As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Editorial Policy | Disclosure Policy
Lentil Meatballs

Lentil meatballs are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional meatballs, perfect for a cozy spaghetti night. These meatballs are made from lentils, which provide a hearty base full of protein and fiber, combined with flavorful herbs and spices. They are easy to prepare and make a wonderful addition to any pasta dish, ensuring that you can enjoy spaghetti night without compromising on taste or health.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lentils | 1 cup (dry) |
| Water | 3 cups |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Carrot | 1 medium, grated |
| Oats | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
Cooking Steps:
- Rinse and cook the lentils in water until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain and cool.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked lentils and add the sautéed onion and garlic, grated carrot, oats, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Serve the lentil meatballs with marinara sauce over spaghetti and enjoy your delicious veggie meal!
Cauliflower Parmesan Meatballs

Cauliflower Parmesan meatballs are a delightful and healthy twist on traditional meatballs, perfect for spaghetti night. These meatballs are made from roasted cauliflower, blended with Parmesan cheese, herbs, and spices, creating a cheesy and flavorful vegetarian option. They are not only enjoyable on their own but pair beautifully with your favorite marinara sauce and spaghetti.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower florets | 4 cups |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup, grated |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Steam or roast the cauliflower florets until tender, then let cool slightly before mashing.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed cauliflower, Parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.
- Serve the cauliflower Parmesan meatballs with marinara sauce over spaghetti for a delicious and comforting meal!
Quinoa and Spinach Meatballs

Quinoa and Spinach meatballs are a nutritious and savory alternative to traditional meatballs, making them an excellent choice for spaghetti night. Packed with protein from quinoa and vibrant greens from spinach, these meatballs are not only delicious but also offer a wonderful texture that pairs beautifully with marinara sauce and spaghetti.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Quinoa | 1 cup, uncooked |
| Spinach | 2 cups, chopped |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup, grated |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions and allow it to cool.
- In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent, then add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, sautéed spinach mixture, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Serve the quinoa and spinach meatballs with marinara sauce over spaghetti for a delightful and healthy dinner!
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Meatballs

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Meatballs are a delicious and healthy option for spaghetti night, perfect for those looking to add a touch of sweetness and earthy flavors to their meal. These meatballs are not only packed with plant-based protein and fiber, but they also bring a delightful texture that complements any tomato-based sauce beautifully.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | 2 medium, baked and mashed |
| Black beans | 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Rolled oats | 1/2 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, black beans (lightly mashed), egg, rolled oats, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are firm and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Serve the sweet potato and black bean meatballs with marinara sauce over spaghetti for a tasty and nutritious dinner!
Chickpea Meatballs

Chickpea Meatballs are a fantastic plant-based alternative that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition. These meatballs are made using hearty chickpeas and a blend of spices, offering a satisfying texture that pairs wonderfully with your favorite spaghetti and sauce. They’re not only easy to make, but they are also high in protein and fiber, making them a wholesome choice for a family dinner.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chickpeas | 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the chickpeas until they are mostly smooth but still retain some texture.
- Add in the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.
- Serve the chickpea meatballs with marinara sauce over spaghetti for a delicious and healthy meal!
Zucchini and Feta Meatballs

Zucchini and Feta Meatballs are a delightful and flavorful twist on traditional meatballs, perfect for a spaghetti night. These meatballs are made with fresh zucchini and tangy feta cheese, offering a great way to sneak in some vegetables while also satisfying your taste buds. They’re light, nutritious, and pair beautifully with tomato sauce and pasta.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Zucchini | 2 medium, grated and drained |
| Feta cheese | 1 cup, crumbled |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, crumbled feta cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until thoroughly blended.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on the greased baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve the zucchini and feta meatballs with marinara sauce over spaghetti for a deliciously fresh meal!
Mushroom and Brown Rice Meatballs

Mushroom and Brown Rice Meatballs are a delicious and hearty vegetarian option that brings flavor and texture to your spaghetti night. Packed with umami from the mushrooms and wholesome goodness from the brown rice, these meatballs are perfect for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. They can be served with your favorite marinara sauce over spaghetti for a comforting dinner.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms, finely chopped | 2 cups |
| Brown rice, cooked | 1 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet, sauté the chopped mushrooms, onion, and minced garlic in olive oil until soft and the mushrooms release their moisture (about 5 minutes). Let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine the sautéed mushroom mixture with cooked brown rice, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are firm and lightly browned.
- Serve the mushroom and brown rice meatballs with marinara sauce over spaghetti for a delightful vegetarian dish!
Eggplant Meatballs

Eggplant Meatballs are a wonderful plant-based alternative that adds a rich, savory flavor and a satisfying texture to your spaghetti night. These meatballs are made from roasted eggplant and combined with breadcrumbs and spices, offering a delicious twist on the traditional meatball. They’re perfect for topping spaghetti and are sure to impress both vegetarians and meat lovers alike!
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggplant, diced | 1 large |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/2 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Fresh basil, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the diced eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes, until soft and golden.
- In a large bowl, combine the roasted eggplant, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, and basil. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm and golden brown.
- Serve the eggplant meatballs with marinara sauce over spaghetti for a delicious meal!
Broccoli and Cheese Meatballs

Broccoli and Cheese Meatballs are a delightful vegetarian option that combines the nutritious goodness of broccoli with the creamy, savory flavor of cheese. These meatballs make for a scrumptious addition to your spaghetti night, providing a hearty bite with every forkful. They’re simple to make and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli florets, steamed | 2 cups |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and firm.
- Serve the broccoli and cheese meatballs with marinara sauce over spaghetti for a delightful meal!
Carrot and Oat Meatballs

Carrot and Oat Meatballs are a delightful and healthy twist for spaghetti night, combining the natural sweetness of carrots with the hearty texture of oats. These meatballs are packed with flavor and nutrients, perfect for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their meals while still satisfying the craving for comfort food.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carrots, grated | 2 cups |
| Rolled oats | 1 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the grated carrots, rolled oats, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.
- Serve the carrot and oat meatballs with marinara sauce over spaghetti for a nutritious and hearty meal!
Beet and Walnut Meatballs

Beet and Walnut Meatballs are a vibrant and nutritious option for spaghetti night, offering a delightful blend of earthy flavors from the beets and the nutty texture of walnuts. These meatballs not only provide a beautiful pop of color to your meal but also pack a punch of protein and fiber, making them a satisfying and wholesome choice for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beets, grated | 2 cups |
| Walnuts, chopped | 1 cup |
| Quinoa, cooked | 1 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Ground coriander | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the grated beets, chopped walnuts, cooked quinoa, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, coriander, salt, and pepper, mixing until well incorporated.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on the lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are firm and lightly browned.
- Serve the beet and walnut meatballs over spaghetti topped with marinara sauce for a colorful and nutritious twist on your spaghetti night!
