Bean “Meat” Balls & Spaghetti

These simple and hearty “meat”balls are made with Romano beans and umami-rich mushrooms. Featuring classic Italian flavours that you have come to love in a traditional meatball.

Author: Ontario Beans

Ontario Bean Growers is a not for profit organization that represents the interests of farmers in Ontario that grow dry edible beans.

Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
45 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour
Yield:
20 meatballs, 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp canola oil 15 mL
  • 1 onion, small 1
  • 1 package white mushrooms, sliced (227 g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can Romano beans, drained and rinsed (540mL)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs, divided (250 mL)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (125 mL)
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped (60 mL)
  • 1/4 tsp salt (1 mL)
  • 1/4 tsp pepper (1 mL)
  • 1/2 tbsp dried oregano (7.5 mL)
  • 1 (640 mL) jar tomato sauce
  • 1 lb dried spaghetti (454 g)
  • Garnish Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat, add canola oil, onion, and mushrooms; cook until onion is translucent, and mushrooms have released their moisture, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, allow to cool 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, add mushroom and onion mixture, and Romano beans. Pulse just until combined, not pureed.
  4. In a medium bowl add bean-mushroom mixture, egg, 3/4 cup breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, salt and pepper; mix until well combined. Set aside.
  5. In a shallow bowl add remaining breadcrumbs and oregano, mix to combine.
  6. Using your hands, form bean-mushroom mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls; roll in breadcrumbs and place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  7. In a large non-stick pan over medium-heat, add tomato sauce and cooked bean “meat”balls. Cover and simmer until sauce is warmed through, about 8 minutes.
  8. While the sauce warms, prepare spaghetti as per package directions.
  9. Serve bean “meat”balls and sauce over spaghetti noodles. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving: Calories: 809, Sugar: 12.5 g, Sodium: 12.5 g, Fat: 13.2 g, Saturated Fat: 3.9 g, Trans Fat: 0.2 g, Carbohydrates: 136.9 g, Fiber: 13.6 g, Protein: 37 g, Cholesterol: 59 mg

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