Introduction

This best vegan meatloaf recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Made with plant-based ingredients, it delivers all the comforting taste of traditional meatloaf without any animal products.

A close-up image of two thick slices of meatloaf with a rough, textured brown interior that shows small chunks of vegetables or nuts mixed in, topped with a thick, shiny layer of red glaze spread evenly across the top of each slice. The rest of the meatloaf with the same glossy red topping is partially visible to the right side. The pieces sit on a white marbled surface with small green garnish nearby. In the background, a portion of a gray and white striped cloth is softly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs*
1/4 cup unsweetened vegan plant milk*
2 packages (12 oz each) Impossible Burger or Beyond Beef (if frozen, defrost in fridge overnight)*
2 tablespoons tomato paste*
2 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce* (I like Wizard’s or Annie’s)
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, packed
1 small clove garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated onion
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch of black pepper
1/3 cup ketchup*
1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons brown sugar, packed

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9×13-inch casserole dish with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and vegan plant milk. Stir and set aside to soak.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, add the Impossible Burger (or Beyond Beef), tomato paste, vegan Worcestershire sauce, chopped parsley, garlic, dried thyme, granulated onion, granulated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Then add the soaked breadcrumb mixture and mix everything well until fully combined.
Step 4: Transfer the meatloaf mixture onto the prepared parchment paper and shape it into a rectangular loaf.
Step 5: Bake the loaf uncovered for 35 minutes in the preheated oven.
Step 6: While the loaf is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing together ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
Step 7: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spoon the glaze evenly over the top and sides. Return the loaf to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
Step 8: Once done, place the meatloaf on a cutting board, slice, and serve. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, peas, a simple green salad, or mushroom gravy.

Tips & Variations

Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs if you want to make this recipe gluten-free.
Try adding finely chopped mushrooms or walnuts to the mixture for extra texture and flavor.
For a smoky touch, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the seasonings.
Use any brand of vegan Worcestershire sauce you prefer, or substitute with soy sauce for a slightly different flavor.

Storage

Store leftover vegan meatloaf covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the meatloaf for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A rectangular meatloaf with a shiny, dark reddish glaze on top sits on a wooden board. The meatloaf is sliced to show its dense, textured inside full of visible oats and small chopped vegetables, creating a mix of light brown, beige, and hints of orange and green colors. Three thick slices lie in front of the larger loaf, showing rough edges with the same mixture inside. Three long, fresh, light green celery sticks lean against the side of the meatloaf. Small sprigs of green herbs lay on the wooden surface next to the food, which is placed on a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of plant-based ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute the Impossible Burger or Beyond Beef with your preferred plant-based ground meat alternative. Just be sure to adjust seasonings as needed.

Is this meatloaf suitable for gluten-free diets?

It can be, if you use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and verify that all other ingredients are gluten-free.