Vegan Barbecue Meatballs

Published: Dec 22, 2017 · Modified: Apr 25, 2022 by Vaishali · This post may contain affiliate links · 59 Comments

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Total time: 45 minutes minutes

These Vegan Barbecue Meatballs are a fun, healthy and delicious meal. Beans and oats and a few spices make these meatballs perfectly textured and a great vehicle for the homemade barbecue sauce. A vegan, soy-free, nut-free and gluten-free recipe.

Around here, holiday movies are a big deal. I mean BIG, bigger than the holidays even. And I'm not talking about me. Desi is the holiday movie glutton who has binged on every Santa movie and every version of The Christmas Carol there is, including Hallmark versions (I think he deserves an award for enduring some of those without throwing the remote at the TV).

I can take holiday movies or leave them, but there are times when I find myself watching a holiday classic again and again. Make that one holiday classic that I watch again and again. It's a Wonderful Life.

There's something about the wonderful life of George Bailey that draws millions of us to the television set during the holidays each year, more than 70 years after it was first released. It's not hard to see why. At the time of year when feeling good is in season, how can you not love a movie that makes you reflect upon your own life and realize that maybe it was not such a colossal waste of time after all?

Besides, who can resist more than two hours of James Stewart? Not me.

As it does every year, the movie will air this weekend on network TV, and you can be sure we'll be front-row-center on our couch in our finest pajamas. With these amazing Vegan Barbecue Meatballs for company.

On to the recipe for these bbq vegan meatballs now. Our favorite way to munch on these is to pile a few meatballs into a bun for a meatball sandwich, and then sit back and watch Clarence take George on a life-changing journey.

Happy Holidays!

More vegan dinner recipes for family movie night:

Instant Pot Spaghetti with "Meaty" Marinara
Vegan Irish Stew
Curried Chickpeas Bowl with Garlicky Chard
My Dad's "Not Mutton" Mushroom Curry
Vegan Instant Pot Butter Chicken with Tofu

These Vegan Barbecue Meatballs are a meal by themselves, healthy, and delicious to boot. Beans and oats and a few spices make these meatballs perfectly textured and a great vehicle for the homemade barbecue sauce. A vegan, soy-free, nut-free, gluten-free recipe.

4.97 from 31 votes

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: nut-free, Soy-free

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 45 minutes mins

Servings: 20 meatballs

Calories: 50kcal

Author: Vaishali · Holy Cow Vegan

Ingredients

For meatballs:

▢ 1 15 ounce can pinto beans, drained and thoroughly rinsed
▢ 1 ½ cups rolled oats
▢ 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
▢ 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
▢ 1 teaspoon cumin powder
▢ 2 teaspoon liquid smoke
▢ ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
▢ ½ teaspoon sage
▢ Salt to taste
▢ 4 tablespoon vegetable oil to fry meatballs (the meatballs will absorb very little oil if you fry at a temperature of 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and you'll be able to throw most of the remaining oil into the trash and not in your tummy)

For barbecue sauce:

▢ 1 cup tomato ketchup
▢ ½ cup vegetable stock
▢ 2 tablespoon liquid smoke
▢ ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
▢ ¼ cup turbinado sugar
▢ 1 teaspoon molasses (optional)
▢ ½ teaspoon onion powder
▢ Salt to taste

Instructions

Make meatballs:

Place all of the meatball ingredients except the oil in the food processor and pulse a few times until the oats are broken down into small bits. The mixture should be evenly mixed and when you take a piece in your palms and roll into a ball, it should hold its shape.
Divide the mixture into 20 1-inch meatballs.
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed fry pan or skillet. I used the Lagostina 10-inch fry pan for this.
Place the meatballs in a single layer, without overlapping or overcrowding. Fry, turning over occasionally, until the meatballs are browned on all sides.
Remove the meatballs to a plate lined with paper napkins and set aside.

Make the barbecue sauce:

Place all of the ingredients for the barbecue sauce in a small saucepan. I used the Lagostina 1 ¾ quart saucepan for this.
Bring to a boil, turn down the heat to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Turn off heat.
Place the meatballs in a bowl or skillet and pour the barbecue sauce over them. Coat the meatballs thoroughly and serve.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Please leave a comment and recipe rating below!

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About Vaishali

Hi! I'm Vaishali, a journalist turned food blogger. At Holy Cow Vegan I share easy, tasty recipes made with clean, wholesome ingredients that the entire family can enjoy.

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Comments

Leave a comment:

Florencia
July 07, 2023 at 5:24 am

Amazing texture! I did my own version of the sauce as I thought it had too much sugar but regardless I'm so happy with them!
Thanks heaps =) ❤️
Reply
Lindsey
July 21, 2020 at 6:55 pm
I made these tonight for my omnivore family who is being very patient with my cooking ventures into vegan territory. BBQ sauce was a hit. We called these "protein balls" so they knew to expect a different texture/taste. I liked the flavor and my 6 year old asked for seconds on his "bean balls". Texturally, the outside was crisp but the inside was very dense. Could this be from blending too much? Or packing too tightly? Any tips to keep the center a little lighter?
Reply
- Vaishali
  January 03, 2021 at 9:42 pm
  Hi Lindsey, try adding some chopped dry mushrooms. Reconstitute them in hot water and then squeeze all the water out, then add them to the mix.
  Reply
Angela
March 03, 2020 at 7:39 pm
Can you bake these instead of frying them?
Reply
- Jac
  November 17, 2021 at 5:43 pm
  
  I made this recipe tonight and baked them. I baked them at 400 degrees for about 7-8 mins took them out flipped them on the other side and baked for another 7mins they were great!
  Reply
angelina johnson
July 25, 2019 at 4:05 pm
has anyone actually tried this? I would love to hear how it turned out.
Reply
Nicole
See Also
Cheesy Kale Scones Recipe on Food52 Top 20 Recipes From 2011 How to make CRISPY PLANT-BASED 'FISH' | VEGAN 'FISH' RECIPE - Virtually Vegan Low Fat Creamy Vanilla Rice Pudding | Slimming Eats Recipes
March 31, 2019 at 4:46 pm
Hi, thanks for the recipe. Do you think I could make these and then freeze them? Thanks!
Reply
- Vaishali Honawar
  April 02, 2019 at 10:09 pm
  Yes, absolutely!
  Reply
Jennifer Arent
December 29, 2017 at 12:49 pm
OMGoodness! I am going to be the only one to say they love a good horror movie at Christmastime...I love A Horror Christmas Story. It's awesome! And a big bowl of popcorn with my Taco "Nooch" seasoning all over it!
Thanks for all you do and your gorgeous photography!
Reply
- Brandy
  January 02, 2023 at 7:09 pm
  
  My mixture was a bit dry and the oatmeal didn't break down into small pieces. Do I need to add more liquid? Or does it have to do with my food processor (it's an inexpensive one). That being said, I enjoyed the recipe. The barbeque sauce was really good!
  Reply
  - Vaishali
    January 02, 2023 at 11:36 pm
    Hi Brandy, the oatmeal does need to break down--large pieces won't let the meatballs hold together. Add a bit more liquid next time. Happy you enjoyed the barbecue sauce--one of my faves too!
    Reply
Swetha
December 29, 2017 at 11:09 am

Home alone with kichdi and flame roasted papads.
Shared on Facebook.
Reply
Tracie Cooper
December 29, 2017 at 9:52 am

I love Elf and some great chicken wings and cheese sticks!
Reply
Rebecca
December 29, 2017 at 2:05 am
The sound of music !!!
Always love a big bowl of popcorn
Shared on FB and following??❄️
Reply
MollJ
December 28, 2017 at 7:26 pm

It is my family's tradition to watch A Christmas Story and eat all kinds of delicious appetizers on Christmas Eve. I always make my fav - vegan chicken fingers and stuffed mushrooms, vegan pigs in a blanket, salsa/dip, etc- but I think these meatballs may make an appearance next year! I tweeted and follow on Twitter - @mollj885 and shared on Facebook too - Moll Jean. Thanks! 🙂
https://twitter.com/mollj885/status/946536555929202688
Reply
Cheryl
December 28, 2017 at 4:11 pm
I followed @LagostinaUSA on twitter (@tlidesign)
Reply
Amishi Shah
December 28, 2017 at 2:27 pm
My favorite holiday movie would still be Home Alone - part I, and with a comforting bowl of bean chili with toppings, or plain ol' pizza!
I tweeted about this post at https://twitter.com/Amishi03/status/946461688227946496. And also followed @LagostinaUSA
Reply
Cheryl
December 28, 2017 at 12:32 pm
Believe it or not, I've never seen "It's A Wonderful Life" but my aunt watches it EVERY year. I just saw "A Christmas Story" a few years ago and that is now my go to Christmas night movie, although "The Santa Clause" is moving in. I love "Arthur Christmas", too. Snack-wise, it's caramel popcorn!
Picking up some pinto beans tomorrow so I can make these!
Loooooove the pans and am in desperate need! The handles are coming off of my old set that I purchased from Linens & Things with a lifetime guarantee. The store no longer exists so the guarantee is quite useless, but what can you do??
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!!
I shared here
https://twitter.com/TLIDesign/status/946426957570498560
and here
Reply
Megan
December 28, 2017 at 10:36 am
Can't wait to try this recipe! My favorite Christmas movie is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and I love making baked guacamole wontons for my movie nights!
I shared the link on Twitter and followed Langostina's page both under the handle @megansuckut. ?
Reply
Katie
December 26, 2017 at 7:49 pm
The past couple of years I've had a Star Wars marathon during the holidays - starting with the new release in theatre. Traditionally however, I watch Lethal Weapon and have crudites and hummus - simple and less of a mess when I inevitably spill.
Reply
PC
December 26, 2017 at 12:02 pm
Oh wait I did that comment wrong- Movie: Miracle on 34th Street and Elf. Favorite movie food on Christmas.. leftovers from dinner, reheated or at room temp.
I have posted this link on my Facebook and am now following Lagostina on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LagostinaUSA?lang=en
Reply
PC
December 26, 2017 at 11:55 am
Our tradition was to watch Miracle on 34th Street ( the orgininal ) but these days it has shifted to Elf. Maybe there is room for both.
Reply
Steph
December 26, 2017 at 7:44 am
I tweeted https://twitter.com/stephr669/status/945636351764058112
Reply
Steph
December 26, 2017 at 7:43 am
See Also
5 Easy Oven Recipes From Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver - Top5
I make Wookiee cookies and watch Star Wars...don’t judge me!
Reply
Deborah English
December 25, 2017 at 10:15 pm
Prancer with popcorn and co*ke Zero will do it for me. Posted on Twitter. Started following LagostinaUSA on Twitter. This recipe looks like one I will make soon.
Reply
Guru Karam
December 24, 2017 at 5:51 pm

My fave holiday movies are Holiday Inn and the Thin Man. Going to enjoy some pumpkin pie with one of them tonight. Will share on FB and will like the Langostine page there as well! Happy Holidays! These look yummy!
Reply
Colleen Boudreau
December 24, 2017 at 4:02 pm
Tweet: https://twitter.com/collifornia/status/945036492551933954
& I follow LagostinaUSA on Twitter (@collifornia)
Reply
Colleen Boudreau
December 24, 2017 at 4:01 pm
Pizza while watching Elf!
Reply
Chana
December 24, 2017 at 8:04 am

Favorite holiday movie has to be the sound of music. Every year when it was on tv I was allowed to stay up late to watch it.
This recipe looks so good can't wait to try it!
Reply
Lydia Claire
December 23, 2017 at 11:16 pm
I shared on Twitter https://twitter.com/owslas/status/944783647751618560.
Reply
Lydia Claire
December 23, 2017 at 11:09 pm
My favorite holiday movie is Home For The Holidays and for the food it's fun to look through the cookbook based on the same name but usually it's popcorn. =)
Reply
Lydia Claire
December 23, 2017 at 11:04 pm
My favorite holiday movie is Home For The Holidays and for the food it's fun to look through the cookbook based on the same name but usually it's popcorn. =)
Reply
Elena
December 23, 2017 at 9:34 pm
shared:
Reply
Elena
December 23, 2017 at 9:32 pm
I love pizza and my favorite movie is Home Alone.
Reply
Meg Rohan
December 23, 2017 at 8:15 pm

These may be the new favourite for movie night, tucked into fresh made tortilla. Ok, bit of salad. Not happy with the pan ($new), still searching for cookware that suits vegan.
Favourite movie...an old one, slow, black and white....Babette's Feast. (Ignore the actual food she makes, gross.) and sprouted hummous dip. With home made crackers.....
(facebook share)
Reply
Kelly D
December 23, 2017 at 6:16 pm
I follow LagostinaUSA on Twitter.(kellydpa)
Reply
Kelly D
December 23, 2017 at 6:14 pm
Shared on twitter
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/944707773425770496
Reply
Kelly D
December 23, 2017 at 6:13 pm
My favorite Holiday Movie Night food is lasagna and favorite movie is Elf.
Reply
Christine Chevalier
December 23, 2017 at 6:50 am
We love watching Holiday Inn with Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Marjorie Reynolds! We have a big bowl of popcorn between us and sing along with all the songs! I'm sharing this recipe on Facebook, Pinterest (as I do with most of your fabulous recipes!), and Twitter!!! This one will be great for our New Year's Open House!!!
Reply
paula rothman
December 22, 2017 at 9:13 pm
HOME ALONE AND PIZZA! AND SOME WINE OF COURSE.SHARED ON fb
Reply
Heather Sebastian
December 22, 2017 at 8:36 pm
And I already follow @LagostinaUSA on Twitter
Happiest of holidays, cheers! 🙂
Reply
Heather Sebastian
December 22, 2017 at 8:35 pm
I shared on Twitter here -->
https://twitter.com/bohofoxbabe/status/944380706272059392
Reply
Heather Sebastian
December 22, 2017 at 8:30 pm
My favorite holiday movie night food is chili and cornbread along with my most favorite holiday film It's a Wonderful Life!
Reply
Divya
December 22, 2017 at 2:45 pm
Nice recipe..do the meatballs bake well? I like to watch Elf with some popcorn and a La Croix! I have shared the post and followed @LagostinaUSA on Twitter
Reply
Anonymous
December 22, 2017 at 2:11 pm

For a snack to eat while we watch a movie, I like mozerella sticks, but if it is a meal, I like a stew or chili on these cold winter nights. My favorite Christmas movie is Gremlins. I like horror movies and Gremlins is tame enough that my kids can enjoy it.
I follow you and Lagostina on Twitter as @1froglegs and I shared this oost at https://twitter.com/1froglegs/status/944283446377111552
Reply
- Vaishali
  December 22, 2017 at 2:30 pm
  Thanks. We love Gremlins too! Please be sure to leave a name when you comment.
  Reply
Kayley
December 22, 2017 at 1:28 pm
I made some vegan chocolate chip gingerbread yesterday, and i think it would be a wonderful food for a christmas movie night! My family and I would probably be watching A Wonderful Life.
Reply
Susan Smerdel
December 22, 2017 at 1:12 pm

I love to watch A Christmas Carol (I love the Mr. Magoo version) with popcorn (lots of vegan butter if course) & hazelnut coffee!!!. The movie restores my faith in people.
I posted this on Twitter.
Reply
kimberly
December 22, 2017 at 12:22 pm
Can you bake these meatballs instead of fry them, do you think? Love a movie called the Christmas wish, with Debbie Reynolds
Reply
- Vaishali
  December 22, 2017 at 12:27 pm
  Hi Kimberly, Yes, absolutely. I haven't baked these so I didn't add those instructions, but they should hold very well in the oven. I'd spray a baking sheet with oil or line with parchment, and bake at 425 degrees for about 30 minutes or until golden-brown. Turn once or twice to ensure even browning.
  Reply
  - Anonymous
    December 22, 2017 at 9:17 pm
    thank you - can't wait to try it...
    Reply
  - Kimberly
    December 28, 2017 at 2:17 pm
    Forgot to say I posted it to Facebook - (not good with technology) posted it to a group Yosemite Vegans...
    Tried the meatballs - really liked them - for me a good finger food for football
    Reply
- kimberly
  December 22, 2017 at 12:34 pm
  I forgot to say my favorite meal with the holiday movie...ginger peanut soup...and some yummy bread
  Reply
  - Kimbely
    December 28, 2017 at 2:18 pm
    Also forgot to say I posted it on Facebook (Yosemite Vegans group). I made the meatballs and like them - very good for finger food for football...
    Reply
Divya
December 22, 2017 at 12:04 pm
Awesome recipe , looks mouth watering. I am a person who uses steel pans too unless really needed like pan cakes etc. my fav movie is chrismas with Kranks. Beautiful movie about community. Fav meals are casseroles biryanis and cakes.
Reply
- Divya
  December 23, 2017 at 8:47 am
  Twitter and will follow
  Reply
Lisa Hochstetler
December 22, 2017 at 11:57 am

I love It's A Wonderful Life with a big bowl of popcorn.
I have posted on Facebook and Twitter and am following @LagostinaUSA on Twitter
Reply
Cynthia
December 22, 2017 at 11:14 am
I love anything Bing Cosby. So my favorite xmas movie is The Bell's of Saint Mary. Love vegan nachos with a good movie. Will share on Facebook and will follow
Reply
Kristel Petty
December 22, 2017 at 11:09 am
I love to watch Elf with popcorn and Dr. Pepper! I shared this post on Facebook. I followed on Twitter.
P. S. I am excited to try this recipe!!!!
Reply