These Thanksgiving Lentil Meatballs bring all the warm, cozy flavors of the holiday table into one hearty vegetarian dish. Packed with lentils, herbs, and a touch of sweetness from cranberries, they make a comforting main or side dish that everyone — even meat lovers — will enjoy. Serve them with gravy or cranberry sauce for the perfect festive bite.
Ingredients
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1 cup dried green or brown lentils
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2 ½ cups vegetable broth or water
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
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1 egg (or flax egg for vegan: 1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
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¼ cup chopped dried cranberries
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1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp dried sage
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Olive oil spray or extra oil for baking
Cooking Time
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Prep time: 20 minutes
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Cook time: 35 minutes
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Total time: 55 minutes
Serving
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Serves 4 (makes about 16–18 meatballs)
Instructions
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Cook the Lentils:
Rinse the lentils under cold water. In a saucepan, combine lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until soft but not mushy. Drain and let cool slightly. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook another minute. -
Mash and Mix:
In a large bowl, mash the lentils slightly with a fork or potato masher. Add the cooked onion mixture, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, cranberries, soy sauce, parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix until the mixture holds together. -
Form Meatballs:
Roll into 1 ½-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. -
Bake:
Lightly spray with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and firm. -
Serve:
Serve warm with vegetarian gravy or cranberry sauce. These also pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: 230
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Protein: 12g
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Fat: 6g
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Carbohydrates: 33g
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Fiber: 8g
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Sugar: 5g
Tips
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You can prepare these a day ahead; just reheat in the oven before serving.
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For extra flavor, drizzle them with warm maple mustard glaze or serve with mushroom gravy.
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If you prefer a crispy texture, sauté the baked meatballs in a skillet with a little oil before serving.
These Thanksgiving Lentil Meatballs are a cozy, flavorful way to celebrate the season — hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table, whether they’re vegetarian or not.
