Best 12 Meatless Meat Loaf Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

As more and more people adopt plant-based diets for a variety of reasons, finding hearty and flavorful meatless meals has become a culinary quest. Meatless meat loaf is one such dish that has gained popularity for its ability to provide the taste and texture of traditional meatloaf without the meat. Whether you're a seasoned vegan, a flexitarian exploring new culinary horizons, or simply seeking a healthier alternative to meat-based dishes, this guide will take you through the art of crafting a delicious and satisfying meatless meat loaf.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

REALLY GOOD VEGETARIAN MEATLOAF (REALLY!)



Really Good Vegetarian Meatloaf (Really!) image

High in fiber and protein, low in fat, easy and really yummy! I've always thought meatloaf looks and smells so delicious and savory so, as a vegetarian, I decided to make a no-meat version! This is basically our favorite meatloaf recipe but with cooked mashed lentils instead of ground meat. The result is a very tasty dinner!

Provided by SaraFish

Categories     Grains

Time 1h25m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup lentils
1 small onion, diced
1 cup quick-cooking oats
3/4 cup monterey jack cheese or 3/4 cup American cheese
1 egg, beaten
4 1/2 ounces spaghetti sauce or 4 1/2 ounces tomato sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • Add salt to water and boil in a saucepan.
  • Add lentils and simmer covered 25-30 minutes, until lentils are soft and most of water is evaporated.
  • Remove from fire.
  • Drain and partially mash lentils.
  • Scrape into mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.
  • Stir in onion, oats and cheese until mixed.
  • Add egg, tomato sauce, garlic, basil, parsley, seasoning salt and pepper.
  • Mix well.
  • Spoon into loaf pan that has been generously sprayed with Pam (non-stick cooking spray) or well-greased.
  • Smooth top with back of spoon.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 30- 45 minutes until top of loaf is dry, firm and golden brown.
  • Cool in pan on rack for about 10 minutes.
  • Run a sharp knife around edges of pan then turn out loaf onto serving platter.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 264, Fat 10.2, SaturatedFat 5.2, Cholesterol 69.1, Sodium 810.4, Carbohydrate 29, Fiber 7, Sugar 3.6, Protein 14.8

MEATLESS MEATLOAF



Meatless Meatloaf image

Tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and tofu combine with eggs and breadcrumbs to create this vegetarian version of meatloaf.

Provided by eileen

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegetarian     Protein     Tofu

Time 1h25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 red onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 tomato, chopped
1 cup baby carrots
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 egg
1 (12 ounce) package extra firm tofu
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup bread crumbs
1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

Steps:

  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 8x4 inch loaf pan.
  • Place the onion, celery, fresh tomato, garlic, carrots, and salt and pepper into a food processor. Process until the vegetables have been pureed. Add the egg, tofu, and Parmesan cheese; process. Finally, pour in the bread crumbs, and process until evenly incorporated and the mixture is firmer. Pack the mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, then top with the Cheddar cheese and canned crushed tomatoes. Continue baking until the cheese melts and the crushed tomatoes are hot, about 15 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 412.8 calories, Carbohydrate 37.1 g, Cholesterol 83.8 mg, Fat 19.8 g, Fiber 5.7 g, Protein 25.3 g, SaturatedFat 8.7 g, Sodium 1215.7 mg, Sugar 6.3 g

MEATLESS "MEAT"-LOAF



Meatless

Delicious vegetarian meatloaf recipe...Guilt-free and great even for meat eaters.

Provided by Valyn

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatloaf Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
½ large onion, finely chopped
½ green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 large clove garlic, finely chopped, or more to taste
1 (12 ounce) package vegetarian burger crumbles
1 ripe tomato, chopped
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 pinch dried rosemary
1 pinch dried thyme
1 pinch dried basil
½ cup dry stuffing mix, or more as needed
¼ cup vegetable broth
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 egg

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add burger crumbles and tomato; cook until tomato breaks down, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and basil. Stir and remove from heat. Let mixture cool slightly.
  • Place burger-tomato mixture in a large bowl. Add stuffing mix and stir to combine. Mix broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce together in a separate bowl until evenly combined. Pour into the burger-stuffing mixture. Season to taste. Add egg and stir until moist. Pour meatloaf mixture into a loaf pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, 45 to 60 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 148.2 calories, Carbohydrate 16 g, Cholesterol 23.4 mg, Fat 4.7 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 10.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 441.6 mg, Sugar 2.7 g

"BETTER THAN BEEF" MEATLESS MEATLOAF



Thanks to caramelized brown onions, there's some real magic going on in this meatless meatloaf! Despite having no beef in it, it's super savory with a meaty texture and flavor. With just enough binder to keep it together, it's slightly crumbly, but still melt-in-your-mouth tender and moist. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Meatloaf

Time 2h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 26

4 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds brown mushrooms, sliced
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
½ cup diced yellow onion
¼ cup diced celery
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons beef base (such as Better than Bouillon®)
¼ cup water
1 cup cooked black lentils
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
2 tablespoons ketchup
½ cup fine dry bread crumbs
⅔ cup rolled oats
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Very generously grease a loaf pan.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add mushrooms and 1 teaspoon kosher salt and sauté until nicely browned and juices have evaporated, about 10 minutes. Stir in onion and cook until soft, another 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Add celery, tomato paste, and beef base; cook and stir until tomato paste begins to toast on the bottom of the pan, about 3 minutes. Stir in water and turn off the heat; let sit for about 3 minutes.
  • Transfer mushroom mixture into a food processor. Add cooked lentils and pulse until finely chopped but not pureed.
  • Transfer to a mixing bowl and add eggs, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, oregano, thyme, cayenne, ketchup, bread crumbs, oats, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Mix until thoroughly combined.
  • Transfer mixture into the prepared loaf pan, then wrap with foil and place on a sheet pan.
  • Bake in the center of the preheated oven until firm to the touch, about 1 hour.
  • Remove the loaf from the oven and place on a wire rack. Remove the foil and place it on the baking sheet. Grease the foil with 2 teaspoons olive oil. Let the loaf sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
  • While the loaf is resting, make the glaze: Whisk ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar together in a small bowl.
  • Invert the loaf onto the foil and spread glaze all over the surface, mostly on the top but some on the sides.
  • Return to the oven and bake until the glaze is cooked on, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Carefully transfer the loaf onto a cutting board. Cut into 6 slices and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 367.2 calories, Carbohydrate 37 g, Cholesterol 73.7 mg, Fat 17.9 g, Fiber 6.2 g, Protein 18.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 1547 mg

CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Classic Meatloaf image

Keep this meatloaf recipe handy: It's the only one you'll need.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 pounds ground meatloaf mix (equal parts ground beef, pork and veal or turkey)
1 cup dried breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 medium onion, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons light brown sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
  • Combine the meatloaf mix, breadcrumbs, parsley, eggs, onion, garlic, 1/4 cup of the ketchup, 1 tablespoon of the Worcestershire, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands, mix together until well combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and form it into a compact oval-shaped loaf about 9 inches by 5 inches. Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes.
  • Stir the brown sugar together with the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire in a small bowl for the glaze. Brush the top and sides of the meatloaf all over with the glaze. Return to the oven and bake until the glaze starts to caramelize and a thermometer inserted in the center of the meatloaf registers 160 degrees F, about 25 minutes more. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

MEAT LOAF



Meat Loaf image

Nothing says classic comfort like Ina Garten's Meatloaf recipe from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network.

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h25m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon good olive oil
3 cups chopped yellow onions (3 onions)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup canned chicken stock or broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 1/2 pounds ground chuck (81 percent lean)
1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs (recommended: Progresso)
2 extra-large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup ketchup (recommended: Heinz)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan. Add the onions, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not brown. Off the heat, add the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Allow to cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, onion mixture, bread crumbs, and eggs, and mix lightly with a fork. Don't mash or the meat loaf will be dense. Shape the mixture into a rectangular loaf on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper. Spread the ketchup evenly on top. Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F and the meat loaf is cooked through. (A pan of hot water in the oven, under the meat loaf, will keep the top from cracking.) Serve hot.

THE BEST MEATLOAF



The Best Meatloaf image

We opted for an all-beef meatloaf rather than the traditional mix of beef, veal and pork because we wanted that satisfying big beef flavor. Milk adds richness and tenderizes the meat, preventing it from getting tough or dry. We also cook the onion instead of adding it raw as many recipes suggest, which imparts a welcome sweetness and eliminates that harsh raw onion flavor.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup milk
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely grated
1 tablespoon thyme leaves, chopped
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup ketchup
2 pounds 80/20 ground beef chuck
1/2 cup panko

Steps:

  • Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
  • Whisk the eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce and 2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl until completely combined. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and lightly golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Add 3 tablespoons of the ketchup and cook until most of the moisture has evaporated and the mixture is thick and brick red colored, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the onions cool slightly. Then add them to the beaten eggs and mix to combine.
  • Add the beef to the egg and onion mixture. Break up the meat with a fork or wooden spoon, and then mix to thoroughly combine; you don't want to see any lumps of raw beef. Add the panko and mix to combine. Stir the meat vigorously with a wooden spoon for about 7 seconds; it will become more homogenous and tackier.
  • Transfer the meat to the prepared baking sheet and shape into a 9-by-5-inch loaf. Smooth the top and evenly spread the remaining ketchup over top. Bake for 5 minutes, and then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Continue to bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf registers 150 degrees F, 30 to 35 minutes. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

SIMPLE MEAT LOAF



Simple Meat Loaf image

Craving the homey taste of mom's kitchen? With this recipe, your kitchen will soon fill with the aroma of great dinnertime memories, and you can enjoy this traditional favorite in under an hour. Meat loaf is economical and great for leftovers. Never made it before? No need to worry, it's simple to prepare using the following recipe from our Test Kitchen.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons 2% milk
2 tablespoons ketchup
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons meat loaf seasoning mix
1 pound lean ground beef
Additional ketchup, optional

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into a loaf and place in an 8-in. square baking dish coated with cooking spray., Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40-50 minutes or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. Serve with additional ketchup if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 239 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 123mg cholesterol, Sodium 493mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 25g protein.

TRADITIONAL MEAT LOAF



Traditional Meat Loaf image

Topped with a sweet sauce, this traditional meat loaf recipe tastes so good that you might want to double it so everyone can have seconds. It also freezes well. -Gail Graham, Maple Ridge, British Columbia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 slices bread
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2/3 cup 2% milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup finely shredded carrot
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
GLAZE:
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon prepared mustard

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Tear bread into 2-inch pieces; place in a blender. Cover and pulse to form coarse crumbs; transfer to a large bowl. Stir in egg, milk, cheese, onion, carrot, salt and pepper. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Transfer to a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan. , In a small bowl, mix glaze ingredients; spread over loaf. Bake 60-75 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Freeze option: Bake meat loaf without glaze. Securely wrap cooled meat loaf in foil, then freeze. To use, partially thaw meat loaf in refrigerator overnight. Prepare and spread glaze over top; reheat on a greased shallow baking pan in a preheated 350° oven until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 394 calories, Fat 21g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 128mg cholesterol, Sodium 843mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 28g protein.

TOP RATED CLASSIC MEATLOAF



Top Rated Classic Meatloaf image

My family enjoyed the slightly spicy taste of this meatloaf. This recipe, submitted by a local DJ, was in our local paper.

Provided by Rosemary Chapman

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h40m

Yield 1 Meatloaf, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 cup cracker crumb
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 large egg, beaten
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup tomato sauce
3/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons mustard
2 tablespoons vinegar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, salt, pepper, egg, onion and tomato sauce.
  • Mix lightly.
  • Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, water, mustard and vinegar.
  • Brush the loaf with this mixture.
  • Place meat loaf in oven and bake 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting occasionally with sauce.

VEGETARIAN MEATLOAF



Vegetarian Meatloaf image

For those vegetarians who miss the taste of meatloaf, here is a tasty vegetarian version that matches the flavor.

Provided by RAINSINGER

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegetarian

Time 1h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (12 ounce) bottle barbeque sauce
1 (12 ounce) package vegetarian burger crumbles
1 green bell pepper, chopped
⅓ cup minced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup soft bread crumbs
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon parsley flakes
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease a 5x9 inch loaf pan.
  • In a bowl, mix 1/2 the barbeque sauce with the vegetarian burger crumbles, green bell pepper, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Season with thyme, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Transfer to the loaf pan.
  • Bake 45 minutes in the preheated oven. Pour remaining barbeque sauce over the loaf, and continue baking 15 minutes, or until loaf is set.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 155.2 calories, Carbohydrate 21.3 g, Cholesterol 24.9 mg, Fat 3.3 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 9.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 687.9 mg, Sugar 12.6 g

EASY OLD FASHIONED MEATLOAF



Easy Old Fashioned Meatloaf image

No fancy ingredients here... Not like we need another meatloaf recipe, but I figured I'd should post my Grandma's for people like me who like a quick easy meatloaf without a lot of fuss. Most of the meatloaves I saw here had things I'd never even consider putting in a meatloaf! :) At times I will substitute the onion with approx. 1/4 cup dried onion flakes. I also have substituted the garlic with garlic powder. I've never tried making it with horseradish. (I was a notoriously picky eater as a kid so I don't think Grandma put it in when I came to visit either.) I usually don't bother beating the egg... (Boy do I sound lazy! Don't tell Mom! LOL!) I've only recently started putting ketchup on the top before baking, so I don't think it's necessary to keep the meatloaf moist. Mom used to use her own dried bread crumbs, but I use the plain storebought kind. I haven't been adventurous enough to try any flavored bread crumbs... Make sure lean ground beef is used otherwise the meatloaf can get too greasy and/or bubble over the pan while baking. I also recommend checking the center to make sure it's done. On occasion it has taken over an hour to bake.

Provided by nranger7

Categories     Meat

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 cup soft breadcrumbs
1 beaten egg
1/2 cup ketchup
1 clove minced garlic
2 teaspoons salt
1 dash pepper
1 medium finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (optional)

Steps:

  • Thoroughly mix all ingredients.
  • Shape in loaf pan.
  • Cover with more ketchup if desired.
  • Bake one hour at 350 degrees.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 244.1, Fat 12.2, SaturatedFat 4.8, Cholesterol 97, Sodium 861.5, Carbohydrate 8.1, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 4.3, Protein 24.3

Tips:

  • Use a variety of vegetables. This will give your meatloaf more flavor and nutrients. Some good options include carrots, celery, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. You can use a variety of herbs, spices, and sauces to create a unique flavor profile for your meatloaf.
  • Make sure your meatloaf is cooked through before serving. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let your meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help it to hold its shape.
  • Serve your meatloaf with your favorite sides. Some good options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and gravy.

Conclusion:

Meatless meatloaf is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, and it's also a good source of protein and fiber. With so many different recipes to choose from, there's sure to be a meatless meatloaf recipe that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give meatless meatloaf a try!

Related Topics