Jamie Oliver’s Quick & Easy Vegetarian Meatloaf Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s vegetarian meatloaf transforms humble plant-based ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal that challenges traditional meat-centric dining.

This innovative dish captures rich, savory flavors through clever combinations of protein-packed legumes and wholesome grains.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting texture that mimics classic meatloaf without relying on animal products.

Home cooks can craft this recipe with simple pantry staples, making it accessible for weeknight cooking.

Vegetarian cuisine continues to evolve, offering delicious alternatives that celebrate whole food ingredients.

Seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs elevate the loaf’s complexity, ensuring each slice bursts with robust flavor.

Prepare to impress family and friends with this crowd-pleasing plant-powered centerpiece:

Why Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Meatloaf Appeals to Everyone

• Craft Protein-Packed Vegetarian Delight: This meatloaf transforms humble lentils into a hearty, satisfying main dish that packs serious nutritional punch without using any meat. Lentils deliver robust protein and texture that mimics traditional meatloaf perfectly.
• Quick and Simple Weeknight Cooking Solution: With just over an hour of total preparation and cooking time, this recipe offers busy home cooks an effortless vegetarian meal that doesn't sacrifice flavor or complexity. Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize Your Comfort Food Experience: The recipe allows incredible flexibility with cheese choices, sauce variations, and potential spice adjustments. Home chefs can easily personalize this meatloaf to match their taste preferences or pantry ingredients, making it a versatile go-to meal option.
• Nutritious One-Pan Wonder: By combining protein-rich lentils, oats, eggs, and cheese, this meatloaf creates a complete meal in a single baking dish. Low-calorie yet filling, it provides balanced nutrition without complicated cooking techniques or extensive cleanup.

Primary Ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Meatloaf

• Lentils: Hearty legume that forms the main body of the meatloaf, providing protein and texture. Choose green or brown lentils for best results.
• Oats: Quick-cooking variety that helps bind ingredients together and adds nutritional value. Provides structure and helps create a meat-like consistency.
• Egg: Crucial binding agent that helps hold the loaf together and adds richness.

• Monterey Jack Cheese, American Cheese: Adds creamy flavor and helps create a more indulgent texture. Choose cheese that melts well.

• Onion: Fresh diced onion that provides sweet and savory depth to the overall flavor profile.

• Garlic Powder: Provides a classic garlic flavor without fresh garlic chunks.
• Dried Basil, Dried Parsley: Adds herbal notes and traditional Mediterranean-inspired seasoning.
• Seasoning Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile with balanced saltiness.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the dish.

• Spaghetti Sauce, Tomato Sauce: Provides moisture and additional flavor to the meatloaf.

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal of meatloaf from the pan.
• Salt: Helps enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Steps to Make Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare Lentil Base

Grab a saucepan and bring of water to a boil with of salt. Add of lentils and simmer covered for 25-30 minutes until soft and most water evaporates. Drain the lentils and gently mash them, leaving some texture. Let cool for a few minutes.

Step 2: Create Hearty Mixture

• Partially mashed lentils
• 1 small diced onion
• Quick-cooking oats
• Shredded Monterey Jack or American cheese

Mix ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

• 1 beaten egg
• Spaghetti or tomato sauce
• Garlic powder
• Dried basil
• Dried parsley
• Seasoning salt
• Black pepper

Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Prepare and Bake Loaf

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the lentil mixture into the pan, smoothing the top with a spoon. Bake for 30-45 minutes until the top turns golden brown and feels firm to the touch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the loaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges and carefully transfer to a serving platter. Slice and serve warm for a delicious vegetarian main course that will impress everyone at the table!

Tips to Elevate Jamie Oliver Vegetarian Meatloaf

• Blend Lentils Smoothly: Crush cooked lentils until they resemble creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate moisture and binding.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Sprinkle extra dried basil and oregano into the lentil mixture to create a robust herb profile.
• Customize Cheese Sensation: Experiment with sharp cheddar for bold taste or mozzarella for mild, melty goodness.
• Sauce Transformation: Swap half the tomato sauce with tangy BBQ sauce to elevate the loaf's flavor complexity.
• Moisture Mastery: Paint a generous layer of tomato or BBQ sauce across the top during the final baking minutes to lock in juiciness.

How to Store Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Meatloaf

• Freeze Smartly: Portion out your vegetarian meatloaf into individual servings before freezing. Pack each slice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label each container with the date and contents, ensuring you can track freshness up to 3 months.
• Refrigerate Properly: Store the meatloaf in an airtight container, keeping it in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to lock in moisture and prevent the loaf from absorbing other food odors.
• Reheat with Care: Revive your meatloaf in the oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of vegetable broth to maintain moisture.

Fun Twists on Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Meatloaf

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap dried herbs with fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Add crumbled feta cheese and sundried tomatoes for a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate diced green chilies, jalapeños, and ground cumin. Top with salsa and sprinkle with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mushroom Umami Blend: Replace half the lentils with finely chopped sautéed mushrooms. Mix in tamari sauce and nutritional yeast to enhance the savory depth and create a rich, meaty texture.
• Asian-Inspired Veggie Loaf: Blend in minced ginger, chopped green onions, and water chestnuts. Glaze with a mixture of soy sauce and sriracha for a tangy, bold Asian-inspired version.

A Concluding Thought on Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Meatloaf

Jamie Oliver’s vegetarian meatloaf emerges as a culinary masterpiece that challenges traditional protein expectations.

Lentils become hearty heroes in this innovative recipe, providing substantial nutrition and remarkable texture.

Cheese and herbs weave complex flavor profiles through each delicious slice.

Carnivores and plant-based enthusiasts will appreciate this protein-packed alternative to classic meat dishes.

Sophisticated yet simple, this recipe demonstrates remarkable kitchen creativity without complicated techniques.

Great chefs recognize versatility as key – and this meatloaf proves precisely that point.

Share this gem with friends, comment below with your meatloaf adventures, and spread delicious inspiration across social platforms!

Jamie Oliver Vegetarian Meatloaf Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty vegetarian meatloaf celebrates plant-based comfort with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Packed with lentils, herbs, and roasted vegetables, this dish delivers rich texture and satisfying warmth you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 4 ½ ounces (128 grams) spaghetti sauce or 4 ½ ounces (128 grams) tomato sauce
• ¾ cup (85 grams) Monterey jack cheese or ¾ cup (85 grams) American cheese
• 1 egg, beaten

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon seasoning salt

Liquid and Salt:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) water
• 1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Initiate the lentil preparation by bringing 2 cups (480 milliliters) of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan, seasoning with 1 teaspoon of salt. Gently introduce 1 cup (192 grams) of lentils into the bubbling water, reducing heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and allow the lentils to cook for 25-30 minutes until tender and most liquid has been absorbed.
2. Drain the cooked lentils thoroughly, then partially mash them using a fork or potato masher to create a textured consistency. Allow the lentils to cool for 5-7 minutes to prevent overheating other ingredients.
3. Transfer the mashed lentils to a spacious mixing bowl. Incorporate 1 finely diced small onion, 1 cup (90 grams) of quick-cooking oats, and 3/4 cup (85 grams) of shredded Monterey Jack or American cheese. Blend the ingredients meticulously, ensuring even distribution.
4. Crack 1 large egg into the mixture and whisk it into the lentil base. Pour in 4 1/2 ounces (135 milliliters) of spaghetti sauce, then season with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir until all components are harmoniously combined.
5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Liberally coat a 9×5 inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
6. Carefully transfer the lentil mixture into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the surface and create an even layer. Press gently to compact the mixture slightly.
7. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. The top should transform into a golden-brown crust and feel firm when touched.
8. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10-12 minutes. This resting period allows the loaf to set and become more stable.
9. Run a sharp knife around the pan’s edges to loosen the loaf. Carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter, allowing the vegetarian meatloaf to slide out smoothly. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

• Elevate your vegetarian meal with a protein-packed loaf that rivals traditional meat versions in both texture and taste.
• Partially crushing lentils creates a convincing meaty consistency that binds the entire dish together seamlessly.
• Nutrient-dense quick-cooking oats replace breadcrumbs, adding extra nutritional punch and helping ingredients stick perfectly.
• Melted cheese infuses incredible moisture and rich depth, transforming a simple vegetarian dish into a crave-worthy experience.
• Carefully layered herbs and spices develop a complex flavor profile that will surprise even the most dedicated meat enthusiasts.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg