A hearty plant-based dinner idea that will satisfy even meat-eaters! A Vegan Cauliflower Lentil Loaf that mimics the classic meatloaf with no meat, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free! Get all your protein and veggies in this healthy recipe!
With Thanksgiving approaching at the speed of light, meal preparationΒ is already underway! Some of us like to plan the ultimate classic menu with all the trimmings, others like to go potluck or buffet style, and others enjoy trying new and modern dishes on their page long menu. I think we all try to create some dishes so everyone can have at least something they love. We all know food allergies and diet restrictions have made that very proteinate over the past few years.
It's easy to have plenty of side dishes that fit our diet needs, but the main event can be a bit trickier. I don't eat turkeyΒ and I've been known to just make some chicken for myself instead. Usually, I go for a vegan option on the holidays, though. I just like to change it up for at least one dish each year and usually, that's the main event.
Last year I made this here cauliflower lentil loaf after many years of wanting to try the vegan loaf crave for myself. One of those things that took me so long to try and now I kick myself over not trying it sooner! I always hated that so many recipes were nut-based (so calorie dense and expensive!), soy-based (no tofu, please), or were non-vegan lentil loafs (eggs will not due!)
I knew I had 2 major components that would not let me down when making my first veggie-loaf. Legumes and cauliflower. A great dose of plant-based proteins plus all that veggie goodness (in addition to pepper and onion!) Veggie loaves are such a great option to get those plant-based skeptics to try! The never-fail goodness of lentils and cauliflower I knew would be a surefire way to make a "meaty" success!
When I brought this loaf with me to our family's Thanksgiving feast, I was hoping everyone would try (I usually have to force them to branch out a little into foodie-world). They did and they loved it (just as much as me!) I even had to leave my grandparents some leftovers to savor in the coming days. Which, by the way, this cauliflower lentil loaf tastes great as leftovers! You could eat it cold, hot, mashed up and thrown in a sauce with some pasta. Endless!
Of course, you may have noticed that shiny red glaze on top! "Meatloaf" is NEVER complete without the red ketchup sauce! I made this ketchup glaze with just a hint of smokiness to really take this humble loaf over the top in a subtle way! So let's get those blenders out and oven on! We have a Cauliflower Lentil Loaf to make!
Cauliflower Lentil Loaf
Vegan Cauliflower Lentil Loaf
A hearty plant-based dinner idea that will satisfy even meat-eaters! A Vegan Cauliflower Lentil Loaf that mimics the classic meatloaf with no meat, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free! Get all your protein and veggies in this healthy recipe!
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Cooked Brown Lentils (Β½ cup dry)
- 3 Cups Raw Riced Cauliflower
- 1 Cup Chopped Sweet Onion
- 2 Cups Chopped Bell Pepper
- 2 TB Nutritional Yeast
- 1 Tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tsp Dijon Mustard
- Β½ Tsp Smoked Paprika
- Β½ Tsp Cumin
- ΒΌ Tsp Black Pepper
- ΒΌ Tsp Chipotle Powder
- Ketchup Glaze:
- β Cup Unsweetened Homemade Ketchup
- 1 Tsp Liquid Smoke (I used hickory flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400Β°F.
- To prep: Saute the chopped onion and pepper in a skillet on the stove for a few minutes to soften. Rice the cauliflower in a food processor until you have 3 crumbled cups. Squeeze the crumbles with a towel to release excess water. Cook the lentils according to package and let cool.
- In a large food processor combine all the ingredients for the loaf and process until combined (not smooth, just mixed well).
- Line a 9x5 loaf pan with parchment paper and press in the loaf mixture into the pan and smooth out the top.
- In a small bowl, mix the ketchup and liquid smoke together and then spread it evenly over the top of the pressed loaf.
- Bake the loaf in the oven for 40-45 minutes.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
Β 
Doesn't it look like a "meatloaf"? I actually never had much meatloaf growing up, but the few times I did, I loved it! I would always get it out at restaurants and you can bet my favorite part was ALL the ketchup sauce on top! I'm glad I can have "meatloaf" again! I'm pretty sure I may be one of the only people who wishes their mom had made meatloaf for family dinners π I digress! We can loaf-on now! Make and take this to your next big family gathering and wow them all with this delectable, hearty, Vegan, Cauliflower Lentil Loaf!
So tell me:
+ Did you have meatloaf growing up? Did you like it?
+ Do you like to change up the main event or side dishes for a food/family holiday dinner?
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Stephanie
How would frozen riced cauliflower do in this recipe. I assume there would be more water to release before baking.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
There will probably be a lot of excess water to wring out.
Dominique
Wow, this was the best lentil loaf I've ever tried!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
So glad you enjoyed!
Jennie
I made this tonight and it was delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
So glad to hear it!
Kriska Marie
Oh this looks yummy! Might try this one soon. Thank you for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Kathryn
This would be perfect for my Christmas lunch, thanks for sharing! π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks, but please don't spam my comments!
Nikki Frank-Hamilton
I am officially you biggest fan! We love meatloaf, with our different diets it's hard for us all to get on the same page. I have learned to make gluten free, vegetarian gravy, but the meatloaf escaped me for a vegetarian option. This is perfect! You always have the best solutions and creative recipes! Thanks!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Awesome! This one is a big winner all-around!
Katrin Nuernberger
This look amazing! I love making all-in-one recipes and your loaf is on the t-do list. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!!! This one covers all the bases!
Leigh
I'm not vegan but this really looks good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Glad you approve!
Raia
I seriously can't wait to get a head of cauli and give this a try! Genius recipe, Rebecca! π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah yes!! I hope you do, dear! Thank you!
Rebecca
yum! I'll have to try this next week
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Let me know how it comes out!
Danielle McCoy
I'm not vegetarian, or vegan, but this looks like something I could definitely eat! I bet even my kids would eat this. I'll be sure to give it a try. Pinning. π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's made for everyone to love!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
I'm not vegan - or even vegetarian, but this looks so delicious, I have to try it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I told you, every type of eater loves it!
kimmythevegan
Looks better than meatloaf to me! This sounds like a fantastic Thanksgiving main. I totally agree - sides are easy peasy, but I always struggle with mains. I love the sound of the smoky ketchup glaze too. Yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This main will please everyone!
Lisa @ Fun Money Mom
You come up with the most original recipes!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Paula Kiger
Looks delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com
This looks soooo good! It's going on my list for next time I cook for a vegan!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You don't have to be vegan to eat something that happens to be vegan π
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com
So true! I eat vegan, or at least vegetarian, much of the time (though my husband does not thrive on it). But I like to have a vegan dish everyone can enjoy when I have a vegan over for dinner. I don't single them out and make them feel I've gone to a lot of trouble just for them.
Nicole @ The Professional Mom Project
This looks great! I really like the addition of cauliflower. I've been starting to eat more lentils lately since they're so good for you - thanks for giving me another great recipe to try.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are so good for you! This is a plant-power-packed veggie loaf π Enjoy!
Genie
Oh how I love a good lentil loaf! This looks fantastic.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it!
Annmarie
Yum. What a perfect sub for meatloaf!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The best!
Marla
Hi Rebecca,
Sounds like a healthy and tasty alternation to traditional meatloaf.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Exactly!
Lisa/Syncopated Mama
This sounds fabulous - I can't wait to try it! Pinned & shared.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you, Lisa!
Demeter | Beaming Baker
Congrats on creating an amazing vegan loaf that fit your needs perfectly. Love that this loaf is made with so many great ingredients, including my beloved cauliflower! If I could just have one slice... or three this Thanksgiving... π Yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Tis the season for the whole loaf!
Marya
I have not made one of these in ages. Printed it out for later!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O I hope you make it!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed
This looks so moist and delicious!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy
what a great idea! I've never had a vegan lentil loaf before...seems perfect for thanksgiving dinner!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's a surprise!! You must!
Uma
This is interesting recipe! Looks delicious:)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons
So intriguing! My vegan friends would love this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Everyone will!
Bianca
Cauliflower & lentils look like the ideal base for the vegan meatloaf! Genius idea! I actually grew up without meatloaf as well, but we had something similar. Some kind of ground meat in patties... I guess that was the closest thing to meatloaf.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well now it's time to have lentil loaves on the reg instead π
Rachel Willis
My daughter recently became vegan, she would love this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'm sure she would!
Audrey
As long as you promise I won't taste any cauliflower, I'd love to try this. π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Not here!
Lauren Gaskill
Liquid smoke and paprika?! Count me IN!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Smokey!!!
nadia
Love vegan 'meat' loaves. I made one last Christmas and I'm making it a tradition to create a different version every year! Love the idea of using lentils and cauliflower π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes!! I think I'll try a new version this year!
Cristina @ I Say Nomato
This looks just like meatloaf! Yum! It's great to have options for all the various diets at the table, and this looks like a wonderful way to make sure everyone feels included π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Everyone can have a standout entree on their plate!
Ashley@CookNourishBliss
I JUST made a lentil loaf this weekend to go with some turkey day recipes I was testing for the blog! But mine didn't have cauliflower - love that!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
But still 100% delicious, I'm sure!
Laura
I always think about how a loaf would be a great idea and then never end up trying it . . . but give me some cauliflower and I'm all in!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Try it!!!! Don't delay like I did!
Sabrina | The Tomato Tart
OMG! I'm loving this! Looks so good! I can't wait for Thanksgiving to try this! I wish I can have it now! π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, I hope you do, Sabrina! It is a win!
Linda @ Veganosity
Cauliflower is such a great vegetable, it's so versatile. This looks delicious and would be so pretty on a Thanksgiving table.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It sure is!
Mary
This is my type of loaf. It looks scrumptious
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite
Love the addition of riced cauliflower! I use it in some of my burgers and it's so awesome. Looks delicious! I never was a meatloaf fan, but I didn't grow up with traditional american food. I feel like a veggie version is way more up my alley!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The veggie version just makes you feel.....alive, haha! Cauliflower ftw!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
This looks so delicious, Rebecca, especially that glaze! I usually have all these ingredients on hand, so I will definitely make it soon.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Perfect! It makes such a great dinner multiple times in a row!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free
Wow, I can't believe this is vegan Rebecca. It looks so rich and meaty!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you π
Farrah
I never would've thought to make something like this! So glad I still have some lentils left! π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I always have lentils if you need them π
Barrie
Looks yummy! I have never tried Lentil loaf but have always wanted to~ Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think you'll enjoy a lentil loaf!
Cricket Plunkett
I'm not a vegetarian but that looks like a delicious loaf!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This has the potential to change that!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness
MMMM I want with a big side of mashed potatoes!!! Love that you added nutritional yeast to this too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That would be one perfect plant-powered meal!
Kelly
I've been wanting to make a veggie-loaf and your's looks perfect!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Do it! I waited too long!
Courtney
This looks awesome! I've always wanted to try a veggie loaf on my meat-eaters. π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Do it!! They won't know what hit 'em!
Tiffany
This looks so delicious! Cauliflower AND lentil are two of my favorites so I will be pinning to try this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Woohoo! Thanks, Tiffany!
Nicole Dawson
That looks great Rebecca. It's making me hungry for Thanksgiving.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, only a few more weeks π
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche
The texture of this looks fantastic! And I love the sound of that smoky glaze. Definitely a recipe for this time of year π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Nice and cozy π
Valerie
Whoa! Excuse my while I wipe the drool from my face! This lentil loaf looks so good! I can't wait to give this one a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Bahahaha! Well, thank you very much Valerie π
Platter Talk
If this tastes as good as it looks, I'm in. Great for meatless Monday dinner!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It does! π
Mandy
Wow, Rebecca!!! This looks incredible!!! Meatloaf drenched in ketchup was a huge staple growing up π I love the ingredients you chose here - most contain nuts, rice, or oats, so this is a nice change! It looks so hearty and meaty...I had to do a double take when I first saw the pics! How awesome that your family loved it - when my gut is healed, I'm definitely making this. For now, I'll just drool over these pics! Off to pin the recipe π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you, Mandy! Definitely much "roughage" in this loaf for the tummy, but super hearty and "fresh" tasting!
Jessy @ The Life Jolie
This has meatless Monday written all over it, but it looks so delicious that I bet my meat-and-potatoes husband will be on board!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes it does and I think he will approve π
Sarah- A Whisk and Two Wands
Ok I'm really into this! I use to make meatloaf all the time. The hubby misses it and it was a tradition for dinner the day after an apple orchard and it's been so many years since I've made it. Wasn't a fan of nut loaves but I'm thinking this would be a good one, can't wait to try it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Not meat, no nuts, no soy, THIS is where it's at!
Kortney // Allergy Girl Eats
I was never a big meat loaf fan - hence becoming a vegetarian at 16. But now that I eat meat again I have been intrigued to try it. Something about so much ground meat puts me off. This on the other hand is something I can get behind! Yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This you'll love for sure!
Tara
Wow! Such an interesting recipe. I have never tried a vegan loaf before. This would be perfect for my family for the holidays.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It should would!
Celeste
I never would have thought to use these ingredients to make a "meat" loaf", but this looks moist and delicious, I want a bite!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Vegan all the way!
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
I've always loved meatloaf! I was the weird kid, haha. This looks delicious!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Not weird π
Nico @ yumsome
I've never even seen meatloaf in real life, much less eaten it! And I've never had a lentil or nut roast either! This does look completely delicious though, and will definitely be made very soon.
(By the way, what happened to the nutritional data? That's a very large 1-person serving! LOL!)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
No, it serves 6.
Megan - The Emotional Baker
I love making veggie meat loaves anytime of year! I have yet to try one with cauliflower so I'm excited to give this a shot π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You've got to bring in the cauli!
Kate
This lentil loaf looks sensational. I like the ketchup glaze, too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
rachel @ Athletic Avocado
This looks like one insane vegan Thanksgiving main! Love that it has a ketchup based glaze too π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Gotta have the ketchup π
Aimee | Wallflower Kitchen
That texture! Soooo perfect.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Harriet Emily
Wowwww! This lentil loaf looks incredible Rebecca! So healthy and full of so many delicious flavours! I love love love the addition of cauliflower too. That's such a great idea! I can't wait to try this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you, Harriet! It is one nice veggie and hearty dish!