The Best Vegan Meatloaf

⭐️ Why You Should Try It

• Meaty and moist. The texture of this vegan meatloaf is just perfect – not mushy, not crumbly, but still moist and super tender. If you are used to lentil-based meatloaf, you will be pleasantly surprised by how much this one resembles actual meat!
• Rich and flavorful. Thanks to the blend of aromatics like shallots, garlic, mushrooms, and spices, this meatloaf is packed with flavor. Plus, the sweet and tangy glaze adds the perfect finishing touch!
• High in protein. Each slice packs a whooping 17g of plant-based protein, making it a filling main dish that will keep you full for hours.

📘 What is Meatloaf

A meatloaf is a traditional American dish made from ground meat, seasonings, and sometimes eggs and breadcrumbs. It is then baked in a loaf pan and generally glazed with ketchup or barbecue sauce.

🫛 Ingredient Notes

Don’t let the long list of ingredients intimidate you. This vegan meatloaf is incredibly easy to prepare! Here is what you will need:

• Soy curls – Soy curls are a dehydrated product made from soy flour. They make the base of this meatloaf, adding a meaty and slightly chewy texture.
• White beans – To add moisture and tenderness. Although I used white beans, any cooked bean will work. I recommend using canned cooked beans to save time.
• Mushrooms – For more texture and extra flavor.
• Garlic and shallots
• Vital wheat gluten – We will use vital wheat gluten to bind all the ingredients and create a meatier texture. Do not omit it, or your loaf will crumble. Vital wheat gluten plays an essential role in this recipe.
• Breadcrumbs – It helps retain some moisture and improve the texture of the loaf.
• Oil – For richness. I recommend using a neutral oil such as canola, grapeseed or sunflower.
• Soy sauce – We will use regular soy sauce to add umami and saltiness and dark soy sauce to give the loaf a darker color. The latter is optional.
• Nutritional yeast – It adds a savory flavor and extra umami.
• Sugar – To balance the saltiness. You can use granulated white sugar, light brown sugar, or even maple syrup.
• Spices – Onion powder and smoked paprika.
• Parsley – For freshness.
• Worcestershire sauce – Vegan Worcestershire sauce brings tanginess and enhances the overall flavor.
• Liquid smoke – Add liquid smoke for a hint of smokiness.
• Ketchup – Ketchup will be used both in the meatloaf and as a glaze.
• Salt and pepper – To season.

🥣 How to Make It

1. Sauté the aromatics

1. Sauté garlic and shallots. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and shallots, and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
2. Sauté the mushrooms. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
3. Set aside. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Blend the base ingredients

1. Add the ingredients to a food processor. To a food processor fitted with the “S” blade, add the cooked white beans, water, oil, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, ketchup, sugar, dark soy sauce (if using), vegan Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and salt.
2. Process until smooth. Process for 15-30 seconds or until the mixture is smooth. Be aware that it will be very liquid. It is normal.

3. Add soy curls, herbs, and mushrooms. Next, add the rehydrated and drained soy curls, fresh parsley, and sautéed mushrooms.
4. Process. Pulse a few times until the mixture resembles ground meat. Do not process too long, or you will lose the meaty texture.

3. Combine with the vital wheat gluten

1. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Transfer the “ground meat” mixture to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the gluten and breadcrumbs. Add the vital wheat gluten and the breadcrumbs to the bowl.
3. Stir to combine. Using a spoon or spatula, stir until the vital wheat gluten is fully incorporated. The mixture will appear dryer and should hold together.

4. Bake

1. Transfer to a loaf pan. Line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the pan and lightly pack it. Flatten the top into an even layer.
2. Cover. Cover the loaf pan with two layers of aluminum foil. This will help in retaining the moisture of the meatloaf.
3. Bake. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake covered for 1 hour.
4. Glaze. After one hour, remove the foil from the meatloaf and spread the ketchup glaze on top of the meatloaf. Bake uncovered for another 20 minutes or until the glaze has thickened and has become sticky.
5. Serve. Let the meatloaf cool for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a serving plate.

🌿 Variations

Looking for ways to customize this meatloaf? Here are a few ideas:

• Add extra vegetables. Feel free to add thinly diced carrots, celery, chestnuts, or even butternut squash and sauté with the mushrooms.
• Add herbs. You can give this meatloaf a more herby aroma by incorporating dried thyme, oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning.

🥔 What to Serve It With

You can serve this vegan meatloaf with:

• Vegetables: Pair it with a side of roasted potatoes, glazed carrots, or mashed sweet potatoes to make it a complete meal.
• Gravy: Pour a generous amount of peppercorn sauce or mushroom gravy over the meatloaf to make it even more flavorful!
• Salad: A simple kale and carrot salad, French potato salad, or sautéed greens such as spinach, pak choi, chard, or green beans.

💬 FAQ

I hope you are going to love this vegan meatloaf! It’s super meaty, moist, and makes a wonderful main dish that will be appreciated by both vegans and non-vegans alike! Plus, if you have trouble digesting lentils or chickpeas, this meatloaf recipe is for you!

🍗 More Meaty Recipes

The Best Vegan Meatballs

The Best Vegan Chicken

Vegan Meat Floss

High-Protein Vegan Burgers

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