If you love the taste of classic Swedish meatballs but are looking for a plant-based alternative, you'll adore this Spaghetti Ikea meatballs (vegan meatballs) recipe. It's a perfect blend of savory plant-based meatballs, hearty spaghetti noodles, and rich marinara sauce, all enhanced with fresh herbs and a touch of maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. The best part is that this dish is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, bringing the joy of Italian restaurants to your home
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy nights and if you are cooking for the first time.
- Plant-Based Goodness: Enjoy the flavors of traditional Swedish meatballs without the meat.
- Versatile: You can customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Recipe Inspiration
Before turning vegan, I used to make spaghetti & meatballs inspired by Jaime Oliver's classic book and it never failed to please. It just hits home and every body is happily satisfied.
In this recipe we make it vegan by replacing the beef with Ikea Vegan meatballs.
Meatless Balls
What looks and tastes like meat, but contains no meat? That would be our new plant ball of course. It has the look, taste and juicy bite of its meaty counterpart, but only 4% of the climate footprint. And rumor has it, once you’ve tasted it, you’ll be back for more. - Ikea
It is mostly made of Pea protein and other natural ingredients. Just a taste of this dish will bring you instant Hygge. Hygge is a word in Danish and Norwegian that describes a mood of coziness and "comfortable conviviality" with feelings of wellness and contentment.
Give this recipe a try and feel free to make it your own. Get curious and creative in the kitchen and help make the world a better place by cooking Vegan.
Other Vegan Meatballs I Made! 🍝
- Slow-Dried Spaghetti & Vegan Meatballs Recipe
- Easy Quinoa Spaghetti With Vegan Meatballs
- Lentil Stew with Tofu Beyond Vegan Meatballs
- Trader Joe's Lemon Torchietti With Vegan Meatballs
- Gemelli With Truffle Tofu Ricotta & Vegan Meatballs
Ingredients 🥫
- Spaghetti Noodles: Classic pasta base, cooked al dente for the perfect texture.
- Plant-Based Meatballs: A hearty and delicious alternative to traditional meatballs.
- Marinara Sauce: Rich and flavorful tomato sauce to coat the pasta and meatballs.
- Onions: Adds depth and sweetness to the sauce. You can use a large onion. Yellow or white onion will do.
- Garlic: Enhances the savory flavors of the dish.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the marinara.
- Vegan Butter: Provides a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Basil: Fresh herb that adds a burst of flavor and color.
Steps ⏲️
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat vegan butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until translucen for 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- In the same skillet, add the plant-based meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides or bake in the oven on a large baking sheet. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes on medium-high heat.
- Make the Sauce:
- Add marinara sauce to the skillet with the onions, garlic, and meatballs. Stir in a tablespoon of maple syrup and season with salt and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Maybe season with a little Worcestershire sauce.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
Vegan Spaghetti Meatballs is sure crowd pleaser
It is easy to master this dish and add your little tweaks like adding mushrooms, other roasted veggies, vegan cheeses.
It is a great canvas for other creative components you might want to introduce to a dish. Truffle oil maybe?
The possibilities are endless.
Feel free to follow the recipe but most importantly follow your intuition.
Variations
- Spaghetti Ikea Neatballs with Creamy Sauce: Substitute the marinara with a vegan creamy sauce made from cashews and nutritional yeast for a different twist.
- Vegetable-Packed: Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrients and texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles and ensure your plant-based meatballs are gluten-free.
To add some variety to this vegan spaghetti recipe, you can try incorporating different vegetables or herbs. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different herbs such as oregano or thyme to enhance the taste of the marinara sauce.
Substitution
Spaghetti Noodles: Use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, fettuccine, or egg noodles for a more traditional take.
Maple Syrup: Replace with agave nectar or omit if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
Vegan Butter: Olive oil or canola oil can be used instead.
Basil: Swap with other fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
If you prefer not to use plant-based meatballs, you can substitute them with other vegan protein options. Try using crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even lentils as a meatball alternative. Simply season and cook them separately before adding them to the marinara sauce.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cook the spaghetti fresh and combine when ready to serve.
Q: What type of plant-based meatballs should I use? A: Use your favorite store-bought plant-based meatballs or make your own using lentils, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs.
Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I use gluten-free spaghetti noodles?
A: Absolutely! If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, feel free to use gluten-free spaghetti noodles. There are many gluten-free options available in stores or online that work well in this recipe.
Q: Can I make my own marinara sauce?
A: Yes, you can make your own marinara sauce if you prefer. Simply combine crushed tomatoes, garlic, onion, herbs, and spices in a saucepan and simmer until the flavors meld together. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: If you enjoy spicy flavors, you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinara sauce. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness.
Hint
For the best flavor, let the sauce simmer longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop and meld together.
Top Tip
When cooking the plant-based meatballs, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they get evenly browned and crispy on the outside.
Enjoy this delicious plant-based twist on a classic Swedish dish, perfect for any occasion from busy weeknights to special family dinners!
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or additional marinara sauce to prevent the spaghetti from drying out. Gently heat the spaghetti in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Enjoy your delicious vegan spaghetti with plant-based meatballs and marinara, and don't be afraid to get creative with variations and substitutions to suit your taste preferences!
Other Vegan Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe
https://jessicainthekitchen.com/vegan-spaghetti-and-meatballs/
https://veganheaven.org/recipe/spaghetti-with-bean-balls/
Simple Homemade Spaghetti With Ikea Neat-balls
Ingredients
- - 8 oz 225g spaghetti noodles
- - 1 package of plant-based meatballs
- - 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- - 1 medium onion finely chopped
- - 3 cloves garlic minced
- - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- - 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- - Fresh basil leaves chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegan butter over medium heat until melted.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the plant-based meatballs to the skillet and cook according to the package instructions until heated through and slightly browned.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the meatballs and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the maple syrup to add a touch of sweetness to the marinara sauce.
- Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet and toss gently to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve the vegan spaghetti with plant-based meatballs and marinara hot, garnished with fresh chopped basil leaves.
- Note: You can also sprinkle some vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast on top for added flavor, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious vegan spaghetti with plant-based meatballs and marinara! This recipe combines the classic flavors of spaghetti and meatballs with a vegan twist. The maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness to balance out the savory marinara sauce. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that will please both vegans and non-vegans alike.
