Description
These Easy Black Bean Meatballs are a quick, budget-friendly, and delicious vegan alternative to traditional meatballs. Made with black beans, oats, and spices, they’re high in fiber and protein, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for pairing with marinara sauce, pasta, or serving as appetizers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour (or oats ground up)
- 1 ½ tablespoons flax seeds, ground
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Bread crumbs (optional, for coating)
- Oil (optional, if frying)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat a skillet over medium-high heat if frying.
- In a food processor, pulse oats and flax seeds (if using whole) into a slightly chunky powder. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Drain and rinse black beans until water runs clear. Refill the can with water and beans, then pour into food processor and pulse until smooth.
- In the mixing bowl, combine processed oats, bean purée, rolled oats, and seasonings. Mix well and let rest for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Portion out 1-inch balls and roll in breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior (optional).
- To fry: Add oil to the skillet and cook meatballs for 2–3 minutes per side, rotating until dark golden brown. To bake: Bake for 6–8 minutes per side (12–16 minutes total), flipping halfway through, until browned and firm.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce or over veggie pasta. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use gluten-free oats and breadcrumbs to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- No oil needed for baking – perfect for oil-free diets.
- Great for meal prep — store in fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Serve with pasta, in wraps, or as a party appetizer with dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
