When we are going to a family gathering and need to take a dish or two, this home-style vegan meatloaf is always my first go-to. During the holidays, you can bet it will be on the menu.
There’s just nothing more comforting than delicious savory vegan meatloaf served with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy. At my house, it doesn’t have to be a holiday or a special occasion.
We love this vegan meatloaf because it’s…
- Firm & not mushy
- Makes a great main dish
- Savory
- Bursting with flavor
- Hearty
- Affordable
- Delicious
Variations of vegan meatloaf
There are many different versions and variations of vegan meatloaf. One of the most popular is probably a lentil loaf, which I like. However, lentil loaves never achieve the texture that reminds me of the meatloaf my mom used to make when I was a kid.
That’s why I absolutely LOVE this home-style vegan meatloaf that reminds me of my childhood, especially when it’s paired with mashed potatoes and gravy. A couple of the secret ingredients are bulgur and crushed walnuts.
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How to make vegan meatloaf
This vegan loaf is very easy to make and can be ready to put in the oven in only about 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 x 13 baking dish with parchment paper or a deeper loaf pan.
Cook bulgur according to package directions. Cooks on the stove or in a rice cooker in about 15-minutes. I really like to batch cook bulgur in my rice cooker and freeze it for use in other recipes like this, spaghetti, lasagna, and nachos.
Dice the veggies–onion, garlic, celery, bell pepper, carrots, and walnuts. One tip here is that a blender or food processor makes it easy to make bread crumbs. It’s also great for chopping the walnuts.
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl (including the fully-cooked bulgur). Mix with a spoon, or do like I do and use your hands to mix thoroughly.
Press into prepared 9 x 13 baking dish. Poke holes all over the top with a finger, then spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top with a spatula.
I suggest using a baking pan rather than a loaf pan that is deeper so this will firm up nice for you.
Bake for 60 minutes. I broil mine for the last 5 minutes, just to get that browned top.
InstantPot Cooking Instructions: Add 1-1/2 cups of water. Cook in a springform pan and place it on a trivet. Set to Manual High for 25 minutes. Instructions from follower Pamela Hawkins who used a 6 quart IP.
Tips for making vegan meatloaf
- A blender or food processor makes it easy to make bread crumbs. It’s also great for chopping the walnuts.
- I save old loaf bread ends and freeze them for making this vegan meatloaf.
- The bulgur can be soaked in warm water for 30+ minutes and not cooked if you prefer.
- For mixing these ingredients, I love using my hands and kneading. That’s how I used to make the traditional meatloaf and how I still like to do it.
- I suggest using a baking pan rather than a loaf pan that is deeper so this will firm up nice for you.
- I highly recommend making the recipe exactly as listed the first time. If you prefer to tweak it later, do that on the next batch.
- Some people have used buckwheat groats in place of the bulgur to make it gluten-free. I haven’t done it personally but have been told it’s a good option.
RECIPE CARD BELOW
Vegan meatloaf side dishes
This vegan meatloaf recipe also pairs well with my garlic mashed potatoes and easy 10-minute brown gravy.
Follower comments & feedback
I made a pan of this the other day. After it cooled, I cut into single serving pieces, bagged and put in the freezer. This way all I have to do is thaw and reheat and add my sides!
I had some tonight for dinner with a side of veggies and a sweet potato. It was awesome!
Note: I replaced the soy sauce with 1 Tbsp. Braggs Aminos and left out the sage and thyme because I didn’t have any on hand!–Peggy
The No Meat Loaf was wonderful. Before we became plant-based, we loved meat loaf and have missed it. This version is the best! Looking forward to the no meat loaf sandwiches from left overs! Thanks so much.—Linda
What is bulgur?
One of the great things is the texture. This loaf has the consistency of a traditional meatloaf, without any mushiness at all. The bulgur gives it a wonderful full texture, and the fire-roasted tomatoes with spices give it an explosion of flavor! For those that are avoiding gluten, buckwheat groats can be substituted.
Bulgur is a whole wheat grain that is cooked exactly like rice in about 15 minutes. (Follow package directions). I like to make a big batch of it and store in the freezer to use in recipes like tacos, stews, chili beans, etc. because bulgur adds a ground beef texture and soaks up flavors of dish you’re preparing.
This recipe is absolutely delicious! It is adapted from Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes.
This same basic recipe is what is used to make my Vegan Meatballs recipe that is fabulous served with marinara and pasta. Another variation of the meatballs is to coat them with bbq sauce and serve as an appetizer.
Other recipe options
- Veggie No-Meat Barbecue Balls
- Mock Chicken Casserole | Soy Curls
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
- Asian Green Beans
If you make this recipe, please consider RATING it and leaving a COMMENT below. I love hearing from you. And remember, SHARING IS CARING!
Vegan Meat Loaf
When we are going to a family gathering and need to take a dish or two, this No-Meat Loaf is always my first go-to. On Thanksgiving, you can bet it will be on the menu.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked Bulgur
- 1-1/2 cups whole wheat bread crumbs (about 2-3 slices of bread)
- 1-1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup fire-roasted tomatoes, with juice (fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a lot of flavor)
- 1/2 cup small onion, diced
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 celery sticks, diced
- 3/4 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 3 Tbsps. soy sauce
- 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp. dried sage
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- sea salt, to your taste
- 1/2 cup ketchup, plus enough to top the loaf with before baking
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 x 13 baking dish with parchment paper.
- Cook bulgur according to package directions. Cooks on the stove or in a rice cooker in about 15-minutes.
- Dice the veggies--onion, garlic, celery, bell pepper, carrots, and walnuts.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl (including the fully-cooked bulgur). Mix with a spoon, or do like I do and use your hands to mix thoroughly.
- Press into prepared dish. Poke holes all over the top with a finger, then spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 60 minutes. I broil mine for the last 5 minutes, just to get that browned top.
- Helpful Hint– a blender or food processor makes it easy to make bread crumbs. Also great chopping walnuts.
Notes
Detailed instructions, in-process photos, and my personal helpful tips can be found in the article above.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8Amount Per Serving: Calories: 226Total Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 7gSugar: 11gProtein: 7g
Plant-Based Vegan Starter Kits $27
