up with lentil sloppy joes that are bold, saucy, and weeknight-friendly for an easy family favorite
Dig a little deeper into the benefits with are lentils a healthier alternative to chicken for everyday meals if you’re exploring more plant-forward cooking
Keep pasta night exciting with lentil bolognese that’s rich, savory, and deeply satisfying as another delicious meat-free option
For even more creative ideas, check out vegetarian lentil meatballs with a fresh, veggie-forward twist for added inspiration

These dishes naturally build on the cozy, satisfying flavors of Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs and make it easy to keep nourishing, feel-good meals in regular rotation.