This Vegetarian Meatloaf is made much like a meatloaf made with ground beef, but using vegetarian beef crumbles in place of the real deal. This easy vegetarian main dish recipe is so delicious and close to the real thing, it can be a perfect vegetarian meal for meateaters.
Making a mock meatloaf is super easy to do. It is a great meatless Monday and we also love to include this vegetarian meatloaf on our holiday table, be it Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. Leftovers make great sandwiches or are just as delicious warmed up in the microwave for a leftover meal.
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Why A Vegetarian Meatloaf
If you have read any of my other vegetarian posts in the past, you will already know that I grew up in a home with a vegetarian mom and a carnivore dad, having the best of both worlds. I always preferred the vegetarian meal and have always loved a variety of vegetarian meatloaf.
My mom often made vegetarian meatloaf and I have tried many different types. This meatloaf recipe however came from a very close friend who would make it for special occasions and I would happen to be there to enjoy it.
Because I loved the vegetarian meals I ate when growing up, I continued to make them for myself and my own little family. As a result, both of my sons are vegetarian and vegan food lovers. I love having these meatless options in our home and this Vegetarian Meatloaf is one of our very favorite vegetarian recipes!
What You Need To Make A Vegetarian Meatloaf
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*See the recipe card below for the full vegetarian meatloaf ingredient list and instructions*
Beef-like crumbles. There are a few brands out there that you can find in the freezer section, this is my favorite one. I have also used this vegeburger (in a can) and while it might seem like something you wouldn't want to eat when you open it, I promise you it is delicious in this vegetarian meatloaf!
Fresh bread crumbs. By this I mean slices of good hearty bread that you break up into tiny pieces.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Herbs: dry rubbed sage and garlic
Large Eggs
Tips and Substitutions
- Place the vegetarian meatloaf pan on top of a cookie sheet lined with foil to help prevent spillage onto the oven floor.
- Substitute your favorite barbecue sauce for the ketchup topping
- Add a teaspoon of mustard to the ketchup topping
- Replace the vegetarian beef crumbles with 2 cans of chickpeas, coarsely chopped.
- Add and cook ½ cup of green or red bell pepper with the onion mixture
Other Vegetarian Recipes You May Enjoy
Lentil Loaf with Sweet and Sour Topping
Mom's Homemade Vegetarian Meatballs
BBQ Vegetarian Chicken Pita Pizza
Low Carb Barbecue "Beef" Spirals
BBQ Veggie Pulled Pork Potato Skins
Vegetarian Patties with Marinara Sauce
*If you made this Vegetarian Meatloaf, please give it a star rating*
Vegetarian Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 12 ounce package meatless burger crumbles, thawed
- ½ cup butter
- 1 small onion diced
- 4 slices soft bread crumbs
- 1 8 ounce package shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet, melt the butter until hot and bubbly. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes, or until onions have become translucent.
- Add the vegetarian meat crumbles to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until meat crumbles have thawed.
- Transfer the vegetarian meat mixture to a mixing bowl. Add the fresh bread cubes, garlic powder, sage, cheese, and eggs. Stir with a mixing spoon until well combined.
- Transfer the meatloaf mixture to a loaf pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Pack the meatloaf into the loaf pan tightly.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and water, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Spread the sauce topping evenly over the vegetarian meatloaf and bake for 1 hour, until loaf has browned and is cooked through.
Video
Notes
Tips and Substitutions
- Place the vegetarian meatloaf pan on top of a cookie sheet lined with foil to help prevent spillage onto the oven floor.
- Substitute your favorite barbecue sauce for the ketchup topping
- Add a teaspoon of mustard to the ketchup topping
- Replace the vegetarian beef crumbles with 2 cans of chickpeas, coarsely chopped.
- Add and cook ½ cup of green or red bell pepper with the onion mixture
Maribel
Sooooo delicious! I didn’t change one thing. A very good vegetarian alternative for meatloaf.
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Maribel! Thank you for stopping by to leave a review, it is much appreciated and I am so happy you enjoyed the recipe! Shelby
Molly Allen
i want to try it i think it well be good
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Molly, it is so good, one of my favorites! Hope you do try it. Shelby
Heather
Can you add cooked lentils? How much would you recommend? And why so much butter? Can you reduce that too?
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Heather, my apologies, I missed your comment and am just seeing it today. You could probably add cooked lentils in place of part of the meat crumbles, or even all of them. I also have a lentil loaf recipe on this site if your interested. You can find it by searching in the search bar. Thank you! Shelby
Corey
I actually added 1/4 c finely chopped walnuts and 1 8oz chopped mushrooms to this (from another recipe I had used before) & it came out fantastic!!! It was exactly what I was craving! Thank you!
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Corey, thanks for stopping by and letting me know! I'll have to add mushrooms next time too! Shelby
LindaMaynard
Could this
be made without the cheese? I totally dislike cheese.
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Linda, Yes, you could make it without the cheese. I like it with the cheese which is why I include it, but leaving it out should not cause an issue, it might change the structure a little, but I believe it would still be delicious! Good luck, let me know how it goes!
Pam
I’ve been making this meatloaf for years and it is a family favorite
Shelby Law Ruttan
Thanks for stopping by Pam! It is a very tasty vegetarian meatloaf for sure 🙂 ˜Shelby