Vegan Spaghetti and Beyond Meatballs Recipe

Spaghetti: A type of pasta made from wheat and water, perfect for soaking up the marinara sauce.

Beyond meatballs: Plant-based meatballs that mimic the texture and flavor of traditional meatballs, found in the frozen section.

Marinara sauce: A tomato-based sauce seasoned with herbs, essential for the rich flavor of the dish.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a rich and smooth texture.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the sauce.

Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Dried oregano: A herb that adds a slightly bitter and earthy flavor.

Dried basil: A herb that brings a sweet and slightly peppery flavor.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dish.

When cooking spaghetti, ensure to use a large pot with plenty of salted water to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Stir occasionally during the first few minutes of cooking. For the Beyond Meatballs, make sure they are thawed if previously frozen, as this will help them cook evenly and achieve a better texture. When sautéing the onion and garlic, keep the heat at medium to avoid burning, which can impart a bitter taste to the dish. Adding the dried oregano and dried basil early in the cooking process allows their flavors to meld with the olive oil, enhancing the overall taste of the marinara sauce.

• spaghetti - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles are a low-carb and gluten-free alternative that still provide a satisfying texture.

• beyond meatballs - Substitute with lentil meatballs: Lentil meatballs are a protein-rich and fiber-packed option that can be seasoned similarly to mimic the flavor of beyond meatballs.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning: Crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning can provide a fresh and customizable base for your sauce.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a versatile substitute for olive oil.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle depth to the dish.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, offering convenience and a concentrated garlic flavor.

• dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano provides a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to dried oregano.

• dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil adds a bright and fragrant note to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.

• pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat and complexity to the dish, offering a different dimension of flavor.

• Allow the spaghetti and Beyond Meatballs to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the spaghetti to an airtight container. If possible, use a container with a divider to keep the spaghetti separate from the sauce and meatballs. This helps maintain the texture of the pasta.

• Place the Beyond Meatballs and marinara sauce in a separate airtight container. This ensures that the meatballs stay flavorful and the sauce doesn't overly saturate the spaghetti.

• Label each container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of freshness and ensures you consume the dish within a safe timeframe.

• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. The spaghetti and Beyond Meatballs will stay fresh and delicious.

• For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The spaghetti and Beyond Meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure the containers are freezer-safe to prevent freezer burn.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the spaghetti and Beyond Meatballs in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the spaghetti and Beyond Meatballs separately. Warm the spaghetti in a microwave-safe dish or by briefly boiling in water. Heat the Beyond Meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until thoroughly warmed.

• Combine the spaghetti and Beyond Meatballs just before serving. This ensures the pasta remains al dente and the meatballs are perfectly heated.

• Enjoy your reheated Vegan Spaghetti and Beyond Meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and a touch of freshness.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of olive oil or a few tablespoons of vegetable broth to prevent sticking.
  3. Add the leftover spaghetti and Beyond Meatballs to the skillet.
  4. Stir occasionally, ensuring even heating, for about 5-7 minutes or until thoroughly warmed.
  5. If the marinara sauce thickens too much, add a bit of water or vegetable broth to reach the desired consistency.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the spaghetti and Beyond Meatballs in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to keep the dish moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Stir the contents, then continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the spaghetti and Beyond Meatballs in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
  5. Stir halfway through the reheating process to ensure even warming.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Place the spaghetti and Beyond Meatballs in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
  4. This method helps retain moisture and prevents the spaghetti from drying out.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Place the spaghetti and Beyond Meatballs in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag using the water displacement method.
  2. Set your sous vide machine to 165°F (74°C).
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and let it heat for about 30 minutes.
  4. Once done, carefully remove the bag, open it, and serve immediately.

• Large pot: Used to cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.

• Colander: Used to drain the cooked spaghetti.

• Large frying pan: Used to cook the onions, garlic, and beyond meatballs, and to simmer the marinara sauce.

• Wooden spoon: Used to stir the onions, garlic, and beyond meatballs while cooking.

• Knife: Used to chop the onion and mince the garlic.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, dried oregano, and dried basil.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the marinara sauce.

• Tongs: Used to turn the beyond meatballs to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.

• Serving spoon: Used to serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti.

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and mince the garlic ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-made marinara sauce: Opt for a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce to save time on making your own.

Cook spaghetti simultaneously: Boil the spaghetti while you prepare the beyond meatballs and sauce to cut down on overall cooking time.

Preheat the pan: Heat the olive oil in the pan while you chop the onion and garlic to save a few extra minutes.