The Best Vegan Meatloaf Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful comfort food, this Vegan Meatloaf is the perfect dish to serve. Packed with wholesome plant-based ingredients, this meatloaf delivers the classic flavors you love with a twist—completely vegan! It’s a great addition to any family meal, holiday dinner, or meal prep rotation.

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

For the Vegan Meatloaf:

1 1/2 cups cooked lentils (or 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed)
1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
1/2 cup rolled oats (blended for a finer texture, optional)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup grated carrot
1/4 cup ground flaxseed mixed with 1/4 cup water (flax egg)
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

For the Glaze:

1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegan Meatloaf Mixture:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper.
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and grated carrot, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed onion and carrot, breadcrumbs, oats, flax egg, tomato paste, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
Mix everything together until well combined. If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water or vegetable broth. If it’s too wet, add more breadcrumbs until you reach a firm, moldable consistency.

2. Shape the Meatloaf:

Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and press it down firmly to shape it into a loaf.

3. Make the Glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika (if using). This will create a sweet and tangy glaze for your meatloaf.

4. Bake the Meatloaf:

Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, making sure it’s evenly covered.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.
After baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the remaining glaze on top, and return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.

5. Cool and Slice:

Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will help the slices hold together better.

Tips for the Best Vegan Meatloaf:

Use Cooked Lentils: You can use any type of lentils, but brown or green lentils work best for texture and flavor. Make sure they are fully cooked and drained before adding them to the mixture.
Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the loaf for extra flavor and nutrients.
For a Firmer Meatloaf: Add more oats or breadcrumbs to make the meatloaf firmer. If you want a softer loaf, use fewer oats.
Gluten-Free Option: Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and oats for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. This vegan meatloaf also freezes well, just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Why This Vegan Meatloaf is So Amazing:

Hearty and Filling: The lentils provide a wonderful texture and hearty feel, making this meatloaf satisfying and rich in protein.
Flavorful: With the right blend of spices and the sweet-savory glaze, this dish is bursting with flavor.
Comforting: Just like traditional meatloaf, this vegan version is a cozy, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Customizable: Feel free to play around with different ingredients or toppings to make it your own.

This Vegan Meatloaf is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. The hearty, plant-based lentil loaf paired with the flavorful glaze is bound to become a favorite in your vegan cooking repertoire. Enjoy it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal!