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Easy Black Bean Meatballs Recipe

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4.1 from 55 reviews

These Easy Black Bean Meatballs are a delicious and healthy vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs, made with wholesome ingredients like black beans, oats, and flax seeds. They can be either baked or fried, offering a crispy outside and tender inside, perfect served with marinara sauce or over veggie pasta.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 18 meatballs

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup of oat flour (oats ground up)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons of flax seeds (ground)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans
  • 1 cup of rolled oats
  • 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder

Optional Ingredients

  • Bread crumbs (for coating)
  • Oil (optional, if frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cooking method: Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat if you choose to fry the meatballs, or preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit if you prefer baking.
  2. Process oats and flax seeds: In a food processor, pulse the rolled oats and ground flax seeds (if flax seeds are whole) until they become a slightly chunky powder. Transfer this mixture into a medium-sized bowl.
  3. Prepare the black beans: Drain and rinse the black beans until the water runs clear. Fill the empty bean can with water and pour this water along with the beans into the food processor. Pulse until the beans become a smooth puree.
  4. Mix the ingredients: Combine the oat and flax seed mixture with the black bean puree, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in the bowl. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow it to thicken.
  5. Form and coat meatballs: Using a 1-inch scoop, portion out the mixture and roll into balls. Optionally, coat each meatball evenly in bread crumbs for additional texture and crispiness.
  6. Cook the meatballs: If frying, heat oil in the skillet and fry the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side, turning every couple of minutes until dark golden brown all over. If baking, place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 6-8 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes or until browned and crisp.
  7. Serve: Serve the meatballs warm with marinara sauce or over vegetable pasta. Enjoy your healthy, flavorful meal!

Notes

  • Adjust the size of the meatballs based on preference: smaller meatballs or patties will cook faster, while larger patties may require 20-24 minutes in the oven.
  • To avoid dense meatballs, process the beans until slightly chunky for air pockets and a lighter texture instead of a dense paste. Aim for a semi-tacky, mealy consistency.
  • For crispier baked meatballs, lightly spray them with cooking oil or spray before baking and consider baking a bit longer to dry out the exterior.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Vegetarian American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/easy-black-bean-meatballs-recipe/