What’s the thing that comes to your mind when you hear spaghetti and meatballs? To me, it’s like a warm blanket of comfort. I not only grew up eating spaghetti and meatballs, but also got to give it an authentic taste on one of my two trips to Italy!
Today we are making a veganized version of the classic. It’s just like mom used to make, but with my reader-favourite cauliflower and quinoa meatballs. You can easily make it gluten-free by swapping in a gluten-free pasta (I love the ones made with bean or lentil flour for some extra protein!), and you can use your favorite pasta sauce or homemade marinara. Up to you!
Vegan meatballs cooking in pan
How Do You Make Vegan Meatballs?
There are so many ways to make vegan meatballs! For this recipe, I made the meatballs with cauliflower and quinoa, which are a nice complement to the other flavours in this dish.
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I also have a recipe for chickpea and beet meatballs, and some super tasty variations like vegan Swedish meatballs, cranberry meatballs, and Buffalo meatballs.
Overhead view of vegan spaghetti and meatball ingredients with labels
Notes on Ingredients
Please note that this is important information on the ingredients and instructions and the FULL recipe with amounts and details can be found DOWN BELOW (scroll to it) in the recipe card.
Roasted cauliflower – Using roasted cauliflower instead of raw brings the flavour and texture of these meatballs to the next level!
Cooked quinoa – Here’s how to cook quinoa.
Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacers or flax eggs
Red onion
Ground black pepper
Sea salt
Garlic
Coconut oil
Breadcrumbs
Fennel seeds
Dried oregano
Fresh parsley
Fresh basil
Marinara sauce – Rao’s is my absolute favorite when I’m using jarred sauce!
Spaghetti pasta
Vegan Parmesan – Use store-bought or make your own vegan Parmesan!
Overhead view of roasted cauliflower on sheet pan
How to Roast the Cauliflower
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Cut the stem off of the cauliflower and cut it into even-sized florets. Place the cauliflower on a sheet pan and drizzle it with oil. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, then allow it to cool a bit before starting the recipe.
How to Make Vegan Spaghetti and Meatballs
If you’d like, you can double the meatball recipe and freeze some for your next vegan spaghetti and meatball dinner!
Cooked spaghetti in pan
Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.
Overhead view of riced cauliflower in food processor
Rice the cauliflower. Place the roasted cauliflower florets in a food processor and pulse until they’re riced. You’ll need a cup for the meatballs.
Vegan meatball mixture in food processor
Form the meatball mixture. Add 1 cup of riced cauliflower and the remaining meatball ingredients except the coconut oil to the food processor. Pulse them together until a uniform mixture forms.
Uncooked vegan meatballs on parchment lined sheet pan
Prepare. Heat the coconut oil in a pan set over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, form the meatballs by taking a heaping tablespoon of the meatball mixture and rolling it into a ball with your hands. Place them on a plate or sheet pan.
Overhead view of meatballs cooking in pan
Cook the meatballs. Add one meatball to the pan to test the oil. If it sizzles, add as many meatballs as will fit without crowding the pan. Cook on one side for about 1 to 2 minutes, then turn and continue cooking until all sides are nicely browned, about 4 minutes.
Vegan meatballs being cooked in marinara
Add the sauce. Lower or turn the heat off. Once the pan has cooled down, add the marinara. Gently coat the meatballs in the sauce and then remove the pan from the stove.
Pan of vegan spaghetti and meatballs with Parmesan and basil
Serve. If you’d like, you can add the spaghetti to the pan, too, or you can plate the spaghetti, then add the meatballs and spoon the sauce over the top.
Tips for Success
Here are a few hints and tips for perfect vegan spaghetti and meatballs!
No food processor? No problem! You can use a chef’s knife to finely chop the cauliflower until it’s in very small pieces; it will take a while, but it works. Then, add all of the meatball ingredients to a mixing bowl and use your hands to really squeeze everything together to break up the cauliflower and quinoa and create a uniform mixture.
Don’t stir the meatballs and sauce too much. You want to gently roll the meatballs in the sauce to coat them, rather than stirring vigorously. This will keep them from falling apart!
Make it your own. Sautéed mushrooms are an awesome addition to the sauce, or stir in some roasted garlic cloves.
Overhead view of two plates of vegan spaghetti and meatballs
What Do You Eat With Spaghetti?
If you’re looking for some vegan sides for pairing with spaghetti, I’ve got you covered!
You can never go wrong with crusty, buttery garlic bread!
Or serve your spaghetti with a vegan Caesar salad.
If you want to up the veggie factor, tuck some roasted broccoli florets next to the spaghetti when you plate it. Roasted balsamic veggies are fantastic, too!
Pan of vegan spaghetti and meatballs set on wood board
How to Store Leftovers
Vegan spaghetti and meatballs is great for meal prep lunches and dinners because it stores so well! Place it in an airtight container and store for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to reheat, you can pop it in the microwave or warm it in a skillet on the stovetop.
Can This Recipe Be Frozen?
These vegan meatballs freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer bag or airtight container with parchment paper separating the layers. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months; warm them up in the microwave from frozen, or let them thaw in the fridge and warm them on the stovetop in a pan of marinara.
Spaghetti on fork held over bowl of vegan spaghetti and meatballs
Enjoy friends! If you make this vegan spaghetti and meatballs recipe, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!
