Many families have a meatloaf recipe in their arsenal that is a classic at the Thanksgiving table. It is easy to create a plant-based version of meatloaf; begin with lentils, nuts, grains, or beans for protein as well as the ground meaty texture usually found in meatloaf. Then add in some vegetables, herbs, and spices resulting in the perfect plant-based alternative to the classic meatloaf.

A veggie meatloaf can not only be the main roast of your vegan Thanksgiving but it can also be brought to family gatherings and potlucks because it is sure to please everyone. There are plenty of variations of veggie moat loaves to help plan you plan Thanksgiving dinner for years to come. Below, check out ten of our best veggie meatloaf recipes, courtesy of our Food Monster App.

1. Lentil Loaf With Celery Root Mash

Source: Lentil Loaf and Celery Root Mash

If you’re looking to quench your cravings for meatloaf or simply need an effortless, nutrient-dense recipe that doesn’t disappoint, you need to try out this Lentil Loaf and Celery Root Mash by Gabrielle St. Claire. Lentils can have the same hearty texture as meat and are perfect for recreating classic umami flavors. For a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes, this recipe uses celery root! When mashed, it is starchy and fluffy- just like the cozy mashed potatoes you grew up with.

2. Chickpea Loaf With Maple Glaze

Source: Chickpea Loaf with Maple Glaze

Chickpeas are not only the main attraction of this dish but an excellent source of protein! This delicious and satisfying Chickpea Loaf with Maple Glaze by Nancy Montuori is also great on a sandwich with some extra maple glaze.

3. Lentil Loaf With Tomato Glaze

Source: Lentil Loaf With Tomato Glaze 

This Lentil Loaf with Tomato Glaze by Alison Edmund is a hearty, wholesome, and healthy meal that is far better than any old meatloaf. The tomato glaze recipe is made with just 3 simple ingredients; ketchup, yellow mustard, and brown sugar. Even picky eaters will love this sauce on top of your lentil loaf!

Gratitude: Plant-Based Thanksgiving Cookbook

No other holiday captures the spirit of home cooking the way Thanksgiving does. This is why you need the ultimate Thanksgiving cookbook, One Green Planet’s Gratitude: Plant-Based Recipes to Create your own Thanksgiving Tradition! In the cookbook, you’ll find our 100 most popular plant-based thanksgiving recipes like Soft Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts, Spiced Apple Cake with Cashew Frosting, Sweet Potato Chocolate Pudding with Nut Crumble Topping, Cinnamon Apple Hand Pies, and hearty entrees like Roast Root Vegetable Stack With Dukkah, Vegducken: Butternut Squash Stuffed With Eggplant, Zucchini, and a Mushroom Lentil Stuffing, and Seitan Roast With Sausage and Pear Stuffing and Apple Cider Gravy and so much more!

4. Black Bean Loaf

Source: Black Bean Loaf 

This Black Bean Loaf by Natasha Condie has a nice crust and soft interior that just melts in your mouth. A “meatloaf” is always great with a little coating of ketchup baked into the top, but if that’s not your thing, then it’s not necessary. Use mixed 50-50 homemade tomato sauce and ketchup, or any tomato sauce to serve.

5. Maple-Glazed Mushroom and Lentil Loaf

Source: Maple-Glazed Mushroom and Lentil Loaf 

This hearty Maple-Glazed Mushroom and Lentil Loaf by Liz Martone will remind you of that Sunday evening meatloaf that many of us grew up with. Made from mushrooms and lentils, it’s dense and meaty, with a delicious maple ketchup glaze that sinks in as it bakes. This loaf is tender, moist, and full of these beautiful savory flavors that paired so perfectly with the sweet bite of the ketchup glaze.

6. Kibbeh: Lebanese Meatloaf

Source: Kibbeh: Lebanese Meatloaf

Kibbeh is often described as “Lebanese meatloaf.” It is a traditional Lebanese dish made of bulgur wheat (cracked wheat), minced onions, pine nuts, finely ground lean beef or lamb, and Middle-Eastern spices. In this meat-free version of Kibbeh by Julie Zimmer, sautéed mushrooms, chickpeas, and chopped nuts take the place of meat. This savory dish serves a big crowd, making it the perfect addition to cookouts.

7. Lentil Oat Meatloaf

Source: Lentil Oat Meatloaf

This savory Lentil Oat Meatloaf by Dreena Burton uses only lentils, cracked wheat, oats, and chia seed, along with a mix of seasonings to make it all magically come together!

8. Mini Tempeh Meatloaves

Source: Mini Tempeh Meatloaves

These Mini Tempeh Meatloaves by Lisa Dawn Angerame are easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients. They can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed as meatloaf sandwiches for a few days.

9. Lentil Vegetable Loaf

Source: Lentil Vegetable Loaf

This Lentil Vegetable Loaf recipe by Robin Runner is super easy and can be made ahead and frozen before your gathering. Partner it with some roasted vegetables or your favorite veggie sides. Leftovers are heavenly and perfect for a quick lunch. Substitute in vegetables you love or have on hand. This dish is also packed with protein, thanks to the lentils, and all those veggies… hello fiber! If your goal is to have some healthy options for Thanksgiving – consider this recipe for sure.

10. Nut-and-Seed Loaf

Source: Nut and Seed Loaf

The perfect accompaniment to a salad or soup, this Nut and Seed Loaf by Sara Hohn is packed with good-for-you ingredients and savory flavor. This lentil-based loaf has sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots, and vegan cheddar, and is studded with crunchy walnuts and sunflower seeds. Keep it in your freezer and enjoy slices throughout the week as a snack or an add-on to meals.

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
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