The Best Ever Beanballs: The Easy Recipe to Try

Comforting, hearty, and incredibly simple to make, these beanballs are a satisfying plant-based alternative to traditional meatballs, without compromising on flavor. Whether you're following a vegetarian diet or just looking to reduce meat in your meals, this recipe offers a delicious solution that’s both wholesome and versatile.

It is made from a blend of tender beans, parmesan, and breadcrumbs, and then simmered in a rich tomato and rosemary sauce. These beanballs are as nourishing as they are flavorful and are perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. They even pair beautifully with pasta, rice, or even a slice of crusty bread. Once you try them, you might just find they become a regular part of your kitchen rotation.

What Are Beanballs?

Beanballs are a meatless alternative to traditional meatballs, made from beans, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. While they’re popular in modern vegetarian cooking, their origins lie in ancient cuisines where legumes were used as affordable, protein-rich substitutes for meat, such as falafel or lentil patties.

Gaining popularity in the West during wartime rationing and later with the rise of plant-based diets, beanballs are now enjoyed by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike as a flavorful, sustainable comfort food.

Pro Tips for The Best Beanballs

• Make sure your cooked beans are well-drained before blending, because excess moisture can make the mixture too soft to shape properly.
• Pulse the mixture in the food processor just enough to combine. Over-processing can make the beanballs dense or gummy.
• Let the mixture rest in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before shaping. This helps the ingredients bind and makes forming the balls easier.
• A pinch of smoked paprika, cumin, or chili flakes can deepen the flavor. You can also stir in fresh herbs like parsley or basil for brightness.
• These beanballs freeze well! Make a double batch and freeze extras for a quick, ready-to-go meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of beans should I use for beanballs?

Cannellini, black beans, or chickpeas work best, because they’re starchy and mash easily while holding their shape. Avoid very soft beans like kidney beans which can be too mushy.

Can I bake the beanballs instead of frying?

Absolutely! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep and shape the beanballs a day ahead. Store in the fridge, then fry and simmer in sauce when ready to serve.

Are beanballs kid-friendly?

Totally! They’re soft, flavorful, and fun to dip. You can skip the rosemary and garlic if your little ones prefer milder flavors.

How to Store Beanballs

Leftover beanballs keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, but store them separate from the sauce to keep the texture crisp. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How to Make The Best Ever Beanballs

Step 1

Step 1

In a food processor, toss in the cooked beans, parmesan, breadcrumbs, a pinch of salt, and a crack of pepper. Blitz until the mixture is combined but still slightly textured.

In a food processor, toss in the cooked beans, parmesan, breadcrumbs, a pinch of salt, and a crack of pepper. Blitz until the mixture is combined but still slightly textured.

Step 2

Step 2

Scoop out spoonfuls and roll into small balls with your hands.

Scoop out spoonfuls and roll into small balls with your hands.

Step 3

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the beanballs. Fry until golden brown on all sides, then remove and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the beanballs. Fry until golden brown on all sides, then remove and set aside.

Step 4

Step 4

In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil and sauté onion until soft. Add the garlic and stir for a minute until fragrant.

In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil and sauté onion until soft. Add the garlic and stir for a minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Step 5

Pour in the tomato sauce, stir, and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes.

Pour in the tomato sauce, stir, and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes.

Step 6

Step 6

Add the beanballs back into the pan and let everything bubble gently for another few minutes so the flavors can cozy up.

Add the beanballs back into the pan and let everything bubble gently for another few minutes so the flavors can cozy up.

Step 7

Step 7

Sprinkle in the rosemary and serve your beanballs warm, spooned over pasta, or rice.

Sprinkle in the rosemary and serve your beanballs warm, spooned over pasta, or rice.