Southwestern (Meatless) Meatballs

4 from 1 vote

These meatless meatballs are actually just as flavorful as meaty meatballs.

Quinoa is a true superfood. It’s a gluten-free grain that’s packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants. It goes well with black beans, which also pack a serious protein punch. Plus, if you use crushed nuts instead of breadcrumbs, this dish is gluten-free as well as vegetarian! Don’t worry, though! These meatless meatballs are actually just as flavorful as meaty meatballs. You can eat them plain, add them to a salad, or top them with our delicious 2-Ingredient Sour Cream Dip.

4 from 1 vote

Southwestern (Meatless) Meatballs

These meatless meatballs are packed with Southwestern flavors and have a satisfying meaty bite.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Yield 5 people
Serving Size 3 meatless meatballs (1 inch)
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Tex-Mex

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup quinoa dry, pre-rinsed
  • 15 ounces black beans can, drained
  • 4 ounces diced green chilis can, do not drain
  • 1/2 cup onion diced
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs optional: crushed almonds or walnuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • olive oil or non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

  • Add quinoa to water and bring to a boil of high heat, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook 12-15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and leave the lid on while preparing the other ingredients.
  • Preheat oven to Broil.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, add drained black beans and mash well with a fork. Add cooked quinoa and all other ingredients. Shape mixture into 15 balls and place on a nonstick baking sheet. Either mist or brush all sides with olive oil, or spray with a nonstick olive oil spray.
  • Place baking sheet on the middle oven rack and broil 8 minutes, turn over and broil 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve with 2-Ingredient Sour Cream Dip, or dip in your favorite salsa.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 3meatless meatballs (1 inch) | Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 232mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 3g |
SmartPoints (Freestyle): 7
Keywords dairy-free, Diabetic-Friendly, Vegetarian

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Gale Compton

Gale co-founded SkinnyMs. with a goal to provide women with delicious recipes, fitness routines, and ways to reach their ideal weight. Gale has been featured on the Today Show in which she won a cook off for the best Lasagna. Be sure to search for her winning recipe, Skinny Lasagna Rolls.

Guided by her firm belief in healthy eating and the power of exercise, Gale has written two cookbooks and several fitness ebooks. She earned her Fitness Training Certification from, National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association. Gale loves to run with her dog Maggie and has completed numerous half-marathons.

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