Vegan Lentil Meatloaf

This Vegan Lentil Meatloaf is hearty, savory, and full of rich and comforting flavor from lentils, mushrooms, walnuts, and herbs. Serve it with rich gravy or the optional tangy tomato glaze for an easy plant-based dinner.

An Easy Loaf for Everyday Meals, Sunday Dinners & Holiday

This lentil meatloaf works for just about any kind of meal. Serve it with mashed potatoes, gravy, and vegetables for a cozy Sunday dinner, or make it the impressive centerpiece of a holiday meal when you want something hearty and satisfying.

It’s also a great recipe for meal prep because the leftovers hold up well and are easy to reheat. Slice it for lunches, tuck it into sandwiches, or serve it again with different sides for an easy second meal.

How to Serve Vegan Lentil Loaf

Vegan Meatloaf can be paired with a variety of sides that complement its savory and hearty flavor. Here are some ideas:

• Classic meatloaf meal: Serve vegan lentil meatloaf as the main dish in a classic meatloaf meal. Slice it into thick slices and serve it with your favorite vegan mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a generous drizzle of vegan gravy.

• Mashed Potatoes: Vegan meatloaf and mashed potatoes is a classic combination that never gets old. The creamy and buttery mashed potatoes or roasted garlic mashed potatoes provide the perfect balance to the hearty and savory vegan meatloaf.

• Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as carrots, brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes are a great way to add some color and nutrition to your plate. They also complement the savory flavors of the vegan meatloaf.

• Green Beans or String Beans: Steamed or roasted green beans or Easy Skillet Garlic String Beans provide a refreshing crunch and a pop of color to your plate. They also add some fiber and nutrition to your meal.

• Gravy: Vegan Gravy or Vegan Mushroom Gravy is a delicious addition to vegan meatloaf and mashed potatoes. You can make a vegan gravy using vegetable broth, flour, and your favorite seasonings. A rich and savory gravy drizzled over the lentil meatloaf adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture. You can make mushroom gravy, onion gravy, or a classic brown gravy using plant-based ingredients to enhance the dish.

• Sweet potato fries: Crispy and flavorful sweet potato fries are a tasty and satisfying side dish that pairs well with the lentil meatloaf. You can bake them in the oven or air fryer for a healthier twist, and season them with spices like paprika, cumin, or garlic powder for added deliciousness.

• Creamy mashed cauliflower: Creamy mashed cauliflower is a lighter and lower-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes that can complement the lentil meatloaf nicely. You can steam or boil cauliflower florets until tender, then mash them with vegan butter, plant-based milk, and seasonings like garlic, thyme, or rosemary.

• Steamed or sautéed greens: A side of steamed or sautéed greens, such as spinach, kale, or Swiss chard, provides a fresh and nutritious contrast to the hearty lentil meatloaf. You can season the greens with garlic, lemon, or other herbs and spices to elevate their flavor.

• Salad: A simple side salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the vegan meatloaf. You can make a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and your favorite dressing.

• Quinoa, pilaf or brown rice: Nutritious grains like quinoa or brown rice can be served alongside the lentil meatloaf to add a wholesome and filling element to the meal. You can cook them with vegetable broth or herbs for added flavor, and toss in some diced vegetables for extra texture.

• Coleslaw: Creamy and tangy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a vegan dressing can add a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the lentil meatloaf. You can make your own coleslaw dressing using plant-based mayo, vinegar, and seasonings.

• Roasted root vegetables: Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, turnips, and beets can add a sweet and savory contrast to the lentil meatloaf. You can toss them in olive oil, season with herbs and spices, and roast in the oven until caramelized and tender.

• Vegan mac and cheese: Creamy and cheesy vegan mac and cheese can be a comforting and indulgent side dish that pairs well with the lentil meatloaf. You can use plant-based cheeses and milk to make the mac and cheese, and toss in some steamed or roasted vegetables for added nutrition.

• Creamy polenta: Creamy polenta, made from cornmeal cooked with vegetable broth and plant-based milk, is a comforting and hearty side dish that can complement the lentil meatloaf. You can top it with some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra flavor.

• French fries can be a delicious and popular option to pair with vegan lentil loaf. The crispy and salty nature of French fries can provide a nice contrast to the savory and hearty flavors of lentil loaf.

• Fresh bread or rolls: Serving vegan lentil meatloaf with some fresh bread or rolls can complete the meal and provide a satisfying carb component. You can opt for homemade or store-bought vegan bread or rolls, and serve them warm with vegan butter, millet butter or garlic spread for added indulgence.

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts, seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar, are a delicious and nutritious side option that can complement the lentil meatloaf. They add a slight bitterness and crispiness to balance out the flavors and textures of the dish.

• Cranberry Sauce: Cranberry sauce is a classic pairing with meatloaf. The tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce adds a burst of bright flavor that complements the savory lentil meatloaf. You can make your own cranberry sauce using fresh or frozen cranberries, orange juice, and sweetener of your choice, or use a store-bought vegan cranberry sauce.

• Pickles or relish: Tangy pickles or relish, such as dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, or sweet relish, can provide a contrasting flavor and texture to the lentil meatloaf. They can add a burst of acidity and crunch that complements the richness of the dish.

Topping Options

• The optional tomato glaze: For a more classic lentil meatloaf add the suggested tomato glaze in recipe. It can be a delicious and simple topping for vegan lentil meatloaf. (see recipe below)
• Vegan gravy or Vegan Mushroom Gravy can be a delicious topping for a lentil loaf! It can add rich and savory flavors that complement the lentil loaf nicely. You can drizzle the gravy over the lentil loaf before serving, or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. The flavors of the mushroom-based gravy can pair well with the earthy flavors of lentils in a lentil loaf, creating a tasty combination.
• BBQ sauce: If you enjoy a smoky and tangy flavor, BBQ sauce can be a great option as a topping for your lentil meatloaf. You can use a store-bought vegan BBQ sauce or make your own at home.
• Vegan cheese: Melted vegan cheese can be a delicious and indulgent topping for your lentil meatloaf. You can use your favorite vegan cheese shreds or slices, and melt them on top of the meatloaf during the last few minutes of baking.
• Caramelized onions: Sweet and savory caramelized onions can add a burst of flavor to your lentil meatloaf. You can caramelize onions by sautéing them in a little oil or vegan butter until they are soft and golden brown.
• Fresh herbs: Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or chives, can add a burst of freshness and color to your lentil meatloaf. You can sprinkle them on top of the meatloaf just before serving.
• Vegan bacon bits: Crumbled or chopped vegan bacon bits can add a smoky and crispy texture to your lentil meatloaf. You can use store-bought vegan bacon or make your own at home using tempeh, tofu, or coconut strips.
• Avocado slices: Creamy and buttery avocado slices can be a healthy and tasty topping for your lentil meatloaf. You can slice ripe avocados and place them on top of the meatloaf just before serving.
• Sautéed mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can add a hearty and savory element to your lentil meatloaf. You can sauté mushrooms with some garlic, herbs, and a little oil or vegan butter until they are golden brown and tender.
• Vegan mayo or aioli: Creamy and tangy vegan mayo or aioli can be a delicious and indulgent topping for your lentil meatloaf.
• Fresh salsa or pico de gallo: A refreshing and zesty salsa or pico de gallo can add a burst of freshness and acidity to your lentil meatloaf.
• Vegan ranch dressing: Creamy and tangy vegan ranch dressing can be a tasty topping for your lentil meatloaf.

Meal Prep or Leftovers Creative Ideas

These suggestions are great for leftover Vegan Lentil Meatloaf and making a new meal, prepping food for the week or for make-ahead lunches:

• Sandwiches or wraps: Use slices of vegan lentil meatloaf or leftover vegan meatloaf as a filling for sandwiches. Toast some vegan bread, add lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments, and stack it up with slices of lentil meatloaf for a delicious and satisfying sandwich. Or wrap slices of vegan lentil meatloaf in tortillas or collard green leaves with your favorite veggies, such as shredded carrots, sliced avocado, and greens, for a delicious and portable meal on-the-go.

• Pasta dish: Slice or crumble vegan lentil meatloaf and toss it with cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and veggies for a delicious and comforting pasta dish. Top with some vegan cheese and herbs for added flavor. Try it with Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Roasted Vegetables.

• Bowl meal: Create a hearty bowl meal with vegan lentil meatloaf as the star ingredient. Place a slice of lentil meatloaf over a bed of cooked quinoa, brown rice, or mashed cauliflower. Add roasted or steamed vegetables, a dollop of vegan gravy or sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs or green onions for a delicious and wholesome bowl meal.

• Tacos or burritos: Use slices or crumbles of vegan lentil meatloaf as a filling for tacos or burritos. Wrap them in tortillas with your favorite taco or burrito toppings, such as avocado, salsa, lettuce, and vegan sour cream, for a tasty and satisfying meal.

• Breakfast hash: Crumble leftover vegan lentil meatloaf and sauté it with diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers for a delicious breakfast hash. Season with your favorite herbs and spices, and serve it with toast or as a filling for a breakfast burrito.

• Pizza topping: Crumble leftover vegan lentil meatloaf and use it as a topping for homemade pizzas. Layer it over your favorite pizza crust, along with marinara sauce, vegan cheese, and veggies, and bake until crispy and golden for a unique and tasty pizza.

• Salad topping: Crumble or chop up leftover vegan lentil meatloaf and use it as a topping for salads. It can add a flavorful and protein-rich component to your salads, along with your favorite vegetables, greens, and dressing.

• Stir-fry or stir-fry bowl: Chop leftover vegan lentil meatloaf into small pieces and stir-fry it with your favorite veggies and sauces for a quick and flavorful stir-fry. Serve it over rice or noodles for a delicious and filling stir-fry bowl.

• Buddha bowl: Create a colorful and nutritious Buddha bowl with vegan lentil meatloaf as one of the components. Arrange cooked grains, roasted or steamed vegetables, fresh greens, and a slice of lentil meatloaf in a bowl. Drizzle with a tasty dressing or sauce, and garnish with nuts, seeds, or herbs for a satisfying and nourishing meal.

• Breakfast sandwich: Use slices of vegan lentil meatloaf as a hearty and protein-rich filling for a breakfast sandwich. Add some vegan cheese, avocado, and your favorite condiments between slices of bread or a bagel for a satisfying and nutritious breakfast sandwich.

• Appetizer or party food: Slice vegan lentil meatloaf into smaller pieces and serve them as appetizers or party food. Insert toothpicks or small skewers for easy serving, and provide a side of vegan dipping sauce, such as BBQ sauce or tahini dressing, for a tasty and crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Recipe FAQs

Why is my lentil meatloaf falling apart?
The mixture may be too dry, not packed firmly enough into the pan, or sliced before it has had time to set. Add broth or water a tablespoon at a time until the mixture holds together when pressed, firmly press it into the loaf pan, and let it rest for 15–20 minutes after baking.

What type of lentils are best for lentil meatloaf?
Brown or green lentils are best because they keep some texture after cooking while still mashing easily enough to help bind the loaf. Red lentils tend to become much softer and can make the finished loaf more pasty.

Do I have to use the tomato glaze?
Not at all. The glaze gives it a more traditional sweet-and-tangy meatloaf finish, but the loaf is also delicious without it; especially when served with mushroom gravy or another savory sauce.

Can I make this lentil meatloaf gluten-free?
Yes. Use certified gluten-free oats and breadcrumbs and choose tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.

Can I change the seasonings?
Absolutely. Think of the seasonings as a starting point. Add more thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, herbs, or another favorite savory seasoning to make the loaf your own.

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