Name: Sheet Pan Mediterranean Tofu Meatballs & Broccolini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp + ½ cup olive oil (divided); 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups crumbled tofu (about 12-oz); ¾ cup quick cooking oats; ¾ cup fine bread crumbs; ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; 1 lemon, juiced; 1 shallot, thinly sliced; 1 Tbsp oregano; 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped; 1 tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 bunches broccolini, trimmed; ½ cup olives, torn (your favorite Greek variety); ½ cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped; ½ cup garlic sauce (or basil garlic sauce)

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A delightful fusion of savory herbs, tangy olives, and rich balsamic vinegar, all come together in hearty tofu meatballs in a simple sheet pan meal that’s perfect for mixed-diet families.

If you’re craving a burst of Mediterranean flavors combined with the convenience of a sheet pan meal, you’re in for a treat! This Sheet Pan Mediterranean Tofu Meatballs & Broccolini recipe is a delightful fusion of savory herbs, tangy olives, and rich balsamic vinegar, all coming together in hearty tofu meatballs. Paired with perfectly roasted broccolini, this meal is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare.

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding time to cook nutritious meals can be a challenge. That’s where sheet pan meals come to the rescue! They offer a hassle-free cooking experience with minimal cleanup, making them perfect for busy weeknights — and they make it super simple to satisfy everyone with one meal, vegans and non-vegans alike!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love Greek food. The blend of fresh herbs, tangy olives, and rich balsamic vinegar creates a symphony of savory flavors in every bite that transport me to what I imagine I’d be experiencing on the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. Beyond that, I’m excited to share tofu meatballs with you. This is a whole foods, plant-powered “meat”ball that you can feel good about. These tofu meatballs are infused with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like oregano, basil, and lemon juice,

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is the sheer convenience of sheet pan cooking. On busy weeknights, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. With this recipe, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without the hassle. Everything cooks together on one sheet pan, making preparation and cleanup a breeze. Simply mix the meatball ingredients, arrange them on the pan with the broccolini, and let the oven work its magic. This hands-off approach allows you to relax or spend time with your family while dinner is being made.

For any non-vegans at your table, you can easily make a separate sheet pan of meatballs, substituting the tofu with their animal protein of choice. This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. If you have a soy allergy, you can easily replace the tofu with soy-free tempeh, cooked lentils, or white beans, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy this meal. I know you’ll love this stress-free and delicious dinner solution.

What You Need To Make Sheet Pan Mediterranean Tofu Meatballs & Broccolini

To create this delicious and nutritious dish, you’ll need a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients.

Firm Tofu: The heart of this dish is the tofu meatballs, made from firm tofu that’s been pressed and crumbled. If accommodating a soy allergy, substitue the tofu with soy-free tempeh, cooked/canned lentils, or white beans.

Onion and Garlic: These meatballs are infused with the savory flavors of finely chopped onion and minced garlic.

Quick-cooking Oats and Bread Crumbs: These act as binders, ensuring the meatballs hold together perfectly.

Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a rich, tangy taste that enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile.

Lemon Juice: Provides a fresh, zesty brightness that balances the richness of the other ingredients.

Shallot: Finely minced shallot adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the meatballs.

Fresh Herbs (oregano and basil): These herbs give the meatballs their signature Mediterranean flair with their aromatic and earthy notes.

Olives: Chopped olives add a salty, briny element that complements the other flavors beautifully.

Broccolini: To accompany the meatballs, you’ll need broccolini, washed and trimmed, ready to be drizzled with olive oil and roasted to tender perfection.

How to Make Sheet Pan Mediterranean Tofu Meatballs & Broccolini

1. Prepare the meatballs: Saute the onion and garlic, and transfer to a food processor with the other ingredients.

2. Make the flavor bomb: Blend the vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, herbs, salt and pepper. Drizzle a portion into the tofu mixture.

3. Form the meatballs: Place 2-inch sized meatballs on the sheet and arrange the broccolini around it. Drizzle with more of the dressing and bake.

4. Serve: Remove from the oven and drizzle with more of the dressing and serve with garlic sauce.

Meal Prep & Recipe Tips

Make-Ahead: Prepare the meatball mixture and dressing in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips for Non-Vegans: Divide the broccolini between two sheet pans and cook with the tofu meatballs on one pan, and frozen store-bought meatballs on the other.

FAQs

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of quick-cooking oats?

Yes, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs for quick-cooking oats in the tofu meatball mixture. Adjust the quantity as needed to achieve the desired texture. Regular breadcrumbs will help bind the ingredients together just as effectively but it will affect the texture.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Absolutely! While fresh herbs provide vibrant flavor, dried herbs can be used as a substitute. Use about one-third of the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe since dried herbs are more concentrated.

What can I use instead of tofu if I have a soy allergy?

You can replace tofu with soy-free tempeh, cooked lentils, or white beans. These alternatives will still provide a hearty texture and absorb the delicious Mediterranean flavors well.

Can I prepare the meatball mixture in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture and the dressing in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, simply shape the meatballs and proceed with the recipe as directed.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a garlic sauce for extra flavor.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free oats and breadcrumbs. Double-check all other ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.