Vegan Beefless Burgers or Meatballs
These Vegan Beefless Burgers or Meatballs are a plant-based twist on classic comfort foods, packed with hearty lentils, toasted walnuts, and a blend of savory spices for rich, meaty flavor. Perfectly versatile, this recipe allows you to shape the mixture into juicy burger patties or tender meatballs, depending on your meal inspiration. A flaxseed “egg” binds the ingredients together, while a touch of smoked paprika, cumin, and vegan Worcestershire sauce adds a smoky, umami punch. Whether pan-fried to golden perfection or baked for a healthier alternative, these vegan protein-packed bites are ideal for cookouts, pasta nights, or meal prep. Serve with burger buns and toppings, or smother meatballs with marinara sauce for a satisfying, cruelty-free feast.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Cooked lentils
- 0.75 cups Walnuts
- 0.75 cups Rolled oats
- 0.5 cups Breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cups Chopped onion
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Ground flaxseed
- 2.5 tablespoons Water
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (vegan)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Oil (optional, for cooking)
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for 5 minutes to form a flax egg.
Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Allow to cool slightly.
Blend the toasted walnuts and rolled oats in a food processor until a coarse meal forms.
Add the cooked lentils, onion, garlic, soy sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, ground cumin, vegan Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to the processor. Blend until the mixture holds together, but still has some texture.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the breadcrumbs and the flaxseed mixture until evenly combined. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Form the mixture into patties for burgers, or roll into meatball shapes, depending on your preference.
To cook patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil (optional). Cook the burgers for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and firm. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
To cook meatballs: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once midway through, until firm and lightly browned.
Serve the burgers on buns with your favorite toppings, or pair the meatballs with marinara sauce and pasta. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
448 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.1 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 867 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.6 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.9 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.7 g | ||
| Protein | 17.0 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 76 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 675 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
