18 Comforting Vegan Meatloaf Recipes

I’ll be honest, I missed meatloaf when I first went vegan. It wasn’t the meat itself, but that specific kind of hearty, savory, sliceable comfort food that feels like a Sunday dinner. After some experimenting, I found you can make something just as satisfying with lentils, mushrooms, beans, or nuts. These recipes have become my new classics.

They’re the kind of dishes you can make ahead that fill the house with a good smell, and that everyone gathers around.

Here are 18 comforting vegan meatloaf recipes that are packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy meal.

1. Classic Lentil-Walnut Loaf

Cooked brown lentils and walnuts pulsed together with oats, onion, and savory seasonings. It’s the gold standard, with a perfect firm-but-tender texture.

Nutrition per slice:

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 13g
3. Carbs: 30g
4. Fat: 13g
5. Fiber: 10g

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2. Savory Mushroom Meatloaf

Finely chopped cremini and shiitake mushrooms create a deeply savory, “umami-rich” base with breadcrumbs and flax egg. It tastes incredibly meaty.

Nutrition per slice:

1. Calories: 190
2. Protein: 7g
3. Carbs: 22g
4. Fat: 9g
5. Fiber: 5g

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3. BBQ “Baked Bean” Loaf

Using canned baked beans as a sweet and smoky base, mixed with breadcrumbs and veggies. It’s like a loaf of baked beans you can slice.

Nutrition per slice:

1. Calories: 250
2. Protein: 9g
3. Carbs: 45g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 10g

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4. Chickpea & Sun-Dried Tomato Loaf

Mashed chickpeas and chopped sun-dried tomatoes with Italian herbs. It’s Mediterranean-inspired, firm, and great cold in sandwiches the next day.

Nutrition per slice:

1. Calories: 220
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 32g
4. Fat: 6g
5. Fiber: 9g

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5. Quinoa & Black Bean Loaf

A protein-packed combo of quinoa and black beans with corn and chili powder. I top it with a zesty lime-cilantro glaze instead of ketchup.

Nutrition per slice:

1. Calories: 260
2. Protein: 11g
3. Carbs: 45g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 12g

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6. Holiday Nut Roast

A special-occasion loaf with a mix of nuts (like almonds and pecans), breadcrumbs, and dried cranberries, bound with a flax egg. It feels festive.

Nutrition per slice:

1. Calories: 340
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 28g
4. Fat: 22g
5. Fiber: 7g

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7. Italian “Sausage” & Pepper Loaf

Vegan sausage crumbles and sautéed bell peppers folded into a savory lentil base. It has all the flavors of a classic sub.

Nutrition per slice:

1. Calories: 230
2. Protein: 15g
3. Carbs: 25g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 8g

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8. Stuffed “Cheeseburger” Meatloaf

A fun twist: a savory lentil-walnut loaf with a center of diced vegan cheese and pickles. Serve it with special sauce (vegan mayo, ketchup, relish).

Nutrition per slice:

1. Calories: 310
2. Protein: 14g
3. Carbs: 28g
4. Fat: 16g
5. Fiber: 9g

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9. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Loaf

Mashed sweet potato and black beans create a moist, slightly sweet loaf. I season it with cumin and smoked paprika.

Nutrition per slice:

1. Calories: 210
2. Protein: 8g
3. Carbs: 40g
4. Fat: 3g
5. Fiber: 11g

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10. Meatloaf Muffins

The same great meatloaf mixture, baked in a muffin tin for individual portions and faster cooking. Perfect for portion control and kids.

Nutrition per serving (2 muffins):

1. Calories: 240
2. Protein: 12g
3. Carbs: 30g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 8g

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11. Lentil Loaf with Maple Glaze

A classic lentil loaf topped with a sticky-sweet glaze of maple syrup, ketchup, and a dash of soy sauce. The glaze caramelizes while it bakes.

Nutrition per slice:

1. Calories: 270
2. Protein: 12g
3. Carbs: 45g
4. Fat: 6g
5. Fiber: 10g

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12. “Meatball” Style Mini Loaves

The flavor profile of Italian meatballs (with fennel and parsley) formed into small, freeform loaves. Serve with marinara for dipping.

Nutrition per mini loaf:

1. Calories: 200
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 25g
4. Fat: 7g
5. Fiber: 7g

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13. Brown Rice & Lentil Loaf

A sturdy, sliceable loaf made from cooked brown rice and lentils. It’s very economical and holds its shape perfectly.

Nutrition per slice:

1. Calories: 230
2. Protein: 11g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 3g
5. Fiber: 10g

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14. Shepherd’s Pie Loaf

A savory lentil and vegetable loaf topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes instead of a glaze. It’s a full meal in one slice.

Nutrition per slice:

1. Calories: 320
2. Protein: 13g
3. Carbs: 55g
4. Fat: 6g
5. Fiber: 12g

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15. Breakfast Meatloaf (With Tofu “Egg”)

A savory loaf with vegan sausage and vegetables, layered or mixed with a turmeric-spiced tofu scramble “egg” mixture. Great with hash browns.

Nutrition per slice:

1. Calories: 250
2. Protein: 18g
3. Carbs: 15g
4. Fat: 13g
5. Fiber: 5g

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16. Oat & Veggie Loaf

A simple, pantry-friendly loaf using rolled oats as the main binder with grated carrots, zucchini, and onion. It’s wholesome and light.

Nutrition per slice:

1. Calories: 180
2. Protein: 7g
3. Carbs: 30g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 6g

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17. Smoky Tempeh Loaf

Grated tempeh provides a chewy, protein-rich base with a smoky BBQ flavor. It’s firm and excellent for sandwiches.

Nutrition per slice:

1. Calories: 240
2. Protein: 18g
3. Carbs: 20g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 7g

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18. “Thanksgiving” Stuffing Loaf

All the flavors of your favorite bread stuffing—herbs, celery, onion—formed into a loaf with vegetable broth and a flax egg. Serve with gravy.

Nutrition per slice:

1. Calories: 210
2. Protein: 6g
3. Carbs: 35g
4. Fat: 6g
5. Fiber: 5g

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