30 Minute Vegetarian Meatballs
Total Time
30 minutes
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Rating
4.8 out of 5 stars
(108)
Ingredients
50+ meatballs; ~10 servings
- 10–12 oz bag of cauliflower rice or 3 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa and/or brown rice (one 8.5-ounce package of a pre-cooked blend)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1–2 teaspoons spices to taste (chili powder, paprika, and/or cumin will work)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- olive oil to brush over the top
How would you rate this recipe?
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Step 2
Steam the cauliflower rice according to package directions in the microwave. Do the same for the rice so it’s warm and soft. (If using cauliflower florets, boil until tender and drain.)
Step 3
Pulse the cauliflower and quinoa through a food processor until semi-smooth.
Step 4
Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl and combine with all other ingredients. Stir until everything is incorporated.
Step 5
Roll into small balls (about one heaping tablespoon per ball was best for me).
Step 6
Brush generously with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes.
Step 7
Serve with yummy sauces, salads, bowls, or freeze for later!
Step 8
Save recipe for the next time?
Chef's notes
If the mixture doesn’t stick together in a ball when gently pressed, add about 1/3 of the mixture back into the food processor and pulse until it’s more the consistency of hummus. That should help it hold together. If that still isn’t enough, just add a little more of your “dry ingredient” till you get a consistency that you can gently roll between your hands to form ball shapes.
These make for a great freezer meal! Just prepare the recipe as-is, freeze the meatballs in a freezer-safe bag or container, and rewarm them in the oven or in the microwave.
I used Seeds of Change pre-cooked garlic brown rice and quinoa for this recipe (1 packet = about 1.5 cups). Since this has garlic flavor already in the mix, if you are using your own pre-cooked quinoa and/or brown rice, make sure to add some minced garlic or garlic powder.
