You read that right. Meatless Loaf. I know that doesn’t sound right, but this is a great substitute for that delicious meatloaf that your mom made when you were a kid. I found this recipe from Morningstar Farms (recipe has been removed since the original posting), but I make some modifications. The biggest is, I use Gardein Beefless Ground. The second is, I use a green pepper instead of celery. That’s the way my mom made it and celery just seems weird. And lastly, my wife would never allow me to put ketchup on a meatloaf. I’m fine with it. It’s a easy way out, but I would never hear the end of it. I searched and found this recipe with “Awesome Sauce”. It’s pretty good. Since a can of tomato sauce is a cup, I just double the other ingredients and freeze half of the sauce for the next time. I also opt for the 2 beaten eggs, since we are not vegan.
One thing I did do the last 2 times I made Meatless Loaf is, I put in slices of Aldi processed cheese (Velveeta knock off) in the middle of it like my mom did when I was a kid. It’s not the healthiest thing to do, but the family loves it.
Speaking of healthy, I did make this with lentils once (sans cheese) in an effort to cut down on overly processed crumbles. It wasn’t bad, but the Gardein definitely makes it taste more like I remember it.
1 package of meatless crumbles
1 tablespoon of dried parsley
1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
1/2 cup find dry bread crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper (the original recipe is 1/2 cup of celery)
2 lightly beaten eggs (substitute 1/2 cup refrigerated egg substitute if you do not eat eggs)
1/2 cup ketchup, if you take the easy way out and don’t use the Awesome Sauce
Directions
- In a small saucepan, cook onions and peppers in oil until tender.
- In a mixing bowl, combine crumbles, eggs, parley, Italian seasoning and breadcrumbs.
- Add onions and peppers to crumbles mixture.
- Press into a loaf pan that is generously coated with cooking spray or oil
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes. Spread sauce over loaf and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until set.
Awesome Sauce
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons plain white vinegar
Directions
Whisk until combined.