These little balls of goodness are not just any meatballs—they’re a playful twist on a classic favorite, crafted from wholesome chickpeas. These BBQ chickpea meatballs are both delicious and nutritious! Packed with protein, fiber, and a myriad of vitamins and minerals, they’re a guilt-free indulgence that will leave you feeling satisfied. So go ahead, we give you permission to dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hey there, fellow foodies! Stephanie here. Let me spill the beans on why we whipped up this fabulous chickpea meatball recipe. It was a chilly evening here in Northern Colorado when I had a craving for comfort food. After rummaging through the pantry, it came to me. Chickpeas galore! With a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of kitchen magic, these chickpea meatballs were born. They’re not just any meatballs—they’re a cozy hug in food form, perfect for satisfying those comfort food cravings with ease.

Now, let’s talk versatility! These chickpea meatballs aren’t just for dinner—they’re a culinary chameleon, ready to shine at any mealtime. Whether you’re hosting a lively gathering with friends for apps or simply craving a quick and satisfying lunch, these meatballs have got you covered. And here’s the kicker: with the help of a food processor, they’re easy-peasy to make, so you can spend less time slaving away in the kitchen and more time enjoying the good stuff. Because let’s face it, between running multiple businesses and keeping up with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, ain’t nobody got time for complicated recipes!

We love that these meatballs can go so many directions. You can serve them with spaghetti and red sauce, the Italian way. Or they are great in a hoagie-style bun with red sauce, bell peppers and onions for a satisfying hot sandwich. We love them with our Best Homemade BBQ Sauce!

So go ahead, whip up a batch of these chickpea meatballs, and let the good times roll!

Key Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient in our recipe for our vegan BBQ chickpea ‘meatballs’ and explore why they’re essential:

• Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are the star of the show, providing a hearty base and a boost of plant-based protein to our meatballs. Not only do they add texture and substance, but they also bring a wealth of nutrients to the table.
• Onion adds depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness to the meatballs, plus they are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making them a nutritious addition to any dish.
• Baby bella mushrooms lend a meaty texture and savory umami flavor to the meatballs. These versatile fungi also provide a host of health benefits, including immune support and improved digestion.
• Cooked brown rice serves as a binding agent, helping to hold the meatballs together while adding a nutty flavor and chewy texture. Brown rice is also rich in fiber and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome addition to our recipe.
• Walnuts bring a delightful crunch and a hint of richness to the meatballs. Plus, walnuts are packed with heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, making them a nutritious and delicious addition to our dish. Walnuts are what add a meat-like texture to the meatballs.
• Garlic packs a punch of flavor, enhancing their overall taste. In addition to its culinary benefits, garlic boasts a range of health benefits, including immune support and improved heart health.
• Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy/nutty flavor and a boost of protein to the meatballs. Plus, nutritional yeast is a good source of B vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to our recipe.
• Soy sauce or tamari adds a savory umami flavor to the meatballs. Soy sauce is rich in amino acids and minerals, but it’s all about the flavor that this ingredient adds. Soy sauce brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Tomato paste adds a rich, tangy flavor and a touch of sweetness to the meatballs. Plus, tomato paste is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Spices like smoked paprika, coriander, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and parsley bring a symphony of flavors to the meatballs, enhancing their taste with their aromatic notes. These spices also provide a range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and digestive support.

The Process

Let’s walk through the steps of crafting your delicious chickpea meatballs with a bit more detail. 

To begin, preheat your oven to 350° degrees and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking and make for easy cleanup later on.

Now, it’s time to prepare the chickpea meatball mixture. In a food processor, combine all the ingredients except for the walnuts. Pulse the ingredients until they are well combined and form a coarse mixture, but do not overprocess them! You do not want chickpea paste (hummus)! Add the walnuts and pulse a few times to combine them.

If the mixture seems dry and doesn’t easily form into a meatball, add vegetable broth, a few tablespoons at a time, to moisten it. Alternatively, if it’s too wet you can add breadcrumbs or rolled oats to help bind the mixture together. The key is to form a meatball shape. It should hold together and not be too sticky on your hands.

Once the meatball dough is ready, shape it into 1-1/2 inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. For best results, refrigerate the meatballs for at least 15 minutes before baking. This will help them hold their shape while they cook and make a firmer meatball.

If desired, you can spray the meatballs with a thin coating of oil before baking to facilitate browning.

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning them over halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the Best Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe to accompany them.

Once the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown, remove them from the oven and cover them with the desired amount of BBQ sauce. Serve them hot and enjoy their delicious flavor and texture.

Keepin’ It Fresh: How to Store the BBQ Chickpea ‘Meatballs’

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months. The meatballs can be frozen after baking them or before baking them. Be sure to label them with baking instructions if you freeze them prior to baking them. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator prior to baking them (or reheating them if they have already been baked.)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you made this recipe, don’t be shy—show off your culinary skills on your socials and tag us! We absolutely love seeing how our recipes inspire creativity in our readers’ kitchens. So, let’s spread the kitchen love and share the deliciousness together!