Meatballs without meat? Girl, welcome to 2025 where plants rule and your Crockpot earns its keep like a culinary sidekick. These vegan wonders are juicy, packed with flavor, and so easy your blender could practically cook them. And just when you think you’ve peaked—boom, enter coffee panna cotta like a dessert diva in stilettos. It’s creamy, sassy, and pairs perfectly with your “I don’t need takeout” vibe. So go ahead, toss it in, slow cook it, and serve like you run this show. Because you do—and you didn’t even break a sweat.
Crockpot Meatballs with Coffee Panna Cotta
Tender vegan meatballs slow-cooked in rich tomato sauce, paired with a decadent dairy-free coffee panna cotta. Easy, elegant, plant-powered deliciousness.
Ingredients
Vegan Meatballs:
- 1 can chickpeas 15 oz, drained and mashed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz
Coffee Panna Cotta:
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp agar-agar powder
- Optional: vegan whipped topping or shaved chocolate
Instructions
Meatballs:
- Mix chickpeas, oats, parsley, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Blend lightly if you like a smoother texture.
- Form mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place meatballs in Crockpot and pour marinara over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Serve with pasta or crusty bread. Or just eat them like snack royalty.
Coffee Panna Cotta:
- In a saucepan, whisk coconut milk, coffee, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Add agar-agar and bring to boil. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Pour into ramekins and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Top with chocolate or whipped cream if you’re feeling generous.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 345
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
Vitamins and Minerals Present (Per Serving)
- Iron: 20%
- Calcium: 18%
- Folate: 22%
- Potassium: 15%
- Magnesium: 17%
Any Additional Notes/Tips to Enhance the Flavor for the Recipe
- Add chili flakes to the sauce if you like a little sass.
- Let the meatball mixture chill before rolling—it behaves better.
- Use a smoky marinara for deeper flavor.
- Top the panna cotta with a dusting of cocoa for a café-chic finish.
- Light a candle and pretend you’re dining in Rome. Nailed it.
