Meat(NOT) Loaf, Vegetarian Loaf Just Like Mom Used to Make

A tasty dish for those "meat and potato" vegetarians such as myself. You know, we grew up on meat and potatoes dishes but no longer eat the meat part of the equation. But sometimes you still long for a comforting plate of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, maybe some corn on the cob. Yum!

Definitely a dish for those who are vegetarian for ethical or religious reasons, this is not the healthiest of health foods. It is one of my (meat eating) husband's favorite dishes I make though! Also, I use eggs in mine but it could be made vegan by using an egg substitute.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Ingredients:
Equivalent of 1 pound ground-style burger alternative, See note below*
1 medium Onion, diced small
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup prepared bread crumbs, plain or Italian seasoned
2 large eggs (or egg substitute)
1-2 tablespoons of water if the mixture is too dry

Tools:
large mixing bowl
spatula or spoon
spoon
loaf pan
oven

*This could be Gardenburger or Boca crumbles, which are available at most supermarkets, or a dehydrated-style crumble like Dixie Diners Club Beef(Not!) or Nutlettes, which are available at health food stores. TVP (textured vegetable protein) is also available in the bulk food section of some grocery stores. If you use the dehydrated variety, rehydrate per instructions.

Step 2: Preheat Oven and Chop Onion

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees (Fahrenheit).

Dice the onion small. I like to use one of those plunger choppers but a knife works nicely too.

Step 3: Mix All Together

Mix all ingredients but the ketchup together in a bowl. It may seem dry depending on the bread crumbs you've used. If it doesn't stick together, sprinkle with water and mix together until it combines.

Step 4: Pan and Bake

Smoosh your mixture into a loaf pan. While I don't like silicone bake ware for baked goods, I like them for this application because metal tends to dry the fake meat and create a chewy crust. In real meatloaf, you would enjoy that crispy outer layer, but with a meat(not) loaf, the more moisture throughout, the better.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until the center is set (not smooshy).

Step 5: Add Ketchup

Remove from oven and add ketchup drizzle on top. Replace in oven and bake 5 minutes longer at 350 degrees. We are finished cooking the meatloaf but this return to the oven will heat the ketchup and turn it the consistency of honey.

Step 6: Yum!

Serve with potatoes, maybe a salad and pie for dessert! Remove apron and call the family to dinner.

Use it up
If there are any leftovers, this makes a great meatloaf sandwich. My favorites are either cold on white bread with more ketchup or a hot open-face on toast with gravy!

Variations on a theme

TexMex Meat(NOT) Loaf
replace seasoned salt with taco seasoning
replace ketchup with salsa

Take-Out Meat(NOT) Loaf
Replace italian breadcrumbs with Panko breadcrumbs
Add 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts to mixture
Replace ketchup with Sweet and Sour sauce

Pizza Meat(NOT) Loaf
Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and one green bell pepper (chopped) to the mixture
Replace ketchup with marinara sauce