Healthy and Delicious Gluten-Free Vegetarian Meatloaf Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen, where I create delicious and healthy meals that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and organic. Today, I want to share with you my recipe for a gluten-free vegetarian meatloaf made with lentils, black beans, and a variety of spices. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for those who love veggie meatloaf.
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I believe that eating healthy should never be boring or bland. That’s why I’m always excited to experiment with new flavors and ingredients to create recipes that are both nutritious and satisfying. This gluten-free vegetarian meatloaf definitely fits the bill.
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that many of us grew up with, but traditional recipes are often high in saturated fat and cholesterol. By swapping out the ground beef for lentils and black beans, we can enjoy all the yummy flavors and textures of meatloaf without any of the health risks associated with red meat.
So if you’re looking for an easy-to-make, super tasty meal that’s packed with protein and fiber, keep reading for my recipe on how to make this delicious gluten-free vegetarian meatloaf.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meatloaf? Then look no further than this gluten-free vegetarian meatloaf that is sure to become a family favorite!
One of the best things about this recipe is that it is both vegan and gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions. But don’t let that fool you into thinking that it’s lacking in flavor or substance. This meatless meatloaf is jam-packed with wholesome ingredients like black beans, quick-cooking oats, and sunflower seeds, giving it a great texture and plenty of protein.
But what sets this meatloaf apart from others is the combination of delicious seasonings like dried basil, garlic powder, cilantro, and seasoning salt. The result is an explosion of flavors in every bite, making it hard to resist going back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
But that’s not all – this recipe can also be easily customized to suit your preferences. You can swap out the vegan Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce or even replace the black beans with chickpeas or lentils. And if you’re looking for a way to make meal prep easier, try turning this meatloaf into muffins for perfectly portioned servings!
In short, there are so many reasons why you’ll love this recipe. It’s easy to make, healthy, customizable, and above all – seriously delicious. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?
Ingredient List
To prepare this Gluten Free Vegetarian Meatloaf Recipe #Ragu Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and drained black beans
- 1 cup cooked and cooled quick-cooking oats
- 1 red, yellow or green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack pepper cheese (use a vegan version for a fully vegan recipe)
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (use a vegan version for a fully vegan recipe)
- 2 beaten eggs (skip if preparing a vegan version of the recipe)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce, you’ll need Ragu Garlic Onion Pasta Sauce.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line a regular-size muffin tin with paper liners.
Step 2: Saute Veggies
In a skillet over medium heat, sautee ½ cup diced bell pepper, ½ cup cilantro leaves, and 2-3 cloves of garlic in one tablespoon of olive oil until peppers are tender. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups cooked black beans, 1 cup quick-cooking oats, 1 cup Monterey Jack pepper cheese, 1 cup feta cheese, sauteed vegetables, 1 egg or vegan egg substitute, and seasonings, including 1 teaspoon dried basil, a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, a teaspoon of garlic powder, and some freshly ground black pepper. Mix all these ingredients until combined.
Step 4: Shape The Loaf
Spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf pan or muffin tin. If you’re using a loaf pan, press the mixture down firmly and smooth out the top. If you’re using muffin tins, fill each liner by three-quarters with the mixture.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Place the loaf pan or muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for about five to ten minutes before serving. Serve as such or garnish with some fresh cilantro leaves. Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Enjoy your satisfying yet healthy gluten-free vegetarian meatloaf recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to this gluten-free vegetarian meatloaf recipe. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
– Cheese: While I use a combination of Monterey Jack pepper cheese and feta cheese in this recipe, you can swap in any kind of cheese you like! Try cheddar or Colby jack for a more traditional flavor, or go for something like blue cheese for added boldness.
– Oats: If you don’t have quick-cooking oats on hand, regular oats or even breadcrumbs would work in a pinch. Just be sure to test the consistency of the meatloaf mixture as you go – if it feels too wet or too dry, adjust accordingly.
– Beans: Instead of black beans, try kidney beans or chickpeas for added texture and flavor.
– Vegetables: Mix up the bell pepper color (use red or yellow instead of green) and add other finely chopped veggies like carrots or zucchini for a nutrient-packed meal.
– Worcestershire sauce: If you can’t find vegan Worcestershire sauce at your store, try making your own with soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and various seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can also omit it altogether if you prefer!
– Sunflower seeds: For some added crunch, try swapping out the sunflower seeds for chopped walnuts or pecans.
– Ragu pasta sauce: While I use garlic onion Ragu pasta sauce in this recipe, any kind of tomato-based pasta sauce will do. Experiment with different flavors like basil and oregano or mushroom and green pepper to find your favorite combination!
Remember that cooking is all about exploration – there are no “right” or “wrong” substitutions when it comes to creating your own unique dishes. Have fun trying out different variations of this meatloaf recipe until you find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
There are many great ways to serve and pair this delicious Gluten Free Vegetarian Meatloaf Recipe #Ragu. Here are some of my favorite suggestions:
– Serve with a side salad: This meatloaf goes great with a side salad made with fresh greens, sliced vegetables, and your favorite dressing. The freshness of the salad will complement the rich flavors of the meatloaf and add some extra nutrition to your meal.
– Pair with mashed potatoes: There’s nothing quite like the comforting combination of meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Try making a batch of creamy mashed potatoes to serve alongside this flavorful dish.
– Top with Ragu Garlic Onion pasta sauce: Ragu Garlic Onion pasta sauce is a perfect topping for this vegetarian meatloaf recipe. Its rich, savory flavor pairs well with the earthy lentils and satisfying oats in the recipe.
– Make a sandwich: This vegetarian meatloaf is also great served as a sandwich. Toast up some whole grain bread, spread it with your favorite condiments, and add a slice or two of this delicious meatloaf for a satisfying lunch or dinner option.
No matter how you serve it, this Gluten Free Vegetarian Meatloaf Recipe #Ragu is sure to become one of your new favorite comfort food recipes.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the biggest advantages of this gluten-free vegetarian meatloaf recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. As a busy nutritionist and food blogger, I know the importance of meal prep, and this recipe offers ideal options for just that.
To make ahead, prepare the meatloaf mixture as instructed in the recipe how-to section. Once done, cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen and then bake as directed.
Storing the gluten-free vegetarian meatloaf is super easy! Make sure you allow any remaining portions to cool down to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer-term storage, simply wrap individual slices tightly with cling film and store them in the freezer.
Lastly, reheating this lentil loaf couldn’t be simpler. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place individual slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave slices for a few seconds until warm all the way through.
By utilizing these make-ahead storing and reheating tips, you’ll have delicious gluten-free vegetarian meatloaf ready when you are – whenever it’s most convenient!
Tips for Perfect Results
Creating a meatloaf dish that is gluten-free and vegetarian can seem like an impossible feat, but don’t worry, I’m here to help. To ensure that your gluten-free vegetarian meatloaf recipe turns out deliciously perfect, try these tips:
1. Don’t skimp on seasonings: Use a combination of seasonings such as black pepper, seasoning salt, cilantro, dried basil, and garlic powder to enhance the taste of your meatloaf.
2. Use quick-cooking oats instead of breadcrumbs: This ingredient is a great binder for your meatloaf mixture, and it’s naturally gluten-free.
3. Experiment with cheeses: Adding feta cheese or Monterey Jack pepper cheese to your meatloaf mixture can give it an extra flavorful kick.
4. Add beans and bell peppers: Black beans and bell peppers offer extra nutrients and flavors to your dish. Chop them in small pieces for an evenly mixed texture.
5. Try different sauces: Instead of the traditional ketchup topping, use pasta sauce or vegan Worcestershire sauce to bring a new twist of flavor to your dish.
6. Consider making muffins: Meatloaf muffins are an excellent option for those who prefer portion control or don’t have a standard loaf pan. Be sure to grease your muffin tins well before baking.
7. Use sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds are not only packed with protein but also give a nice crunch to your meatloaf recipe.
8. Make-ahead option: You can prepare the ingredients for the meatloaf in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator overnight before baking it the next day.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to create the best vegan gluten-free vegetarian meatloaf recipe that will leave all your guests impressed!
FAQ
Now that we have walked through the recipe of this delicious gluten-free vegetarian meatloaf, I know some questions may come to your mind before taking it to the kitchen. In this FAQ section, I’ve compiled some of the most common inquiries that you may have about the recipe. Keep reading to find answers and more tips to make your cooking experience even more delightful.
Is Ragu flavored with meat sauce gluten-free?
It is true that the majority of Ragu sauces do not contain gluten.
What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?
Similar to breadcrumbs and milk, eggs are useful in binding the ingredients of a meatloaf recipe.
Is Ragu Chunky tomato Garlic and Onion Sauce gluten-free?
This 24 oz jar of chunky Ragu sauce boasts the classic flavors of tomato, garlic, and onion, and is proudly labelled gluten-free, available at Baker’s IGA.
Why put ketchup in meatloaf?
When making meatloaf, ketchup plays a crucial role in balancing out the strong flavor of the beef. Whether applied on top, mixed into the meat, or served as a dipping sauce, the sweet and tangy taste of ketchup enhances the dish’s overall umami taste.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this gluten-free vegetarian meatloaf recipe is ideal for all health-conscious individuals who love a hearty and filling meal. With its mouth-watering flavors and easy preparation, this vegan lentil loaf will become a welcome addition to your repertoire of delicious meals. It’s a perfect choice for special occasions or busy weeknights when you want to prepare something super-easy and healthy in no time.
By using ingredients like black beans, bell pepper, quick-cooking oats, and sunflower seeds, this dish provides you with all the essential nutrients without sacrificing taste. The various seasonings like garlic powder, basil, cilantro, black pepper, and seasoning salt give it that extra kick of flavor that makes it an all-time favorite.
Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily substitute some ingredients to create variations that suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. For instance, you can swap Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce if you’re gluten-intolerant, or use vegan cheese if you’re dairy-free.
Finally, topping it off with Ragu garlic onion pasta sauce adds the perfect finishing touch to your meatloaf muffins or vegan lentil loaf. This vegan gluten-free meatloaf is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table – even those who aren’t used to meatless meals! So why not try out this recipe today and give yourself a treat that’s both healthy and delicious? Trust us; your family and friends will thank you for it!
Gluten Free Vegetarian Meatloaf Recipe #Ragu Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentil beans, cook in 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup Ragú® Pasta Sauce (spaghetti sauce with mushrooms)
- 1 teaspoon salt 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1 dash hot sauce (Siracha)
- 1/2 cup drained black beans
- 1 small sweet vidalia onion, chopped fine
- 1 cup tri color bell pepper, chopped fine
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats, gluten free (Bobs Red Mill)
- 1/4 cup grated feta cheese
- 1/2 cup monterey jack pepper cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 4 1/2 ounces Ragú® Pasta Sauce, with mushrooms (or pizza sauce, garden chunky spahetti sauce)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add salt to water and RAGU bring to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add lentils and simmer covered 25-30 minutes, until lentils are soft and most of water is evaporated.
- Remove set aside and cool slightly.
- Drain and partially mash lentils.
- Scrape into mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.
- Stir in onion, oats and chees, beans & gently mix.
- Add egg, RAGU tomato sauce, garlic, basil, cilantro, seasoning salt and pepper.
- Spoon into loaf pan that has been generously sprayed with Pam.
- Smooth top with back of spoon. Add more Ragu sauce and spread a thin layer on top.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30- 45 minutes until top of loaf is dry, firm and golden brown. Turn out loaf onto serving platter.
- In a sauté pan add 1 Tb. olive oil and lightly brown 1 cup sliced mushrooms. Pour over the top of meatloaf.
- Serve with mashed spaghetti squash topped Ragu Mushroom Sauce and grated cheese.
- Bob’s Red Mill carries Gluten free products for people w/ celiac disease.