These Easy Vegan Italian Meatballs come together in under 30 minutes with a simple homemade sauce, store-bought meatballs, and melty vegan mozzarella. Serve them with pasta, in a hoagie, or alongside a fresh salad for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner.
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Easy, Quick & Delicious
There’s something about a plate of saucy, cheesy meatballs that just hits the spot. While I don’t eat a lot of faux vegan meats, meatballs are the exception. They make dinner so much easier—especially when cooking for my mixed-diet family. With this recipe, I can prepare both vegan and non-vegan versions at the same time, without doubling my effort.
I also love how simple and versatile this dish is. The meatballs may come from the freezer, but the sauce is homemade, bringing fresh, bold Italian flavors to the table in no time. Whether you serve them on their own with a side salad, over pasta, or in a hoagie roll for a meatball sub, these vegan Italian meatballs deliver all the comfort of a home-cooked meal—without the extra time or fuss. It’s the perfect homemade-ish weeknight dinner!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy – With just 15 minutes of prep and store-bought vegan meatballs, this dish comes together effortlessly for busy weeknights.
✅ Homemade-ish – While the meatballs are store-bought, the sauce is homemade with minimal ingredients, giving you that from-scratch taste without the extra work.
✅ Versatile – Serve these meatballs on their own with a salad, over pasta, or in a hoagie roll for a delicious meatball sub.
✅ Great for Mixed-Diet Families – Easily make a non-vegan version at the same time by using the same sauce for traditional meatballs.
✅ Comforting & Satisfying – This dish delivers that cozy, home-cooked Italian meal feel—without the fuss!
What You Need To Make Easy Vegan Italian Meatballs
This recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients—most of which you likely already have in your pantry!
Main Ingredients:
San Marzano Tomatoes – These high-quality canned tomatoes create a rich, flavorful sauce with minimal effort.
Frozen Vegan Meatballs – Use your favorite store-bought brand for convenience and great texture. Some of my go-to’s are Beyond Meat, Gardein, and Trader Joe’s.
Vegan Mozzarella – A melty, creamy topping that ties everything together. Choose a high-quality vegan cheese for the best results, such as Miyoko’s.
Garlic Olive Oil – Adds an extra punch of flavor to the sauce and enhances the richness of the dish.
Italian Herbs – A blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme infuses the sauce with classic Italian flavors.
Fresh Basil – The perfect finishing touch for freshness and aroma.
Tools You’ll Need:
Mixing Bowl – For preparing the sauce.
Baking Dish – A medium-sized casserole dish or oven-safe skillet works best.
Oven – For baking everything to perfection in one easy dish.
This recipe is all about simplicity—minimal ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor!
Recipe Tips
Meal Prep Made Easy
- You can break apart the tomatoes and mix the sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days until you’re ready to use.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave in short intervals.
- Freezer: The sauce can be made in advance and frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight and use as directed.
Adapting for Non-Vegans
- If cooking for a mixed-diet family, double the sauce and divide it between two baking dishes—one with vegan meatballs and one with traditional meatballs. This way, everyone gets the same delicious meal!
What To Serve With Easy Vegan Italian Meatballs
These meatballs are incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
- With Pasta: Serve over spaghetti or rigatoni for a classic Italian dinner.
- As a Meatball Sub: Spoon them onto a toasted hoagie roll, add extra melted mozzarella, and enjoy a hearty sandwich.
- With a Salad: Pair with a crisp garden salad and garlic bread for a lighter meal.
- Over Polenta: Serve with creamy polenta for a comforting, cozy option.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
What’s the best way to make this spicier?
What brand of vegan meatballs do you recommend?
Get the Full Recipe in Vegan Dinner Club!
Want the full recipe? It’s available exclusively in Vegan Dinner Club, where I share easy, stress-free meals that work for both vegans and non-vegans.