I am always on the go. Between work, blogging, dog care (yes, seven dogs including one who is handicapped are quite time-consuming), plus running and working out of course, leaves very little time for cooking, especially on weekdays.
The thing is, I love to cook and be creative in the kitchen. It’s just hard sometimes when time is short. So I’m happy when I find a product that is not only plant based, it is also healthy, easy and delicious.
I’ve shared recipes made with Gardein here many times. Their products are a great option for almost everyone, whether you’re participating in Meatless Monday, trying to eat more healthfully by adding more plant based meals to your diet, or if you are already a vegan or vegetarian who loves the taste and ease of cooking with Gardein.
So you can imagine how excited I was when Gardein asked me to create a recipe using their Classic Meatless Meatballs! Bring it on! Of course I had already tried them, loved the meaty taste and texture, so I knew this would be an easy (and delicious) assignment. I’m also getting creative with the Ultimate Beefless Ground (look for that recipe next week!).
Gardein is made with non-GMO soy, wheat, ancient grains, and vegetables. It provides the taste, texture, and nutrition of meat with less fat and calories. One serving of the Classic Meatless Meatballs provides 17 grams of protein, no cholesterol, and they’re a great source of iron and fiber.
Going meatless one day a week is not only great for your health, it is good for the environment. The meat industry produces more greenhouse gases than the entire transportation sector combined. If all Americans ate meatless one day a week, it would be the equivalent of taking 1/2 million cars off the road. And for Californians in the midst of a drought, here’s a fact that will hit home: A pound of beef uses 1,799 gallons of water to produce. A pound of Gardein takes just 52.8 gallons (source: Water Footprint Research Methodology for beef usage).
In the past, it could be difficult to find plant-based products at mainstream markets, but not anymore. You’ll find Gardein right in the frozen food section of most supermarkets (I found mine at Target!). New to preparing vegan food? Here’s a tip: Try substituting Gardein for the meat in your favorite recipes! Or, try my Spaghetti with Gardein Meatless Meatballs.
Spaghetti with Gardein Meatless Meatballs
- 2 large cans unsalted whole tomatoes
- ½ cup olive oil
- 12-15 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup water or red wine
- 1 package Gardein Meatless Meatballs
- In a large pot, add the tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, water, and basil.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer.
- Simmer for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Remove from heat. Carefully blend the sauce until smooth, either with an immersion blender or a regular blender (about half at a time).
- Return to the pan over medium low heat. Add the Gardein Meatless Meatballs. Cook until they are heated through, about 10 minutes.
- Serve over the pasta of your choice.
You can save a $1 on any Gardein product (through May 31).
Do you participate in Meatless Monday? Have you tried Gardein products?
I LOVE Gardein. And I did not know about these meatballs. I have cooking wine and basil, so shall give this baby a try. Thanks.
These meatballs are really very good. I’m pretty sure you could even fool a meat eater.
I have these in the freezer as, even though I joke Im a carnivore, I really am shifting away from meat meat meat!
I’m happy to hear that. Cutting down on meat consumption is good for your health and the planet. Not to mention the animals
What a perfect weekday meal! And I love that they are available at Target- my second home!
Target has a lot of great vegetarian choices! Who’d of thought?
Oooohhh yes! That is simple and easy! Have never heard of Gardein before, but I would like to, and you gave us a coupon…..even better 🙂 I love it when you can find meatless food that has all the protein that meat does 🙂 Thanks so much for joining us for meatless monday, I love seeing your name up there!
Thanks Tina. I love participating too. Just need to get my cooking act together over the weekend 🙂
I tried the chick’n and was really impressed! But the meatballs are next on my list. A simple tomato sauce would totally be the way to go with them!
I’ve been eating the Chick’n for years..love it so much. I think the sliders may be my favorites though. It’s like you’re eating something naughty but it’s actually good for you.
Yum, just yum! I love spaghetti squash but have never tried those type of meatballs before. I see another meatless monday in my life soon!
I do participate sometimes – I just shared a meatless monday for the linkup today and it also involves squash – zoodles!
I love zoodles! I think I may need to break out my spiralizer for the spaghetti sauce leftovers!
The meatless replacements have come so far the last few years. I really enjoy them quite a bit. Thanks for linking up with us today for Meatless Monday.
Thanks Deborah! I can’t wait to try your recipe!
We aren’t big meat eaters but my girls love spaghetti, I’m going to have to check out these meatballs!
Do that! They are so good! Don’t forget the coupon!
Spaghetti and meatballs is a family favorite! I’ve always been looking for a new spin to put on it. Can’t wait to try the Gardein Meatballs!
I will admit that I never made meatballs before I stopped eating meat. So happy there is an easy meatless version now.
Sounds delicious! I’ll have to try these next time I hit the store!
Yes! They’re delicious! And so easy to find at the store now.
I love meatless meatballs, great share of Gardein products.
I’ve been eyeing these for a while now. I’ll have to check them out!
Oooooo….. you can’t go wrong with a great traditional spaghetti and meatballs. Meatless makes it all the better!!
Love the basil and garlic in these! The meatless meatballs definitely exceeded my expectations.
I am not a pasta person but this looks amazing Debbie!
I tried to use my meatballs in a non-traditional way (a breakfast sandwich) but I think next I need to go back to basics, because your spaghetti and meatballs looks AWESOME.
I haven’t tried their meatballs yet, but your post definitely got me intrigued! Looks so yum!