Vegan Turkey Meatballs

These vegan turkey meatballs with rich, savory gravy are the ultimate comfort food. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they deliver classic holiday flavor without any meat. Whether you’re serving them for Thanksgiving, a cozy Sunday dinner, or meal prepping for the week, they’ll quickly become a go-to plant-based favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan meatballs are packed with herbs, seasoned perfectly, and paired with a smooth, umami-rich gravy that rivals traditional versions. The tofu base provides a great texture, while breadcrumbs and spices make them flavorful and satisfying. They’re oven-baked, not fried, making them a healthier choice. Plus, this recipe is easy to customize and comes together in under an hour.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

• 1 (16-ounce) package super firm tofu

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 vegan egg replacers

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

For the Gravy:

• 1 tablespoon vegan butter

• 1 ½ teaspoons Better Than Bouillon

• 1 tablespoon Gravy Master

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 ½ cups water

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (216°C).

2. In a food processor, combine all the meatball ingredients: tofu, breadcrumbs, vegan egg replacers, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, thyme, and oregano. Pulse until a cohesive mixture forms.

3. If the mixture is too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to help bind it. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

4. Scoop out heaping tablespoons of the mixture and roll them into balls using your hands. Repeat until all the meatballs are formed.

5. Arrange the meatballs on a lined baking sheet. Spray lightly with oil if desired.

6. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch.

7. While the meatballs are baking, start the gravy: Melt vegan butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the Better Than Bouillon and Gravy Master.

8. Add the cornstarch and stir until it forms a thick paste. Gradually add the water, about ¼ cup at a time, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

9. Once all the water is incorporated, let the gravy simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken. Season with additional salt or pepper if desired.

10. When the meatballs are done, toss them in the gravy or plate them and drizzle the gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or black pepper if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and ensure your vegan bouillon and gravy base are gluten-free.

• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture.

• Different base: Substitute tofu with tempeh or cooked lentils for a different texture.

• Gravy flavor: Add mushrooms or garlic to the gravy for added depth and flavor.

• Serve with: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or pasta for a hearty meal.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftover meatballs and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
You can freeze the meatballs (cooked or uncooked) for up to 2 months. Store the gravy separately in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating:
Reheat meatballs in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through. Reheat the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to thin it out.

FAQs

Can I use regular tofu instead of super firm tofu?

Super firm tofu works best for texture, but you can use extra firm tofu if you press out excess moisture beforehand.

What is Gravy Master?

Gravy Master is a seasoning and browning sauce that enhances flavor and color. You can substitute it with soy sauce or vegan Worcestershire if needed.

Can I fry the meatballs instead of baking?

Yes, you can pan-fry them in a little oil over medium heat until browned on all sides, though baking is easier and lighter.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes, the meatballs freeze well both before and after cooking. Just thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of vegan egg replacers?

You can use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) or another commercial egg substitute.

Can I make the gravy in advance?

Absolutely. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently before serving.

What should I serve with these meatballs?

They pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, steamed veggies, pasta, or even inside a sandwich.

Can I make the meatball mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the mixture a day in advance before rolling and baking.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure the mixture is well blended and not too dry. Adding a bit of water or an extra spoon of vegan egg replacer can help bind them.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the mild seasoning and soft texture make it great for kids, especially when served with their favorite sides.

Conclusion

These vegan turkey meatballs with savory gravy are comforting, satisfying, and loaded with plant-based goodness. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or simply craving a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers flavor and heartiness without compromise. Easy to prepare and freezer-friendly, it’s a dish you’ll want to return to time and time again.

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