Tofu Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

Oh wow, let me tell you about these tofu meatballs in tomato sauce… they’re just so comforting and, honestly, kind of a game changer if you’re looking to dip your toes into the plant-based scene, or even if you’re not! Imagine golden, crispy-on-the-outside meatballs, soaked in a luscious, rich tomato sauce, served over… well, anything really. It’s cozy, it’s hearty, and there’s something so fulfilling about making them from scratch, you know? Plus, the smell that wafts through your kitchen while they cook? Pure bliss.

Why You’ll Crave It

• Super delicious and really satisfying… who said veggie dishes can’t be filling?
• Secretly healthy but you’d never know it—those tofu proteins are our little secret!
• So versatile—you can toss them on pasta, in a sub, or even on a salad!
• Perfect for meal prep; they save well and taste even better the next day, trust me!

Honestly, my family fights over the last meatball, so you know it’s a hit!

What You’ll Need

• Tofu: 1 block (14 ounces), pressed to remove excess moisture—this makes all the difference!
• Breadcrumbs: 1 cup, any kind you like but I usually go for plain to keep it classic.
• Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup, grated—adds that nice umami punch.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced; because garlic makes everything better, right?
• Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped, for a fresh kick.
• Egg: 1 large, binds everything together like magic.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon—don’t skip it!
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, to add that subtle warmth.
• Olive oil: just a drizzle for cooking, because we want that golden crisp!
• Canned crushed tomatoes: 28 ounces, for our sauce, the star of the show!
• Onion: 1 small, diced; a flavor base we can’t ignore!
• Basil: 1 teaspoon, dried. Just a sprinkle—so aromatic!
• Oregano: 1 teaspoon, dried, because it’s a must in tomato sauce.
• Salt & Pepper: to taste, of course!

Easy How-To

Get Started!

First things first—press the tofu to get rid of that excess water, okay? Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and put something heavy on top for about 20 minutes. While that’s happening, you can preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). it helps to do this early on, so your meatballs can get right into the hot oven! Then, in a big bowl, crumble the pressed tofu—really get in there with your hands and break it up—like, it should feel good… add in those breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and parsley. Mix them all together, like really well… I can’t stress that enough, because we want every bite to be packed with flavor!

Next, dice up your onion and garlic… sauté them in a pan until they’re nice and soft. Once they look good, toss them into the tofu mixture. Now for the fun part! You’re going to shape those into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and put them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (trust me, it makes cleanup a breeze). Bake them for about 25-30 minutes; flipping them halfway through so they get all golden and beautiful.

Good to Know

• Don’t rush the pressing—it’s crucial for getting a nice texture!
• Feel free to sub in your favorite herbs; mix it up a little if you want!

Serving Ideas

• Serve them over spaghetti for a classic combo or in a sub roll for an irresistible meatball sandwich!

Top Tricks

• For extra crunch, you can pan-fry them in a skillet after baking… just for that wow factor!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tofu for this recipe?

Yep, you can! Just remember it’s going to change the texture a bit, but it’ll still work—just make sure to fully thaw and press it before you begin.

What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?

Crushed crackers or oats work great too! Just make sure they’ve got a fine consistency for that ideal meatball texture.

How do I make the meatballs gluten-free?

Super simple, just grab some gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats, and check your sauces for gluten ingredients!

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

For sure! Just assemble them and keep them in the fridge or freezer. You can reheat them in the sauce before you serve, which is a great time-saver!

What can I serve with tofu meatballs?

Honestly, they’re so versatile! Think pasta, rice, a nice sub, or even pairing with a bright salad. They fit right in anywhere!

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So there you have it! Tofu meatballs with tomato sauce are not just a dish; they’re a comforting embrace on a plate. This recipe really showcases how flavorful plant-based cooking can be. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this meal—because, like I always say, food is better when it’s shared with loved ones.