Description
BBQ Vegan Black Bean Meatballs are hearty, smoky, and packed with plant-based protein. Made from black beans, oats, and a blend of flavorful spices, these meatballs are baked until crisp and coated in tangy barbecue sauce. They’re perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or as crowd-pleasing party appetizers that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Coating and Garnish
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (for coating)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Prepare Flaxseed Mixture: Combine the ground flaxseed and water in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes. This creates a flax egg that helps bind the meatballs.
- Mash Beans: In a large bowl, mash the drained and rinsed black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture for bite.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce, soy sauce, the flaxseed mixture, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper into the mashed beans. Mix everything thoroughly until combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 20 to 24 meatballs, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Initial Baking: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to set and start crisping on the outside.
- Apply Barbecue Sauce: Remove the meatballs from the oven and brush each generously with the remaining ½ cup of barbecue sauce.
- Final Baking: Return the meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until the barbecue sauce is caramelized and sticky.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the meatballs before serving. Enjoy them hot as a main course, appetizer, or in sandwiches.
Notes
- You can freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs for up to 3 months; simply thaw and reheat before serving.
- These meatballs are very versatile—serve them over rice, inside sandwiches, or as delicious finger-food appetizers at parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
