What is vegetarian meatloaf?

It’s a hearty loaf made from nuts, mushrooms, rice, cheese, and herbs — baked until firm and sliceable like traditional meatloaf but without any meat.

Can you make meatloaf without meat?

Yes! The combination of mushrooms, nuts, and eggs creates a chewy, meaty texture that’s completely plant-based and rich in flavor.

What to eat with meatloaf vegetarian?

Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, gravy, or even a light green salad. It pairs perfectly with cozy sides like the Roasted Zucchini Squash for a simple vegetable dish .

How do you describe meatloaf?

It’s savory, dense yet tender, and full of flavor. The best versions are rich, hearty, and comforting — exactly like this vegetarian one.

Vegetarian Meatloaf Recipe | Simple, Flavorful & Festive

Description

This hearty vegetarian meatloaf is rich, savory, and full of holiday flavor. Made with mushrooms, toasted nuts, and Swiss cheese, it’s the perfect make-ahead main for Christmas or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups cooked brown rice

1 ½ cups walnuts

½ cup cashews

1 yellow onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 ounces shiitake mushrooms, chopped

3 ounces baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, chopped

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried marjoram

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried sage

4 large eggs, beaten

1 cup cottage cheese

12 ounces Swiss cheese, grated

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook the brown rice ahead of time and let it cool.

2. Toast walnuts and cashews at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until golden, then let cool and chop coarsely.

3. Finely chop onion, garlic, mushrooms, and parsley.

4. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant.

5. Add mushrooms, marjoram, thyme, and sage; cook until browned and all moisture has evaporated.

6. In a large bowl, mix sautéed vegetables, nuts, rice, cheeses, eggs, salt, and pepper.

7. Butter a 9-inch loaf pan, line with parchment paper, and butter again.

8. Spoon mixture into the pan, pressing down gently and smoothing the top.

9. Bake at 375°F for 1 hour until golden brown on top.

10. Let rest in the pan for 20 minutes before slicing to serve.

Notes

Perfect for holidays or weekend dinners.

Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freezes beautifully when sliced.

Reheat slices in a 375°F oven until warm.

For best texture, coarsely chop nuts and cook mushrooms until browned.

Swiss cheese can be swapped with cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere.

Cottage cheese may be replaced with Greek yogurt if preferred.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Christmas Dinner Ideas
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 loaf)
Calories: 312
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 110mg