Really Good Vegetarian Meatloaf (Really!)

SaraFish's Note:

High in fiber and protein, low in fat, easy and really yummy! I've always thought meatloaf looks and smells so delicious and savory so, as a vegetarian, I decided to make a no-meat version! This is basically our favorite meatloaf recipe but with cooked mashed lentils instead of ground meat. The result is a very tasty dinner!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 25 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup lentils
• 1 small onion , diced
• 1 cup quick-cooking oat
• ¾ cup grated cheese (cheddar, swiss, jack or american)
• 1 egg , beaten
• 4 ½ ounces spaghetti sauce (or 4.5 ounces tomato sauce)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Add salt to water and boil in a saucepan.
2. Add lentils and simmer covered 25-30 minutes, until lentils are soft and most of water is evaporated.
3. Remove from fire.
4. Drain and partially mash lentils.
5. Scrape into mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.
6. Stir in onion, oats and cheese until mixed.
7. Add egg, tomato sauce, garlic, basil, parsley, seasoning salt and pepper.
8. Mix well.
9. Spoon into loaf pan that has been generously sprayed with Pam (non-stick cooking spray) or well-greased.
10. Smooth top with back of spoon.
11. Bake at 350 degrees for 30- 45 minutes until top of loaf is dry, firm and golden brown.
12. Cool in pan on rack for about 10 minutes.
13. Run a sharp knife around edges of pan then turn out loaf onto serving platter.

Reviews

[keellii]

The basic recipe is great. I added celery, red onion and mixed BBQ sauce with the tomato sauce to make it even better. I know sell it in my store.

[magentakitteh]

very good recipe! I mash lentils in food processor and add an extra egg to keep loaf sticking together. i find the extra egg increased the moisture as well. my husband loves though not a vegetarian. have made it twice already :)

[Ant]

(really!) good 'meatloaf'. I also added the celery and bbq sauce, and it turned out really good.