No one will miss the meat in this savory, mouthwatering Lentil Loaf! Makes a wonderful main dish on a holiday, and is easy enough to make any day of the week. Pair with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting, classic meal.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably tried several lentil loaf recipes. I’ve been vegan for nearly a decade now, and that’s almost 10 years of testing vegan recipes! I was never crazy about lentil “meatloaf” because I just couldn’t seem to get it right. Too often my loaf was mushy, sometimes even kind of “gummy” tasting. I remember one Thanksgiving making a recipe I was so excited about, and it just wasn’t good at all!
Well, no more! I will teach you how to make the best lentil loaf, ever. I tried making this lentil loaf kind of on a whim several weeks ago, and I was shocked at how good it turned out! As in, I could not stop eating it from the pan. It has the most delicious flavor, and the texture is spot on incredible. I also wanted to make the recipe as simple as possible! While it does take about 40 minutes to cook in the oven, there is only 20 minutes of hands on prep time required.
What kind of lentils should I use for Lentil Loaf?
I prefer to use the ready to eat, steamed lentils from Trader Joe’s in this recipe. If you have a Trader Joe’s near you, you can usually find them in the produce section. Using pre-cooked lentils makes this recipe a lot faster and easier, plus the lentils are less mushy and wet.
However, you can certainly make your own! Get either green or brown lentils (not red, they just turn to mush). Simmer 1 cup lentils with 3 cups of water for about 30 minutes, then drain very well, and pat even drier with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This is key to a NOT MUSHY lentil loaf!
How to make Lentil Loaf:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large pan, cook the onions, mushrooms and carrots for about 5 minutes, until softened. Set aside.
In a food processor, add the walnuts and pulse until a bit crumbly. Add the lentils and pulse just a few times.
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Dump the lentils/walnuts into a large bowl, then add the cooked vegetables, ground flaxseeds, ketchup, vegan Worcestershire sauce, salt and thyme. Stir well, then add 1/2 cup of the breadcrumbs and mix. Mix in the last 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs if the mixture is still quite wet, but not if it’s dry. If it happens to be too crumbly and dry, add a few tablespoons of water. This will largely depend on the moisture level in your lentils.
Push the mixture evenly into the pan, cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil, top with the ketchup topping, and pop it back in for 10 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Topping options:
I highly suggest the ketchup topping in this recipe, which is ketchup, pure maple syrup and vegan Worcestershire sauce. I think it’s just perfect on lentil loaf!
But if you don’t prefer a ketchup based topping, go with my Easy Vegan Gravy instead! Make the gravy while the loaf is in the oven, and then let everyone pour on the amount of gravy they desired on each slice.
What should I serve Lentil Loaf with?
Vegan Mashed Potatoes (my favorite recipe for super creamy potatoes!) and steamed green beans or roasted brussels sprouts. Or serve with Vegan Scalloped Potatoes.
Lentil loaf also makes a perfect main dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter.
What can I do with leftover loaf?
Leftover loaf will keep in the refrigerator (covered container) for 3-4 days. A slice of this lentil loaf on a sandwich is SO delicious and satisfying, and is one of our favorite ways to use the leftovers! You can also freeze individual slices, or the entire loaf. I’d suggest leaving off the ketchup topping if you plan on freezing an entire loaf.
Want more wholesome vegan entrees? Try any of these:
Lentil Loaf
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, chopped small
- 1 medium sized carrot, peeled and diced small
- 1 1/2 cups raw walnuts
- 2 cups cooked green/brown lentils (*SEE NOTE)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2-3/4 cup breadcrumbs
Topping
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, for easy removal.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the olive oil, onions, mushrooms and carrots. Cook, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the mushrooms release their juices. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a food processor, add the walnuts and pulse a few times. They should be in small pieces, but not completely a powder. Now add the lentils and pulse a few times.
- Dump the walnuts/lentils into a large bowl, and add the cooked vegetables, ground flaxseeds, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt and dried thyme. Mix well with a wooden spoon. Now add 1/2 cup of the breadcrumbs and fold in. Add the last 1/4 cup if the mixture still seems wet, but if it's dry (this will depend on the moisture level of your lentils) don't add more. If the mixture is crumbly for some reason, add a few tablespoons of water.
- Transfer to the prepared loaf pan, and press the mixture evenly and firmly into the pan. Cover with foil, and cook in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Make the topping: Stir all topping ingredients in a small bowl to combine.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil, spread on the ketchup topping and cook uncovered for 10 more minutes. Let cool for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- For this loaf, I prefer to buy pre-cooked lentils. They tend to be less mushy than when I cook them myself, plus it makes the recipe faster. I find them at Trader Joe's in the produce section. You can make your own if you want. You will need 1 cup dried lentils and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 30 minutes. Drain well, and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- If you don't have a food processor, you could chop the walnuts with a heavy knife on a cutting board instead, and then use a potato mashed to slightly mash the lentils in the bowl.
Paula Diorio
Can I make this without mushrooms?
Nora
Yes, you could just leave them out.
Shelby
My son is allergic to walnuts which nut would be the best substitute for this recipe?
Nora
Almonds or sunflower seeds are good choices, even pecans would be good. Hope that helps!
Meaghan
I made this tonight for dinner after seeing Erin Ireland try it. I can confirm it was delicious! I’m adding this to my stack of go to recipes! I had a little extra that didn’t fit in to my loaf pan (since I was a little over on some of the measurements) and I baked a few lentil “meatballs” alongside the loaf. Awesome!
Nora
The lentil ‘meatball’s sound great! Glad you enjoyed it.
Perla
I made this tonite & it was a success even my husband who is not vegan liked it
Nora
That’s fantastic!
Neesh
It was a hit! I made entirely too much. Does this freeze well?
Nora
Yes, it freezes very well! Thank you.
Vanessa
I would love to make a bigger batch of this to share at a potluck… maybe 9×13 casserole dish? What do you think about doubling the recipe and how much to adjust cook time? It also won’t be as deep a loaf. Thanks!
Nora
I’m not sure as I haven’t tried this, but I think it could work. I honestly don’t know about the time though, maybe similar? I would just watch and see when it seemed done.
Anne
I made this as a loaf and it was delicious!! My husband loved it too and said it was better than any real meatloaf he’s ever had. Was wondering if I could follow same recipe and make it into meatballs? If yes, would cook time and temp be the same? Thank you!!
Nora
I’m so happy you enjoyed the lentil loaf! I’m sure it would work as meatballs but I haven’t tried it. I imagine they would only need to bake for 20-30 minutes that way. Same temp should be fine. Thanks!
Lisa
If I’m using gravy instead of the ketchup topping, do I just leave it in the oven covered for 40-45 or do I still uncover after 30 for an additional 10-15? Or do I just remove at 30 minutes? 🙂
I already love it just by tasting the mixture!! Can’t wait to try it when it’s done!!
Nora
You could probably just cook it covered the entire time (40 minutes). Hope that helps and you enjoy the loaf!
Lisa
I ended up just going with the ketchup topping this time and WOW was it delicious! I’ve been vegan for over 5 years and I’ve never made a lentil loaf before. There are soooo many recipes out there and I’m glad this is the one I went with!! It tasted phenomenal and held together nicely. This is will be perfect for thanksgiving tomorrow (Today’s was a test run). I’ll skip the ketchup tomorrow and just cook for the full 40 covered. Thanks for this awesome recipe. Looking forward to trying some of your others!
Nora
I’m so happy you liked it! I can’t believe you’ve never made one in 5 years, wow! I made so many before coming up with the recipe, after many disappointing loaves. Happy Thanksgiving!
Jolene
I would love to make this tonight but I don’t have vegan Worcestershire sauce. Is there something I can sub for it? Or just leave it out?? Thanks!
Nora
You could just leave it out, no worries. Enjoy!
Kate
It’s ideal! Really nice savory flavor with all of those mushrooms, and the texture of the nuts is lovely. This will definitely be one of my go-to meals.
Nora
Wonderful! Thanks for the feedback, and I’m glad you liked it!
Pam
Best Recipe Ever! I couldn’t stop eating. I will be making for Thanksgiving!
Nora
I’m so glad you liked it!
Melanie
Hi Nora
Could I make it a day in advance, keep in the fridge and then bake the next evening?
Thanks.
Nora
Yes, that would work! You may need to increase the cooking time since it will be very cold straight from the fridge.
Melissa Page Boeshans
I added a touch of garlic and celery to the mirepoix mixture and then added a bit of pepper and double the top sauce. I also used mini loaf pans – cute and perfectly portioned. DELICIOUS!
Carrie
Could something be substituted for the breadcrumbs? GF oats, potato starch, etc?
Nora
GF oats would probably work quite well, I’m not so sure about potato starch. You could sub a mix of oats and almond flour.
Amy
Thanks for sharing the recipe. I just wanted to ask if there is a nut allergy can we replace the walnuts for something else or omit them, Thanks.
Nora
You can omit them if needed, but they add a nice texture.
Emma
I plan on trying this with sunflower seeds! Maybe that would work for you too. 🙂
Chloe
Panko has started making GF bread crumbs and there are a few other brands available now! You could also use ground up GF oats
D
Made the lentil load tonight. It took me longer than I expected but it turned out better than I thought it would. I wouldn’t make it again though as it made too much for two. I’m hoping some of the leftovers will freeze.
Delicious!
Mayra
I made this lentil loaf and everybody loved it! Even the non-vegans!
Leanne
If I don’t have flax seed could I use chia?
Nora
Yes you can.
Kate Lynn Hibbard
This is so delicious! I made it as written and it still eats a tiny bit wet. Have you ever added oatmeal? I used to do that back in the day when I made meatloaf with meat.
Nora
I haven’t added oats to this loaf, but yes you could certainly do that. The moisture level depends a lot on your lentils. If you make your own, don’t drain them well, or even sometimes if you do, moisture levels will vary. I just add breadcrumbs accordingly, so maybe next time add either a little more breadcrumbs or oats would be fine as well. Thank you!
Joey
This looks wonderful! Are the calories posted for a serving size or the entire loaf?
Nora
Calories listed are for the serving size, or 1/8th of the loaf.
Fern
This looks so yummy but I’m allergic to tree nuts. Is there a substitute for the walnuts? Thx!
Nora
You could leave them out, or try using sunflower seeds or pepitas instead if you have a tree nut allergy. Thanks!
Heidi
Hi Nora! I have had your other vegan meatloaf on the to-make list for a while but never got around to it. Which one would you recommend trying first?! Also, I’m not a fan of mushrooms. Can I easily omit them, or do I need to sub with something else?
Nora
Hi Heidi! Goodness, it’s a hard choice! 🙂 I love them both. I am quite found of the Lentil Loaf these days, so I would probably recommend it first, but I don’t think you could go wrong with either! You could leave the mushrooms out, but I’m not a mushroom fan either and I can’t detect them in this loaf. Thank you!
Mary Jean
what can I sub for the walnuts as one member is allergic to them. Anxious to try this as have tried many other
lentil loaves and they are not what I want.
Hopeful here
Nora
Can they have pecans or cashews? If so, you could sub those for the walnuts. If it needs to be nut free, you can omit them and it will turn out still. They do add a texture and flavor I love but it will still be quite good without them! Hope that helps.
Alison
Fantastic recipe! A good lentil loaf like this one is a must have in the recipe rotation. Thanks!