Vegan Meatloaf with Beyond Beef: Plant-Based Comfort Food

I was shopping at Target a couple of weeks ago and was surprised to find, in their grocery section, a package of Beyond Beef plant-based ground. This was a sign.  Even though I rarely ate beef before I went vegan, I’d been having the urge for meatloaf lately. Vegan meatloaf of course. With mashed potatoes and gravy. Definitely plant-based comfort food.

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It’s Getting Easy to Find Vegan Food

While it’s much easier these days to find vegan food at the grocery store than it was when I first stopped eating meat, and Target is known for having some plant-based options, I was still a little surprised to find Beyond Beef alongside the turkey and beef burgers.  Surprised and happy. You can even pick up Beyond Beef on Amazon (via Whole Foods).

If you are aware of trends in the vegan world, you may have noticed a huge increase in plant-based options at restaurants lately, including fast food joints like Carl’s Jr., Del Taco, and Burger King. Beyond Meat broke through in a big way, followed by the Impossible Burger and a few other options. Because these vegan meats taste so, well, meaty, they are even popular with omnivores who are looking to cut back a little on their meat intake.

It’s Not Necessarily Healthy

I will note that just because they are vegan doesn’t mean they are necessarily healthier than the alternative (except for the animals). It’s still fast food, after all. But, since an occasional burger can be part of a healthy diet, I have been known to indulge occasionally.  It’s kind of weird though since they do taste so much like meat. FYI, most of these fast food burgers are served with cheese and mayo, so you’ll need to make a few changes to make them vegan.

Anyway, now that Beyond Beef is available in most grocery stores and the Impossible Burger is on its way (currently in only a few locations), it’s much easier to prepare these foods at home, and presumably make them a bit healthier. Like vegan meatloaf. And skipping the fries.

Vegan Meatloaf with Beyond Beef: Plant-Based Comfort Food

Since it had been a while since I’d made a meatloaf, let alone a vegan meatloaf, I wasn’t exactly sure where to start as far as the balance of ingredients and seasonings. So I pulled out my old (really old) Betty Crocker cookbook, looked up meatloaf and took it from there.

Obviously changes were needed. I chose to substitute black bean aquafaba for the eggs., and then since I had to open a can of beans, I decided to use them too. I’m not a ketchup fan so I decided to use a tomato instead. I used bread crumbs (several brands including Trader Joes and Panko are vegan, so check). 

Gluten-Free and Soy-Free Options

Beyond Beef is gluten-free, so you can easily use gluten-free bread crumbs and substitute tamari or liquid aminos for the soy sauce if you choose to make this a gluten-free vegan meatloaf.

Betty Crocker used ketchup again plus sugar for the finishing glaze. Instead, I used a little dijon mustard, maple syrup, and, to spice things up, a dollop of sriracha. 

Since we’re talking about plant-based comfort food I served this vegan meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy. My vegan gravy recipe is below. For the potatoes, it’s easy to switch out milk products with their non-diary version or broth.

Vegan Meatloaf Recipe

Are you looking for some plant-based comfort food? This vegan meatloaf with @BeyondMeat Beyond Beef Ground will satisfy your craving. #vegan #veganrecipe #MeatlessMondayClick To Tweet

 

Vegan meatloaf is actually quite quick and easy to prepare because basically you mix your ingredient in a bowl, put them in a loaf pan and cook them! What could be easier? Fortunately, my vegan gravy is easy too. No drippings required. And no lumps!

Vegan Gravy

For one cup of gravy:

1 Tablespoon onions, chopped fine
1 Tablespoon celery, chopped fine
1 Tablespoon mushrooms, chopped fine
2 garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon flour
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon soy sauce, tamari, or liquid aminos
salt/pepper to taste

• Preheat the oil over medium heat.
• Add the veggies and cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
• Stir in the flour, then slowly add the liquid and soy sauce. Keep stirring as it thickens.
• When the gravy thickens strain out the veggies and serve.
• Double liquids and flour to make 2 cups of gravy. You don’t need to double the veggies.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy this vegan meatloaf as much as I do!

 

Have you tried any of the fast-food (or regular restaurant) versions of vegan burgers? Thoughts?

 

 

 

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