vegetarian meatloaf

I don't know how this tastes so much like real meatloaf, but it is fabulous! And lentils are packed with protein, folate, iron and fiber- they're a super-food that we should all incorporate into our diets. Serve this healthy meatloaf with mashed potatoes and some green beans, peas and corn for a comfort food you can feel good about.

After finding this recipe on Food.com (courtesy of SaraFish), I discovered mashing lentils with tomato paste and garlic is one of the best ground beef substitutes to use in any recipe.  


So I double this recipe and use half for meatloaf, and save half to fill stuffed cabbage, stuffed zucchini or make vegetarian meatballs! The possibilities with this are endless!

You’ll need:

Lentils- 1 cup
Water- 2-3 cups (as lentils require on package)

Onion- 1,diced

Oats (like Quaker Oats)- 1 cup

Shredded Cheese (cheddar, pepper jack or Italian)- 3/4 cup

Egg- 1, beaten

Tomato Paste/Sauce- 4 1/2 oz.
Garlic- 2-3 cloves, minced


Seasonings- adjust to taste

Garlic Powder- 1 tsp.

Brown Sugar- 1 tbsp. (or to taste)

BBQ Sauce- 1 tbsp.

Oregano- to taste
Salt & Pepper

Bring water to boil, add lentils. Simmer covered, but with the lid tilted so some air escapes- about 20 minutes, until lentils are soft and most of water is absorbed. Remove from heat.

Drain and partially mash lentils. Scrape into mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.

While lentils are cooking- stir together onion, garlic, oats and cheese until mixed. Then stir in mashed lentils.  Next, add egg, tomato sauce and all seasonings. Mix well. Taste and season accordingly (always a little at a time).


Spoon into loaf pan or muffin tins that have been generously sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Smooth top with back of spoon.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes in loaf pan or 15-20 minutes in cupcake tins until top of loaf is dry, firm and golden brown.

Tip: Add more sauce on top when you reheat to avoid drying out.

[Tag: vegetarian meatloaf, meatless monday recipes, vegetarian stuffed cabbage, healthy recipes, easy cooking, meat substitutes, recipes with lentils, vegetarian meatballs]