Vegan Meatloaf Recipe With Gravy

Growing up, the warmth of our family kitchen was always filled with the comforting aroma of homemade meals. Among the many dishes that graced our table, a hearty loaf, served with a rich, savory gravy, would always bring everyone together. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a modern twist on that cherished family classic: the Vegan Meatloaf Recipe with Gravy. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a cozy invitation to relive those cherished moments around the dinner table.

Imagine a meatloaf that’s not only plant-based but also packed with flavors that remind you of home. With each slice, you’ll discover a blend of tender potatoes, protein-rich beans, and a medley of spices that evoke memories of simpler times. This recipe is special because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing, making it a perfect choice for those seeking both taste and health. The rich, savory gravy that accompanies it adds an extra layer of comfort, making every bite a heartwarming experience.

What truly makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to create this delightful dish. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s accessible to everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook. The beauty of this vegan meatloaf lies in its versatility — it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where love and warmth are shared over food.

Let’s dive into why this Vegan Meatloaf Recipe with Gravy deserves to be a staple at your table:

Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table

These Vegan Meatloaf with Gravy bring a unique twist to traditional comfort foods, offering a satisfying and flavorful experience for everyone at your table. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your table:

1. Nostalgic Comfort: This recipe captures the essence of traditional meatloaf, delivering familiar flavors with a vegan twist that evokes cherished family memories. The aroma alone is enough to transport you back to family gatherings, and each bite is a reminder of loved ones coming together.

2. Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like beans and oats, this meatloaf provides a hearty dose of nutrients while keeping it deliciously satisfying. Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, essential for a balanced diet, while oats contribute to a feeling of fullness, making this dish both nutritious and filling.

3. Simple and Accessible: With easy-to-follow steps and readily available ingredients, this dish is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a stress-free meal. The recipe doesn’t require any complex techniques, allowing you to focus on the joy of cooking and sharing a meal with those you love.

4. Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you’re catering to dietary preferences or looking to impress at a potluck, this vegan meatloaf is a versatile star of any meal. You can easily adapt it with your favorite spices or include additional vegetables to suit various tastes and preferences.

5. Savory Gravy Delight: The accompanying gravy adds an extra touch of indulgence, making each serving a comforting delight that’s hard to resist. Its rich and flavorful profile complements the loaf perfectly, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

To whip up this comforting vegan meatloaf, you won’t need much — just a few trusty kitchen tools, much like the ones my grandma used when teaching me the joy of homemade meals:

• Potato Masher: Essential for achieving the perfect texture in your mashed potatoes and blending the loaf mixture. Mashing by hand allows you to maintain a slightly chunky texture that adds body to the loaf.

• Loaf Pan: Provides the ideal shape for your meatloaf, ensuring even cooking and easy serving. An 8-inch or 9-inch pan is perfect for this recipe, giving the loaf a nice shape and helping it hold together well during baking.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes it simple to lift the meatloaf out of the pan. Lining the pan with parchment paper ensures that the loaf doesn’t stick, allowing for a clean and easy removal once it’s baked.

• Skillet: For sautéing onions, celery, and spices, bringing out their rich flavors before mixing. A good sauté is crucial for developing the depth of flavor needed in the meatloaf.

• Mixing Bowl: Handy for combining all your ingredients into a cohesive, delicious mixture. A large mixing bowl gives you enough space to mix everything thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.

How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

Ingredients

• 2 large (400 g) potatoes, peeled, or sweet potato
• 1 Tbsp oil
• ⅔ cup (100 g) onion, chopped
• 2 medium-sized (100 g) celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ Tbsp onion powder
• ¾ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp caraway seeds
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ⅓ tsp red pepper flakes
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 (15 oz) cans black beans or kidney beans, about 500 g when drained and rinsed
• ½ cup (60 g) walnuts, chopped or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version
• 1 cup (90 g) oats, preferably instant oats (see notes)
• 2 Tbsp (60 g) tomato paste

Instructions

1. Chop the potatoes, transfer them to a pot with salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes or until tender, then drain. Transfer back to the pot and mash with a potato masher (don’t use a food processor or blender). The texture achieved by mashing by hand is ideal for this recipe, lending a rustic feel to the loaf.

2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

3. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat and add chopped onion. Fry for about 3 minutes, then add garlic, celery, all spices, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar and fry for a further 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally. Add beans and turn off the heat after one minute. Sautéing the vegetables and spices first helps to enhance their flavors, making the meatloaf even more delicious.

4. Transfer the bean/veggie mixture to the pot with the mashed potatoes and add tomato paste, oats, and chopped walnuts. Use the potato masher or your hands to mix everything together. Hand mixing ensures all ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

5. Line an 8-inch or 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper (including an overhang) and put the meatloaf mixture into the pan. Press it down firmly. The firmness ensures the loaf holds its shape while baking.

6. Bake the vegan loaf for 40-50 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to rest for at least 15 minutes before removing it from the pan to avoid it breaking apart.

7. This meatless meatloaf needs time to firm up. When you first remove it from the pan, it will still be soft to the touch. Simply pop this in the fridge for at least three hours (or even overnight) before serving for the firmest results. Giving it time to set enhances its texture, making it easier to slice and serve.

Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 30 minutes • Cooking Time: 50 minutes • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes • Calories: 250 • Servings: 6

Note: For a firmer loaf, refrigerate overnight before serving to help it set properly.

Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients

These Vegan Meatloaf not only promise delightful flavors but also come with some surprising benefits:

• Potatoes: Rich in potassium, these provide a creamy base and help bind the loaf together. They are also a great source of vitamin C and B6, adding nutritional value to each bite.

• Black Beans: Loaded with protein and fiber, they add a hearty texture and nutritional boost. Black beans are known to support heart health and aid in digestion, making them a powerhouse ingredient in this recipe.

• Walnuts: High in omega-3s, these nuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. They are also linked to improved brain health and reduced inflammation, making them both a tasty and beneficial addition.

• Oats: A great source of soluble fiber, they help maintain the loaf’s structure. Oats have been shown to lower cholesterol levels, supporting cardiovascular health.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrated in flavor, it adds depth and a touch of sweetness to the loaf. It’s also rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish

This Vegan Meatloaf is a versatile companion to various sides and drinks, making it perfect for any occasion:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they complement the savory flavors of the meatloaf. Adding a touch of garlic or herbs to your mashed potatoes can elevate the dish even further.

• Steamed Vegetables: Light and nutritious, they balance the richness of the loaf. A medley of carrots, green beans, and broccoli can add color and variety to your plate.

• Red Wine: A robust wine enhances the savory notes and provides a sophisticated pairing. Consider a full-bodied option like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the flavors of the loaf.

• Crisp Salad: Fresh greens with a zesty vinaigrette add a refreshing contrast. A simple salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic dressing can offer a delightful counterbalance to the richness of the meatloaf.

Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way

Storing your vegan meatloaf is a breeze, ensuring you can enjoy its comforting flavors again:

• Refrigeration: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. This keeps the meatloaf fresh for up to 4 days. Proper storage maintains the loaf’s moisture and flavor, making reheating a pleasure.

• Freezing: For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze individual portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This method allows for quick and easy access to single servings whenever you’re in the mood for comfort food.

• Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This ensures that the loaf retains its texture and flavor, offering a freshly baked feel.

• Creative Leftovers: Crumble leftover meatloaf over a salad or use as a filling for vegan tacos or wraps for a quick and satisfying meal. These creative uses of leftovers can transform your meal into something new and exciting, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Sharing a meal that resonates with the essence of home is a beautiful way to connect with loved ones. This Vegan Meatloaf Recipe with Gravy is more than just a dish — it’s an embrace of warmth, love, and the simple joys of home-cooked comfort. Whether you’re recreating memories or starting new traditions, this recipe is a heartfelt invitation to gather, savor, and celebrate the everyday magic of family meals.

Vegan Meatloaf Recipe With Gravy

This vegan meatloaf is hearty, satisfying, and topped with a delicious gravy. Perfect for a cozy meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Chilling Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 slices

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Vegan Meatloaf

• 2 large potatoes peeled
• 1 Tbsp oil
• 2/3 cup onion chopped
• 2 medium-sized celery stalks chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 Tbsp onion powder
• 3/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp caraway seeds
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/3 tsp red pepper flakes
• black pepper to taste
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce tamari or coconut aminos
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 (15 oz) cans black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup walnuts chopped or sunflower seeds for nut-free version
• 1 cup oats preferably instant oats
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste

Equipment

• Loaf Pan

Method

 

1. Chop the potatoes, transfer them to a pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes or until tender, then drain. Transfer back to the pot and mash with a potato masher (don’t use a food processor or blender).
2. Time to preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
3. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet or pan over medium heat and add chopped onion. Fry for about 3 minutes, then add garlic, celery, all spices, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar and fry for a further 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally. Add beans and turn off the heat after one minute.
4. Transfer the bean/veggie mixture to the pot with the mashed potatoes and add tomato paste, oats, and chopped walnuts. Then, use the potato masher or your hands to mix everything together.
5. Line an 8-inch or 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper (including an overhang) and put the meatloaf mixture into the pan. Press it down firmly.
6. Bake the vegan loaf for 40-50 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to rest for at least 15 minutes before removing it from the pan to avoid it breaking apart.
7. This meatless meatloaf needs time to firm up. When you first remove it from the pan, it will still be soft to the touch. Simply pop this in the fridge for at least three hours (or even overnight) before serving for the firmest results.
8. Serve with the mushroom sauce, maple tomato glaze, or gravy. I have included the recipe for the mushroom sauce and glaze below in the recipe notes.

Notes

Feel free to use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. For a firmer loaf, ensure it rests in the fridge for at least three hours before serving. You can serve this meatloaf with a mushroom sauce or a maple tomato glaze as detailed in the recipe notes.