• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Grumpy's Honeybunch
  • HoneyB's Kitchen
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Low Carb Keto Recipes
  • Disclosure & Privacy Policy
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Snapchat
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Videos
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Meal Plans
    • Shop
    • Contact
    • Videos
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Vegetarian Recipes

    Vegetarian Meatloaf -Easy and Delicious

    Published: Oct 4, 2020 Last updated: Apr 16, 2022 by Shelby Law Ruttan · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Sharing is caring!

    826 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    A delicious veggie meatloaf made with vegetarian beef like crumbles and topped with a ketchup and brown sugar topping similar to a regular meatloaf. This meat free recipe is a perfect vegetarian option for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
    Vegetarian meatloaf featured image.
    Pinnable image for vegetarian meatloaf.

    This Vegetarian Meatloaf recipe is made much like a traditional meatloaf made with ground beef, but using beef flavored meatless crumbles in place of the real deal. This easy recipe is so delicious with a meaty texture and savory flavor that it will even make the most hearty meat eaters happy.

    This is my favorite meatloaf recipe and is one that I have enjoyed most of my life. The best part is it is a vegetarian main dish that can be served as a vegetarian option during the holidays.

    Vegetarian meatloaf on a cutting board with two slices cut from the loaf.
    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why you'll love it
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 🥄 Equipment
    • 🥫Storage
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥫Storage
    • 📖 Variations
    • 💭 Tips
    • 🙋 FAQ's
    • 📚 Related Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why you'll love it

    ✔️ Veggie meatloaf is a great meatless option for those who are looking to eat less animal products that is delicious and satisfying.

    ✔️ This vegetarian classic meatloaf makes delicious meatloaf sandwiches with leftovers.

    ✔️ It is vegetarian comfort food that is a delicious alternate to the meat version.

    🥘 Ingredients

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from affiliate links.

    Beef-like crumbles. There are a few brands out there that you can find in the freezer section. You can also use vegeburger (in a can).

    Large Eggs

    Shredded Cheddar Cheese

    Butter

    Onion

    Hearty bread slices

    Shredded cheddar cheese

    Large eggs

    Garlic powder

    Rubbed sage

    Ketchup

    Brown sugar

    Unbaked loaf packed in loaf pan.

    🔪 Instructions

    1. Preheat 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.
    2. Add the vegetarian meat crumbles to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until meat crumbles have thawed.
    3. Transfer the vegetarian meat mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the fresh bread cubes, garlic powder, sage, cheese, and eggs. Stir with a mixing spoon until well combined.
    4. Transfer the meatloaf mixture to a loaf pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Pack the meatloaf into the loaf pan tightly.
    5. 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 top of the loaf and bake for 1 hour, until loaf has browned and is cooked through.
    6. Let the loaf cool for 15 minutes before serving.

    🥄 Equipment

    Loaf baking dish

    Large mixing bowl

    Large skillet

    Wooden spoon

    Rubber spatula

    Baked loaf in a glass loaf pan with ketchup topping.

    🥫Storage

    Store any leftover meatloaf in the fridge up to 4 days and in the freezer up to 3 months.

    📖 Variations

    • Use maple syrup in place of the brown sugar.
    • Substitute your favorite bbq 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
    • Add 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast for added b-12 vitamins
    • Substitute 2 large fresh garlic cloves for the garlic powder, and saute them with the onions in step 1.
    • Saute 8 ounce of chopped mushrooms with the onions to add to the meatloaf.
    • Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
    Meatloaf on cutting board with slices cut from the loaf.

    🥫Storage

    Store any leftover meatloaf in the fridge up to 4 days and in the freezer up to 3 months.

    📖 Variations

    • Use maple syrup in place of the brown sugar.
    • Substitute your favorite bbq 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
    • Add 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast for added b-12 vitamins
    • Substitute 2 large fresh garlic cloves for the garlic powder, and saute them with the onions in step 1.
    • Saute 8 ounce of chopped mushrooms with the onions to add to the meatloaf.
    • Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
    One slice of vegetarian meatloaf on a plate with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli.

    💭 Tips

    • To make this a vegan meatloaf recipe use an egg replacer (like this one) and vegan cheese shreds in place of the eggs and cheese and use olive oil in place of butter.
    • Cut vegetarian meatloaf into individual slices and store in the freezer

    🙋 FAQ's

    Can this meatloaf be be made in advance and frozen until I ready to bake?

    This vegetarian meatloaf can be made ahead and frozen up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw the loaf completely overnight in the fridge before baking it. This recipe can also be frozen after baking and reheated in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

    Can you reduce the amount of butter in this recipe?

    Yes, this recipe can be made without the butter if desired.

    Can I replace part of the meat crumbles with cooked lentils?

    Yes, you can substitute ½ of the meat crumbles with 1 cup of cooked lentils, or substitute all lentils (2 cups cooked) for the meat crumbles.

    📚 Related Recipes

    Mom's Homemade Vegetarian Meatballs are great served on top of spaghetti or as a meatball sub.

    Enjoy these Low Carb Barbecue "Beef" Spirals as part of a meatless appetizer.

    These BBQ Veggie Pulled Pork Potato Skins will fool any meat eater!

    Vegetarian Patties with Marinara Sauce

    Special K Loaf another meatless meat loaf with a chicken style flavor.

    Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products!

    Vegetarian Meatloaf

    When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

    If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

    📖 Recipe

    Vegetarian meatloaf featured image.

    Vegetarian Meatloaf Recipe

    Shelby Law Ruttan
    A delicious veggie meatloaf made with vegetarian beef like crumbles and topped with a ketchup and brown sugar topping similar to a regular meatloaf. This meat free recipe is a perfect vegetarian option for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
    4.30 from 41 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Go to Collections
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 15 mins
    Course Main Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 246 kcal

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    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.
      cooking onions in butter
    • Add the vegetarian meat crumbles to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until meat crumbles have thawed.
      vegetarian meat crumbles in skillet
    • 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.
      adding cheese to meatloaf mixture
    • 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

    Nutrition

    Calories: 246kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 6gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 380mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13g
    Keyword vegetarian meals easy, vegetarian meals for meat eaters, Vegetarian Meatloaf
    Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

    More Vegetarian Recipes

    • Featured Image for Mom's Vegetarian Meatballs Recipe.
      Mom's Vegetarian Meatballs
    • Featured image for scrambled tofu recipe.
      Mom's Scrambled Tofu
    • Chickpea Patties topped with sour cream, salsa, and fresh thyme sprig.
      Chickpea and Corn Patties
    • A white plate with one stuffed mushroom in the front and 3 more stuffed mushrooms blurred in the background with flecks of green chopped parsley sprinkled over top of the mushrooms and some parsley on the plate.
      Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

    About Shelby Law Ruttan

    Shelby is the author/owner of Grumpy's Honeybunch. Established in 2007, she shares and preserves family recipes as well as recipes for cooking light and keto. She has authored the One-Pot Paleo Cookbook and The Pescatarian Keto Cookbook. She is an experienced, self-taught home cook who loves to share recipes with others. She also authors the websites Honeybunch Hunts and The Best Vegetarian Recipes. You can see her work on websites such as Veal Made Easy, Parade, Community Table, SoFab Food, Yummly, and FoodGawker.

    Subscribe

    for your weekly recipe fix.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kate

      December 09, 2021 at 2:26 pm

      Hi Shelby, your meatloaf recipe looks yummy and I think the meat eaters in my family will like it too. I was wondering if it can be made in advance and frozen until I am ready to bake it? Thanks, Kate

      Reply
      • Shelby Law Ruttan

        December 09, 2021 at 5:49 pm

        Hi Kate, yes, I believe you could make it ahead and freeze it. I would thaw it completely before baking it. I also believe you could freeze it after baking instead of before. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. I hope you enjoy the recipe! Shelby

        Reply
        • Kate

          December 18, 2021 at 8:27 pm

          5 stars
          Thank you for your response, Shelby. I baked 2 loaves today without the topping and I will freeze them for Christmas dinner. I also baked a third loaf for my husband and I to enjoy tonight and we are enjoying it! Thanks so much! Kate

    2. Maribel

      October 17, 2021 at 8:54 am

      5 stars
      Sooooo delicious! I didn’t change one thing. A very good vegetarian alternative for meatloaf.

      Reply
      • Shelby Law Ruttan

        October 17, 2021 at 10:51 am

        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

        Reply
    3. Molly Allen

      May 13, 2021 at 5:01 pm

      i want to try it i think it well be good

      Reply
      • Shelby Law Ruttan

        May 14, 2021 at 7:58 am

        Hi Molly, it is so good, one of my favorites! Hope you do try it. Shelby

        Reply
    4. Heather

      April 25, 2021 at 4:22 pm

      Can you add cooked lentils? How much would you recommend? And why so much butter? Can you reduce that too?

      Reply
      • Shelby Law Ruttan

        April 28, 2021 at 10:39 am

        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

        Reply
    5. Corey

      February 25, 2021 at 12:42 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Shelby Law Ruttan

        February 26, 2021 at 5:54 am

        Hi Corey, thanks for stopping by and letting me know! I'll have to add mushrooms next time too! Shelby

        Reply
    6. LindaMaynard

      October 29, 2020 at 7:59 pm

      Could this
      be made without the cheese? I totally dislike cheese.

      Reply
      • Shelby Law Ruttan

        November 01, 2020 at 9:57 am

        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!

        Reply
    7. Pam

      October 19, 2020 at 11:50 am

      I’ve been making this meatloaf for years and it is a family favorite

      Reply
      • Shelby Law Ruttan

        October 19, 2020 at 2:24 pm

        Thanks for stopping by Pam! It is a very tasty vegetarian meatloaf for sure 🙂 ˜Shelby

        Reply

    Leave a comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome! I'm Shelby Law Ruttan, I'm a mom, grandmother, and cookbook author for HoneyB's Kitchen who started blogging family recipes in 2007 for.... 

    More about me →

    Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
    Southern Sweet Potato Pie

    Trending Recipes

    • Featured image for keto chicken nuggets.
    • Featured Image for air fryer roast beef.
    • Featured image for hot fireball apple cider.
    • Featured image for crockpot venison stew..
    • Featured image for Mom's Rhubarb Sauce.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    About Shelby Law Ruttan

    Privacy Policy

    Terms and Conditions of Use

    Accessibility Statement

    As Featured In:

    Contact Shelby

    Contact

    Work with me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2020 Foodie Pro on the Foodie Pro Theme

    826 shares