Sometimes when I want a taste of true comfort, nothing will do but a simple baked meatloaf. This no-meat-loaf only takes twenty minutes to prepare, uses just a few simple and common ingredients, and can be ready within an hour. Plus, it’s a one-dish recipe!
This vegan meatloaf is perfect for when there’s not much time in the day– maybe there hasn’t even been enough time to go to the store… for a few days!– but you still want a vegan comfort meal. I know I’m in that boat sometimes, and on days like those comfort food is what you deserve.
When I made this rendition, I only had to be out of bed for about twenty minutes– and I know that sounds desirable to everyone, from time to time.
The only thing you really need to intentionally have ready is some sort of thawed plant-protein starter, since most (or all) of the other ingredients are items you probably already have around.
As usual, I used Pure Farmland Protein Starter; mostly because that’s what they have at the WinCo near me, so I’ve always got it at home, but also because I think it’s delicious!
In the past, I’ve used Beyond Beef Plant-Based Ground, as well as Lightlife Plant-Based Ground, both of which can be found at many chain stores, and are both superb!
Also, as a side note, my opinion is that most store-bought plant-based starters are actually probably pretty good by this time in plant-based history, so I would totally suggest you just use whatever type is most available to you!
Most of the other ingredients included in this recipe really are just common food items that are staples in my kitchen, and probably in yours, too! Such as: some celery, a little green onion, a can of beans, saltine crackers, a few pretty basic seasonings, and not very much else!
This recipe is also made perfect by the top layer of crushed saltines, sprinkled with just a slight amount of simple seasoning– that is how you home cook!
I know if you’ve read this far, you’re after a dinner that’s easy so you can relax, and so I won’t make you keep reading– the recipe is right on the next page!
Quick & Easy (Vegan!) Better-than-Meatloaf
*Before beginning this recipe, please ensure that your protein starter is thawed and ready!
Prep for 15-20 minutes
Cook for 45 minutes
Ready in an hour!
Serves 3-4 people
It’s Vegan! ✌🏻
Ingredients
Bulk:
- Pure Farmland Protein Starter
- Black Beans (1 can)
Veggies:
- Yellow Onion (1, Large)
- Green Onion (½ bunch)
- Celery (3 single large stalks, or ½ bunch)
Top Layer:
- Saltine Crackers
Seasonings/Extras:
- Olive Oil
- Tomato Paste
- Soy Sauce
- Ketchup
- Yellow or Dijon Mustard
- Salt & Pepper
- Garlic (Minced or Powder)
- Nutritional Yeast
- Paprika
- Chili Powder
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400F & prepare the baking dish by coating it with non-stick spray or olive oil — or any other non-stick solution!
- Quickly large dice one whole large yellow onion, and then throw it into your baking dish.
- Then, chop about a half (½) bunch of green onion, as well as about a half (½) bunch of celery, or three (3) single large stalks, and throw those in there, too!
- Get out your Pure Farmland Protein Starter, which should be fully thawed, and just put the whole thing into your baking dish with your veggies.
- Open up your can of black beans and quickly drain them, and then add the whole can into your dish, too!
- If necessary, take a moment now to use a flat mixing spatula to slightly mash down and incorporate these ingredients, if they have begun to spill over a little bit.
- Now, splash a few teaspoons of olive oil over your dish, and then season well with the following:
- Salt & Black Pepper
- Nutritional Yeast
- Garlic
- Paprika
- Chili Powder
- Next, use a flat mixing spatula (or your hands, if you can or want!) to fully mix and incorporate all of these ingredients together within the baking dish they are all already in.
- Add in several tablespoons (4-5, at least) of Tomato Paste, as well as several teaspoons of ketchup and yellow or Dijon Mustard. And now just include a few dashes of Soy Sauce, too! Viola!
- All that there is left to do is mix, breadcrumb & bake– so now, get to mixin’! Complete mixing this dish using a mixing spatula until all of your seasonings are fully incorporated & your ingredients are evenly dispersed.
- When all ingredients have been incorporated evenly throughout, take a moment to use your flat spatula to slightly compress your loaf. You want your meatloaf to be pretty condensed, but there should still be some air pockets.
- Now, grab just about a handful or two of saltine crackers, and crumble them in your hands over the top of your meatloaf, allowing them to create an even coating over the top.
- Over the layer of saltines, just lightly dash a bit of Garlic Powder, Nutritional Yeast, Paprika and Chili Powder, and then cover it with aluminum foil!
- Toss it in the oven for about 20 minutes while covered, and then remove the covering, and bake uncovered for another 25-30 minutes.
- After removing it from the oven, make sure it is fully cooked by ensuring that the center is not soft, and has browned.
- When it’s finished, allow it to cool for just a few minutes…
& enjoy!
Thanks for reading!
~ Jessica G.