Jamie Oliver Vegetarian Meatloaf

Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Meatloaf is one of the best and easiest vegetarian meatloaf recipes to make. This Vegetarian Meatloaf is made of lentils, eggs, oats, onions, and some other ingredients and seasonings. The best thing about this vegetarian meatloaf recipe is that it can be modified to use other vegetables and ingredients such as mushrooms, chickpeas, and much more. This veggie loaf takes about 45 minutes to finish baking in the oven at 350°F and can serve 8 people. Feel free to leave your feedback about this recipe.

Vegetarian Meatloaf Ingredients

• 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

How To Make Vegetarian Meatloaf

1. Preparation of Lentils: Start by boiling 2 cups of water with 1 teaspoon of salt in a saucepan. Add 1 cup of lentils to the boiling water and let them simmer, covered, for about 25-30 minutes. The lentils should become soft and most of the water should evaporate. Once done, drain the lentils and mash them partially. Let them cool down a bit.
2. Mixing of Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the partially mashed lentils with 1 diced small onion, 1 cup of quick-cooking oats, and 3/4 cup of your chosen cheese (Monterey Jack or American). Stir these ingredients together until they are well mixed.
3. Adding Spices and Sauce: To the lentil mixture, add 1 beaten egg, 4 1/2 ounces of spaghetti sauce or tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix all these ingredients well until they are evenly distributed.
4. Preparation of Loaf Pan and Baking: Take a loaf pan and spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray or grease it well. Spoon the lentil mixture into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with the back of the spoon. Bake the mixture in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes. The top of the loaf should become dry, firm, and golden brown.
5. Cooling and Serving: After baking, let the loaf cool in the pan on a rack for about 10 minutes. To remove the loaf from the pan, run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan and then turn out the loaf onto a serving platter. Your vegetarian meatloaf is now ready to be served.

Vegetarian Meatloaf Recipe Tips:

1. Lentil Preparation: To make your loaf moist, blend the cooked lentils until they have a mashed potato-like consistency before mixing with other ingredients.
2. Extra Veggies: Enhance the flavor by adding a cup of finely chopped veggies like celery, mushroom, or onion. Mix them in with the lentils before adding oats and cheese.
3. Sauce Twist: For a unique flavor, replace half of the tomato sauce with BBQ sauce.
4. Cheese Options: Try using sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor or mozzarella for a milder, creamier texture.
5. Vegan Options: If you’re vegan, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) instead of a regular egg, and replace the cheese with a vegan variety.
6. Moisture Tip: To keep the loaf moist, spread a layer of tomato sauce or BBQ sauce over the top of the loaf 20 minutes before the end of baking.
7. Extra Seasoning: For a flavor boost, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano to the lentil mixture.
8. Chickpea Alternative: Replace lentils with the same amount of cooked and mashed chickpeas. This will give your meatloaf a similar texture but a slightly different flavor.

What Type Of Lentils To Use?

You can use any type of lentils for this recipe, but green or brown lentils are often preferred as they hold their shape well after cooking. Red lentils can also be used but they tend to become mushy when cooked, which could change the texture of the meatloaf.

What Size Loaf/bread Pan?

A standard-size loaf pan, which is approximately 9×5 inches, should work well for this vegetarian Meatloaf recipe.

Can I Use an Egg Substitute Instead Of An Actual Egg?

Yes, if you want to make the recipe vegan or have an egg allergy, you can use an egg substitute. Flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) are common substitutes.

Can I Add Mushrooms?

Absolutely! Mushrooms can add a nice texture and flavor to the meatloaf. You can add about 1 cup of finely chopped mushrooms. Any variety of mushrooms should work – button, cremini, or portobello are all good choices. Add the chopped mushrooms to the lentil mixture before it goes into the loaf pan.

Is This Vegetarian Meatloaf Gluten Free?

This vegetarian meatloaf is not gluten-free as it contains quick-cooking oats. you can make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats. Also, ensure that all other ingredients like the tomato or spaghetti sauce and seasoning are gluten-free.

What To Serve With Vegetarian Meatloaf

Serve this jamie oliver vegetarian meatloaf with Curried Parsnip Soup, Pasta Primavera or Pickled Beetroot.

How Long Does Vegetarian Meatloaf Last In The Fridge

Vegetarian meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap leftovers with plastic wrap to stay moist.

Can I Freeze Vegetarian Meatloaf

Yes, this vegetarian meatloaf freezes well. It can last about 2-3 months in the freezer. To freeze, divide it into serving portions and freeze each one in a sealed container or a freezer-safe bag. It’s best to freeze it after cooking.

To thaw a frozen loaf, just leave it in the fridge overnight. It should be ready to reheat and serve the next day.

How To Reheat Vegetarian Meatloaf

To reheat the vegetarian meatloaf, place it in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Warm it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through.

Vegetarian Meatloaf Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 184
• Total Fat: 7.4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 486 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 15.3 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2.1 g
• Sugars: 5.2 g
• Protein: 10.2 g

Try More Recipes:

• Turkey Meatloaf
• Smoked Meatloaf
• Jamie Oliver Vegetarian Cottage Pie