Mock Meat Loaf
A hearty vegetarian alternative to traditional meat loaf, featuring a blend of grains, nuts, herbs, and spices for a savory, satisfying dish suitable for all tastes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cream of wheat ⓘ
- 4 cups oatmeal ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sage ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, diced ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken style broth ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon seasoning salt ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sesame seed ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except onion, garlic, and broth in a large bowl.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, and chicken-style broth to the mixture.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Turn the mixture into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 400°F for 45 minutes until firm and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier texture, consider adding finely chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the mixture. If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute cream of wheat with a gluten-free grain, such as quinoa. Adjust seasonings to taste, especially if you enjoy more robust flavors. This Mock Meat Loaf can also be enhanced with a splash of soy sauce for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
This Mock Meat Loaf is delicious served with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. Consider drizzling it with a tangy sauce or glaze to enhance its flavor. It pairs beautifully with Winter Squash Bisque for a comforting meal. For an added crunch, serve with toasted bread or crackers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the loaf and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mock Meat Loaf contains roughly 966 calories, with 30g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (238% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 67g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this Mock Meat Loaf vegan by substituting the eggs with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of chicken-style broth to maintain flavor without animal products.
How can I adjust the flavor of the Mock Meat Loaf?
To adjust the flavor, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Adding a tablespoon of barbecue sauce or Worcestershire sauce could enhance the taste. You could also incorporate some hot sauce for a spicy kick, depending on your preference.
Can I freeze the Mock Meat Loaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked loaf by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. To bake from frozen, just add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. If already baked, slice and freeze individual portions for a quick meal later.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).