8 Hearty Vegan Meatloaf Recipes

Holy meatless marvels! Are you ready to dive into a world of plant-based deliciousness that’ll make even the most die-hard carnivore do a double-take? I’ve teamed up with some of the most creative vegan chefs out there to bring you 8 mind-blowing vegan meatloaf recipes that’ll have you questioning everything you thought you knew about comfort food. From classic lentil loaves to exotic jackfruit creations, we’ve got something for every palate and skill level. So grab your apron, fire up that oven, and let’s get cookin’!

Lentil and Walnut Meatloaf

Okay, let’s kick things off with a true vegan classic – the lentil and walnut meatloaf. This bad boy is packed with protein, fiber, and enough flavor to make your taste buds do a happy dance.

To whip up this beauty, you’ll need green lentils, walnuts, onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, and a bunch of savory seasonings.

Mix it all together, shape it into a loaf, and bake until golden brown.

Top it with a tangy tomato glaze, and voila! You’ve got yourself a meatloaf that’ll make grandma proud (and maybe a little jealous).

Pro tip: Make extra and slice it up for the BEST sandwich fillings ever. Trust me, your co-workers will be eyeing your lunch with envy.

Chickpea and Vegetable Meatloaf

Next up, we’ve got a protein-packed powerhouse that’s basically a garden party in loaf form.

This chickpea and vegetable meatloaf is so colorful, it’s like a rainbow decided to settle down and start a family in your kitchen.

You’ll need chickpeas (duh), carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and a medley of herbs and spices.

Mash it all up, form it into a loaf, and bake until it’s firm and slightly crispy on the outside.

I like to serve this one with a creamy tahini sauce. It’s so good, you might find yourself licking the plate. No judgment here – we’ve all been there!

Mushroom and Lentil Meatloaf

Alright, mushroom lovers, this one’s for you! This mushroom and lentil meatloaf is so earthy and satisfying, it’ll transport you straight to a cozy cabin in the woods.

(Minus the bugs and questionable plumbing, of course.)

You’ll need a mix of mushrooms (I like to use portobello and shiitake), lentils, onions, and garlic.

Sauté the mushrooms until they’re nice and caramelized, mix with the other ingredients, and shape into a loaf.

The secret weapon here? A splash of soy sauce and a dash of liquid smoke. It adds a depth of flavor that’ll make you weak in the knees.

I once served this to my meat-eating uncle, and he asked for seconds. TRUE STORY.

Quinoa and Black Bean Meatloaf

Who says meatloaf has to be brown and boring? This quinoa and black bean meatloaf is here to prove that plant-based eating can be downright sexy.

You’ll need cooked quinoa, black beans, bell peppers, corn, and a bunch of zesty spices.

Mix it all up, shape it, and bake until it’s golden and slightly crispy on the edges.

I like to top this one with a spicy chipotle sauce. It’s got a kick that’ll wake up your taste buds and maybe make you do a little happy dance in your kitchen.

(Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone about your moves.)

Sweet Potato and Lentil Meatloaf

Okay, get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make your grandma’s meatloaf look like amateur hour.

This sweet potato and lentil meatloaf is so good, it should be illegal. (But let’s keep it legal, shall we?)

You’ll need mashed sweet potatoes, cooked lentils, oats, and a bunch of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Mix it all up, form it into a loaf, and bake until it’s firm and slightly caramelized on top.

The best part? A maple-mustard glaze that’ll make you want to lick the baking dish. (Again, no judgment here. We’re all friends.)

I once brought this to a potluck, and it disappeared faster than my dignity at a karaoke bar.

Jackfruit and Chickpea Meatloaf

Hold onto your taste buds, folks, because this jackfruit and chickpea meatloaf is about to take you on a wild ride.

It’s got a texture so meaty, you might need to double-check the ingredients list.

You’ll need canned jackfruit (drained and shredded), mashed chickpeas, breadcrumbs, and a blend of savory spices.

Mix it all together, shape it into a loaf, and bake until it’s golden and firm.

The secret to this one is in the sauce – a tangy BBQ glaze that’ll have you licking your fingers and contemplating whether it’s socially acceptable to bathe in BBQ sauce.

(Spoiler alert: it’s not. I checked.)

Tempeh and Vegetable Meatloaf

Alright, tempeh fans, this one’s for you! This tempeh and vegetable meatloaf is packed with protein and so flavorful, it might just convert a few tofu skeptics.

You’ll need crumbled tempeh, grated carrots, chopped spinach, and a mix of Italian herbs.

Steam the tempeh first to remove any bitterness, then mix with the other ingredients and shape into a loaf.

The key to this one is letting it rest for a few minutes after baking. It helps everything set and makes slicing a breeze.

I like to serve this with a side of roasted garlic mashed potatoes. It’s comfort food heaven, I tell ya!

Seitan and Mushroom Meatloaf

Last but definitely not least, we’ve got a seitan and mushroom meatloaf that’s so meaty, it might just cause an identity crisis.

(Don’t worry, we’ll get through this together.)

You’ll need homemade or store-bought seitan, finely chopped mushrooms, onions, and a blend of herbs and spices.

Mix it all up, shape it into a loaf, and bake until it’s firm and slightly crispy on the outside.

The real magic happens when you slice into this bad boy – it’s got a texture so close to the “real thing,” you might need to pinch yourself.

I once served this to my meat-eating brother, and he didn’t realize it was vegan until halfway through his second slice.

Talk about a plot twist!

There you have it, folks – 8 vegan meatloaf recipes that’ll knock your socks off and maybe even convert a few carnivores along the way.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan chef or just dipping your toes into the plant-based pool, there’s something here for everyone.

So what are you waiting for? Get in that kitchen and start experimenting!

And hey, if you end up with a kitchen disaster (we’ve all been there), just remember: even bad meatloaf makes for great stories.

Now go forth and conquer the world of vegan meatloaf!

Your taste buds (and maybe a few grateful dinner guests) will thank you.