[NEW] Vegetarian Meatballs

Whether you're looking for a meat-free alternative to Italian meatballs or something new and delicious to try with quinoa, these tasty, toasty balls are a pleasure. Serve with your favorite low-sodium marinara sauce and a stir-fry of vegetables like eggplant and zucchini for a pasta alternative.
Best Choice
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Total Time: 45 mins
4 Servings
Print
[NEW] Vegetarian Meatballs

Ingredients

  • 1/2 c. quinoa 1 c. low-sodium vegetable stock 6 lg. button mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 T. olive oil 1/
  • 2 lb. baby spinach, chopped 1/2 red pepper, finely diced 1/4 c. onion, diced 2 T. pine nuts 2 eggs 1/4 t. crushed red pepper 1/2 t. fresh oregano 1/2 t. fresh rosemary

Tip: Screenshot this list for easy reference while shopping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400º F.
  2. Cook quinoa according to package directions in the vegetable stock. Set aside to cool.
  3. Heat the oil over medium heat and sauté mushrooms and onions until soft. When soft, add the spinach just until it wilts.
  4. Combine the mushrooms, spinach, red pepper, onions, oregano, rosemary, crushed red pepper and pine nuts. Stir well.
  5. Add the cooled quinoa and 1 egg. Shape the mixture into balls and place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Beat the remaining egg with a teaspoon of water and brush over balls.
  6. Bake 20-30 minutes, until crispy and cooked through.

Nutrition Facts

4 servings per container
Serving size 231 g
Amount per serving
Calories 206
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10.4g 13%
Saturated Fat 1.7g 8%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 93mg 32%
Sodium 119.4mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 20.4g 7%
Dietary Fiber 3.85g 14%
Total Sugars 3.8g
Includes 0g Added Sugars 0%
Protein 9.7g
Vitamin D 0.6mcg 6%
Calcium 94.3mg 8%
Iron 3.6mg 20%
Potassium 656.7mg 15%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Practical Notes
No additional notes for this recipe.

Score Breakdown

+ More
  • Fiber
  • Vitamins & Minerals
  • Whole Grains
− Less
  • Additives to Limit
  • Added Sodium
  • Added Sugar
+5 -3 =2
Better

Put the Stars to Work

Food Finder

Food Finder

Search our database of thousands of foods to see their star ratings. Compare different brands, find healthier alternatives within categories, and make informed decisions at home or while shopping.

  • Search by product name or brand
  • Browse by food category
  • Save favorites for quick reference
SEARCH FOODS
Store Finder

Store Finder

Locate grocery stores, pharmacies, schools, and healthcare facilities near you that display Guiding Stars ratings on shelf tags. Shop with confidence knowing the ratings are right there when you need them.

  • Find participating retailers nationwide
  • Filter by location and store type
  • Get directions and store hours
FIND STORES