Vegan TVP and Tofu "Meatloaf

By
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett has written five books about plant-based cooking and has developed hundreds of vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 02/18/23
Vegan meatloaf recipe

​The Spruce Eats / Ulyana Verbytska

Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 45 mins
Total: 75 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
649 Calories
64g Fat
13g Carbs
9g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 649
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 64g 82%
Saturated Fat 5g 24%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 804mg 35%
Total Carbohydrate 13g 5%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Protein 9g
Calcium 271mg 21%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This vegan "meat" loaf is a meatless version that you can enjoy on a vegan diet. It is high in protein as it is made with tofu, textured vegetable protein (TVP), and vital wheat gluten. Flavored with poultry seasoning, this vegetarian loaf is perfect for the centerpiece of your vegetarian Thanksgiving feast. But you can also enjoy it as comfort food any night. Serve it with vegetarian gravy and mashed potatoes for a classic American meal.

Three protein sources are included. Tofu and TVP are made from soybeans, with the difference being that TVP is dehydrated and has a chewy texture while tofu is soft. TVP must be rehydrated before using, as is done in this recipe. Vital wheat gluten is made by rinsing the starch out of whole wheat, leaving behind the protein. If you substitute whole wheat flour you will reduce the protein content of this loaf.

This recipe uses frozen spinach for convenience, but you can substitute fresh spinach if you have it available. As well, you can substitute boiling vegetable broth for the bouillon cube and boiling water. Any leftover meatloaf can be frozen, either in slices or in one big piece. Wrap it in foil and then store in a zip-top bag. To defrost, simply microwave or warm in the oven until completely warmed throughout.

Ingredients

  • 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach (thawed)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 vegetarian bouillon cube
  • 1 3/4 cups water (boiling)
  • 2 cups textured vegetable protein (TVP)
  • 1 pound silken tofu
  • 1 cup vital wheat gluten flour (or 3/4 cup whole wheat flour)
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Vegan TVP ingredients
    ​The Spruce Eats / Ulyana Verbytska

  2. Steam the spinach and drain it well.

    Steam spinach
    ​The Spruce Eats / Ulyana Verbytska

  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until transparent, about 5 minutes.

    Heat vegetable oil
    ​The Spruce Eats / Ulyana Verbytska

  4. Dissolve the bouillon cube in the boiling water. Add the TVP (textured vegetable protein) and let it stand for about 10 minutes.

    Dissolve bouillon
    ​The Spruce Eats / Ulyana Verbytska

  5. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

  6. Pat the tofu dry, then mash it.

    Pat the tofu dry and mash
    ​The Spruce Eats / Ulyana Verbytska

  7. In a large bowl, combine the TVP, spinach, and tofu.

    Add spinach
    ​The Spruce Eats / Ulyana Verbytska

  8. Stir in the remaining ingredients.

    Stir in remaining ingredients
    ​The Spruce Eats / Ulyana Verbytska

  9. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 8 1/2x4 1/2-inch loaf pan and smooth the top.

    Pour mixture into loaf pan
    ​The Spruce Eats / Ulyana Verbytska

  10. Bake for 45 minutes, or until it is brown on top. If the loaf begins to get too brown on top before 45 minutes, cover it with aluminum foil.

    Bake
    ​The Spruce Eats / Ulyana Verbytska

  11. Let the loaf rest for 10 minutes after you remove it from the oven before serving.

    Tofu meat loaf
    ​The Spruce Eats / Ulyana Verbytska

  12. Serve with vegetarian gravy.

Tips

  • Any leftover meatloaf can be frozen, either in slices or in one big piece. Wrap it in foil and then store in a zip-top bag. To defrost, simply microwave or warm in the oven until completely warmed throughout.

Recipe Variations

  • Adjust the seasonings and spices you add to this loaf to suit your tastes. You may have a favorite loaf you want to emulate. Add some vegan barbecue sauce, vegan Worcestershire sauce, crushed red pepper, or liquid smoke as you may prefer.
  • This recipe uses frozen spinach for convenience, but you can substitute fresh spinach if you have it available.
  • As well, you can substitute boiling vegetable broth for the bouillon cube and boiling water.

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