🍴 Hearty Vegan Meatloaf – Savory, Protein-Packed & Delicious

This Vegan Meatloaf is a plant-based twist on the classic comfort food, made with lentils, vital wheat gluten, and savory seasonings. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or meal prep, this recipe is hearty, flavorful, and slices beautifully. Serve with ketchup or your favorite vegan gravy for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Meatloaf

• Protein-Packed – Vital wheat gluten and lentils make this a filling main dish.

• Savory & Flavorful – Loaded with herbs, spices, and umami-rich ingredients.

• Perfect Texture – Firm enough to slice, yet tender on the inside.

• Great for Holidays – A crowd-pleasing vegan centerpiece.

🌱 Ingredients You’ll Need

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic, chopped

• ¾ cup cooked brown lentils (or canned, drained and rinsed)

• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth

• 3 Tablespoons tomato paste

• ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce

• 3 Tablespoons olive oil

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups vital wheat gluten

• ⅓ cup nutritional yeast

• 1 Tablespoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¼ teaspoon dried sage

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon dry mustard

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Oven & Foil

Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 16-inch piece of aluminum foil.

2. Blend Wet Ingredients

In a food processor, pulse garlic until minced. Add lentils and pulse to break up. Add remaining wet ingredients and blend until smooth.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Make a well in the center.

4. Combine & Knead

Pour wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough ball forms. Knead a few times to ensure everything is well combined.

5. Shape the Loaf

Shape dough into an 8-inch log. Place in the center of the foil and roll tightly, securing the ends. Press loaf into a bread pan and flatten/reshape to resemble a meatloaf.

6. Bake

Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.  Use oven mitts to rotate foil wrapped loaf half way through for even cooking.

7. Cool & Slice

Let loaf cool before slicing into 3/4-inch pieces. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions for Vegan Meatloaf

• Pair with mashed potatoes and gravy for a classic comfort meal.

• Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

• Use leftovers in sandwiches or wraps with homemade Durkee sauce or ketchup.

• Top with BBQ sauce or mushroom gravy for extra flavor.

💡 Pro Tips

• Don’t skip kneading—it helps develop structure for the perfect meatloaf texture.

• Let it rest before slicing for clean cuts.