Moroccan Lentil Meatballs with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is made with simple ingredients and comes together in just 30 minutes. These veggie meatballs are kid-friendly and great for meal prep lunch or easy weeknight dinners.
Why You'll Love these Lentil Meatballs:
I honestly can't think of a reason why you wouldn't LOVE these vegetarian lentil meatballs. Firstly, they're made with pantry staples like canned lentils, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, and dried herbs and spices. Second, they couldn't be simpler to prepare with the help of a food processor.
These lentil meatballs are also budget friendly and can be adapted to a wide range of cuisines and styles. The lentils add a great source of plant protein and fiber, making them super satiating, too.
Enjoy them for a weekday meal with pasta, couscous, or simply dipped in your favorite sauce. Tender, hearty, and deliciously spiced, these veggie meatballs will be a family favorite!
Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions:
- Lentils: The star of these meatballs is protein-rich lentils, which add heft and meatiness. I use canned lentils for convenience, however you can certainly cook them from scratch. (Just make sure they are completely cooled before adding them to the food processor.) Alternatively, the vacuum-sealed bags of pre-cooked lentils are a great option.
- Breadcrumbs: Classic, unseasoned breadcrumbs help hold these bean balls together. If you only have seasoned breadcrumbs on hand, just leave out the dried oregano from the recipe. Alternatively, if you need a gluten-free option, oat flour also does the job here.
- Tomato Paste: This umami-booster lends savory depth of flavor to these veggie meatballs. It also adds moisture and helps bind them together. For more flavor and spice, you can use harissa instead (which you'll need for the red pepper sauce, anyway).
- Spices: I love a mix of smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano, which add wonderful earthiness and smoky spice. You can also add a pinch of coriander, saffron, fennel, and/or caraway, which are all staple moroccan spices.
- Egg: These bean balls hold together best with the use of an egg. However if you're making them vegan, a flax egg also works well. To make a flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon (7g) flaxseed meal with 2 ½ tablespoon (37 ml) water and let sit for 3 minutes.
- Aromatics: A mix of red onion and fresh garlic really level up the flavor. If you don't have red onion on hand, feel free to use yellow onion or shallots instead.
- Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: This sauce couldn't be simpler, and only calls for 4 ingredients. You need one jar of roasted red peppers, harissa, fresh garlic, and extra-virgin olive oil. You won't believe how bright and flavorful it is for such few ingredients. (Pro tip: prep a double batch and use leftovers for spooning over roasted veggies, fish, or chicken!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Blend Lentil Meatball Ingredients in a Food Processor
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the lentils, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, parsley, onion, garlic, herbs, and spices. Pulse, mixing until combined, but not puréed, leaving a little texture. (The texture should be similar to dough. If it feels too wet to roll, mix in extra breadcrumbs.)
Transfer mixture to a bowl and wipe the food processor clean. 
Step 2: Prepare the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Add roasted red peppers, harissa, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper to the food processor. Blend the mixture until smooth, and set aside. 
Step 3: Sear Meatballs in a Skillet
Use a medium cookie dough scoop to scoop out Tablespoon amounts of dough and carefully roll into 18 balls.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the lentil meatballs and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until golden-brown and slightly crisp. Shake the pan or use a wooden spoon to roll the balls around to cook evenly on all sides. (Note: if you're using a smaller pan, cook the meatballs in two batches.)
Step 4: Add Roasted Red Pepper Sauce to Skillet
Pour the roasted red pepper sauce into the skillet with the cooked lentil meatballs. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve with your sides of choice. 
What to Serve with Lentil Meatballs:
These lentil meatballs are super versatile, and can pair up with just about any sides. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Pearl couscous: If you are not familiar, pearl couscous (also known as Israeli couscous) is a small, lightly toasted pasta. It’s quick-cooking, delightfully chewy, and makes a fantastic side dish. For more flavor, cook it in vegetable broth instead of water, and mix in fresh chopped parsley, lemon juice, and pine nuts before serving. I love this tri-color pearl couscous from Bob's Red Mill.
- Rice: Keep it simple with plain white or brown basmati rice, or go for a flavor home run with this Curried Rice Salad.
- Salad: Serve alongside this 10-minute Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad for a refreshing counter to the kicky red pepper sauce.
How to Make Lentil Meatballs Vegan:
To make this recipe vegan, you can use a flax egg in place of the egg called for in the recipe. Here's how to make a flax egg:
- Combine 1 tablespoon (7 g) flaxseed meal with 2 ½ tablespoon (37 ml) water in a small bowl.
- Let the mixture sit for 3 to 5 minutes, until it becomes thick and gelatinous.
- Add the flax egg to the food processor in lieu of a real egg to help bind the meatballs.
Make-Ahead, Store, and Reheat:
- Make-ahead: Unshaped lentil meatball mixture can be stored in the refrigerator up to 1 day in advance. Shaped (uncooked) lentil meatballs can also be stored 1 to 2 days ahead. You can also freeze the shaped balls (raw or cooked) for 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Either cook as directed (if raw) or rewarm in the toaster oven (if cooked). (Note: It's best to store the sauce separately so it doesn't turn the meatballs soggy.)
- Store: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator and enjoy for up to 4 days. Enjoy warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
Tools to Make Veggie Meatballs:
- Food Processor: To perfectly pulse the meatball mixture, you need a reliable food processor. This one is inexpensive, lightweight, and always gets the job done.
- Cookie Scoop: To scoop the veggie meatballs in uniform balls, I love using this medium cookie scoop.
- Large Skillet: A cast-iron skillet will help you achieve uniform golden, crisp goodness on the meatballs. This one is inexpensive and pre-seasoned.
More Lentil Recipes to Try:
30 Minute Mushroom and Lentil Tacos
Lentil and Mushroom Stew over Potato-Parsnip Mash
One Pot Vegan Curried Lentil Soup
If you give this recipe a try, snap a pic and tag #dishingouthealth so I can see your beautiful creations. Also, follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates!
Moroccan Lentil Meatballs with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Equipment
- Food processor
- Large skillet
Ingredients
Lentil Meatballs
- 1 (14.5-oz.) can lentils, rinsed and drained
- ¾ cup plain unseasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup roughly chopped red onion
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves (no need to chop)
- 1 egg *sub flax egg if making vegan
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. soy sauce or tamari (optional for added savoriness)
- 1 ½ tsp. minced fresh garlic
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- ½ tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil for cooking
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- 1 (12-oz.) jar roasted red peppers, drained
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. harissa (I use Mina brand)
- ½ Tbsp. minced fresh garlic
- ½ tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper
Optional side
- Pearl couscous cooked in vegetable broth and served with fresh chopped parsley, pine nuts, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Start by preparing the Lentil Meatballs: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the lentils, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, egg, tomato paste, soy sauce, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper. Pulse, mixing until combined, but not puréed, leaving a little texture. (The texture should be similar to dough. If it feels too wet to roll, mix in extra breadcrumbs.) Transfer mixture to a bowl and wipe the food processor clean.
- Prepare the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: Add roasted red peppers, olive oil, harissa, garlic, salt and pepper to the food processor. Blend the mixture until smooth; set aside.
- Use a medium cookie dough scoop to scoop out Tablespoon amounts of lentil meatball mixture and roll into 18 balls. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the lentil meatballs and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until golden-brown and slightly crisp. Shake the pan or use a wooden spoon to roll the balls around to cook evenly on all sides. (Note: if you're using a smaller pan, cook the meatballs in two batches.)
- Pour the roasted red pepper sauce into the skillet with the cooked lentil meatballs. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve with your side(s) of choice.
Notes
Nutrition
Sarah
I've made these a few times now and they are delicious! We do our own sauce, but the meatballs are SO good that I have to double the recipe every time I've found it takes longer than the 5-6 minutes to cook mine all the way through- perhaps I make them too big or my pan isn't hot enough- but when they are done they are definitely worth the wait!! I may start on the stovetop and finish them in the oven next time so the first batch doesn't get cold by the time the last batch is cooked.
zidane
very nice
Rebecca
This was delicious, does it freeze well?
Jamie Vespa
Hi Rebecca - It should freeze fine! So glad you enjoyed it.
Lynn E
Excellent recipe! New to site, and looking forward to trying more pescatarian options!
Question: I bought mild harissa and wish that I had purchased hot. What would you use to add a little heat? Crushed red pepper?
Alex
These lentil meatballs are out of this world! I'll be adding them to my regular rotation 🙂
Jamie Vespa
Yay! So glad you enjoy them, Alex! Thank you for taking time to leave a rating & review!
Viktoria
Oh my god, the best! Those have been on repeat since making them for the first time. They are soft, chewy and crunchy at the same time. I use some more soy sauce and add mustard to the lentil ball mass, then serve them with a potato & carrot mash, a vegan brown sauce and a fresh green salad. Yuuuuuum, make them already!
Thanks so much for the recipe, Jamie! 💙
Jamie Vespa
Hi Viktoria - I'm so glad you enjoyed this one! Thank you for coming back and leaving a review!
Meredith
AMAZING!!! Loved by all including my 9 month old granddaughter
Lori
Can you bake these instead?
Jamie Vespa
Hi Lori - some readers have baked them but commented that they don’t get as crisp on the outside and they missed the added texture. I’d highly recommend sauteing!
Ben
Any recommendations on baking?
Rebecca S
These meatballs are a constant hit in our vegetarian household. The kids tell me how great they are as they are shovelling them in their mouths! I sub out the roasted pepper sauce and simply do gravy and a bunch of vegetables. Thank you for creating!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Rebecca - Yay! I'm so glad you enjoy them! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Becca
Made these with dried lentils cooked up in my Instantpot. I had some similar harissa sauce in the freezer that I thawed and made the balls to go with the sauce and spaghetti for a quick weeknight meal. Great flavor for the balls, but I will leave myself a bit more time next time around to try and get them crispier on the outside. Very happy to have finally found a great meatball alternative!
Jamie Vespa
HI Becca - so glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for leaving a review and explaining your tweaks for other readers.
Linda
These were amazing! I used dry lentils. I was a little skeptical at how good everyone said they were, but they really are good! My meat eating hubby likes them!
Jamie Vespa
Yay! So glad they were a hit, Linda!
Molly
I give this an enthusiastic 4.5 stars. The meatballs are so good! The sauce is a little overwhelming considering how delicate the meatballs are. But the flavors are excellent and work well with several accompaniments (I served it with couscous and broccoli).
Jamie Vespa
Hi Molly - bummer you found the sauce overwhelming! I'm glad you still enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for coming back and leaving a review. Cheers
Emily
This is so easy and delicious. A new go-to quick dinner in our household 😊
Jamie Vespa
Hi Emily, I'm so glad you enjoyed this one! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Suzie Dyer
I haven't made this yet. What amount of oat flour would you use instead of breadcrumbs?
Jamie Vespa
Hi Suzie- I would start with 1/2 cup and add more as needed to roll the balls. I hope you enjoy them!
Sophie
This was SO good! Incredible flavors and perfect paired with couscous.
Jamie Vespa
SO glad you enjoyed this one, Sophie! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Marisa Tenuta
hi there, do you think the moroccan lentil meatballs would be ok made with mostly black beans? I just pulled all the ingredients out and realize i only have about 1/4 of the lentils i need for the recipe! 🙁
Jamie Vespa
Hi Marisa -- I haven't tried black beans, but imagine they would work!
Nathalie Desta
Sooo delicious! Jamie makes veggie easy! What an amazingly easy storecupboard ingredients recipe!! And so tasty
Jamie Vespa
Yay! So glad you enjoyed this one, Nathalie! Thank you for leaving a review!
Charity MacPherson
has anyone tried baking these instead of frying? spraying the tops with a bit of oil? if so, how long and what temperature?
Florence
Made this and it was delicious but would cook the onions( sweet) and garlic next time then add to mixture. Found they repeated hours after eating. Made my own roasted red peppers and loved the sauce.
Would definitely make again with a few tweaks.
Thank you for your great dinner idea!!!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Florence--I'm so glad you enjoyed this one!! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Emily N.
This was delicious! The "meat"balls had so much flavor and I loved the spice the harissa added to the roasted pepper. Will definitely be making it again soon!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Emily--I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a rating and review!
Palolo
Love this!! Can you share where your bowls are from? They are darling!
Jamie Vespa
RV Pottery!
Trudi
Great recipe and spices ( I did add cumin as well) I actually combined some ground beef with the lentils and cooked the balls into the sauce.
Jamie Vespa
That sounds fabulous! So glad you enjoyed this one--thank you for leaving a review!
Amie
These really are utterly delicious but you don’t need the sauce all the time, they are fine with plain rice with a salad or veggie side dish. I use organic brown lentils in a BPA free tin for convenience as they are dense unlike red lentils that have a more nutty taste and are more sloppy. I guess this could work with green lentils too if you have some to cook up, it’s all high in plant protein and low salt!
Jamie Vespa
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Amie! Thanks for your added input.
Laura Moore
One of my favorite meal prep recipes! Super easy and you don't miss the meat one bit.
Jamie Vespa
Hi Laura, I'm so glad you enjoyed this one! Thank you for taking the time to leave a rating and review!
Eylul
If I cook lentils from dry, how much lentils will I need to cook? I know at the end they need to be about 1 3/4 but how much should I start cooking with to get this?
Jamie Vespa
I would cook 1 cup dry just to ensure you have enough!
Amie
Hello,
The twitter etc icon is really irritating, it is in the middle of everything. So I am sorry if you received this message now three times. Can I replace parsley with cilantro?
Thanks,
Amie
Angela
Amazing amazing. Didn’t do the sauce from the recipe because I didn’t have any roasted red peps so this was a pantry meal but the meatballs had such a great flavor. 10/10
Laura
This was such a yummy flavor! I loved the red pepper sauce too! Next time I am making a DOUBLE batch of the sauce because it was soooo good i wanted to cover my dish in it 🙂 Thanks for all the great recipes. They never fail to impress the family!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Laura, I'm so glad the recipe was a hit!! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Maureen Vickroy
Such a fabulous recipe!! I've tried many vegetarian meatballs, and this one ranks as one of the best.
Jamie Vespa
Thank you SO much for taking the time to leave a review!! So glad the recipe was a hit!
Debbie
What a fabulous dish!! My kids enjoyed it, too. No easy feat!
Jamie Vespa
So glad to hear, Debbie!
MS
Do the lentils have to be canned or can you use from a bag? Looks delicious, thank you!
Jamie Vespa
You can cook them from dry! You need about 1 3/4 cups cooked lentils
sara
What kind of lentils do you recommend?
Jamie Vespa
The canned lentils are brown lentils! Those work best.
sara
Thanks! We made it this week and my husband loved the sauce.
Laura
Wow! What a fabulously flavorful dish. I used a can of lentils, as the recipe suggests, and they were so simple to make. We will enjoying this again soon!
Kyle
I am obsessed with everything about this dish.
Claudia
Hi Jamie! I just wanted to tell you how much I love this recipe! It was absolutely delicious!
dishingouthealth
Hi Claudia! I'm so thrilled to hear that!! Thank you so much for letting me know! 🙂
Lauren Harris-Pincus
This is so pretty! I bet it would be delicious with sorghum grain too 🙂
Emily @ Zen & Spice
I love pearled couscous-- but I've never found a whole wheat version before, that's awesome!! I will have to be on the lookout for it!
dishingouthealth
YES it's so delicious! One of my favorite Bob's Red Mill products!