Dinner

9-Ingredient Vegan Lentil Loaf (Gluten-Free and Nut-Free) Recipe

ByLana Polati November 26, 2025November 26, 2025

Introduction

This 9-Ingredient Vegan Lentil Loaf is a hearty, flavorful dish that even meat-eaters will love. It’s gluten-free, nut-free, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect comfort meal for any occasion.

The image shows a rectangular slice of meatloaf cut into three pieces on white parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. The meatloaf has three visible layers: the bottom and middle layers are brown with a crumbly texture mixed with small orange carrot pieces, while the top layer is a smooth, dark reddish-brown glaze sprinkled with small green herbs. A black knife lies next to the meatloaf, partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups dry brown lentils (cooked in 3 cups water or vegetable broth)
1/2 cup oats, oat flour, gluten free 1:1 baking flour, or all purpose flour
4-5 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup diced onion
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil
1/4 cup fresh rosemary
1/4 cup fresh thyme
1/2 cup marinara sauce or ketchup
1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
1 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup marinara sauce or ketchup (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Bring 3 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the lentils, cover, and cook for 4-5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let lentils sit covered for another 3-4 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
Step 3: In a food processor, pulse the cooked lentils until smooth. Add the oat flour, soy sauce, marinara sauce or ketchup, and sea salt. Pulse again until well combined. Set aside.
Step 4: Heat vegan butter or olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onions, cooking until garlic is fragrant and onions are translucent.
Step 5: Add chopped carrots and celery to the skillet. Cover and cook on medium-low for 3-5 minutes until carrots are tender.
Step 6: Stir in fresh thyme and rosemary. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then remove from heat.
Step 7: Combine the lentil puree and cooked vegetable mixture in the skillet. Mix thoroughly.
Step 8: Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top and sides. Spread 1/4 cup marinara sauce or ketchup evenly on top.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes before removing the loaf from the pan.
Step 10: Slice and serve warm. Enjoy your hearty vegan lentil loaf!

Tips & Variations

Use gluten-free oats or flour to keep the loaf gluten-free.
For extra flavor, add smoked paprika or cumin to the lentil mixture.
If you prefer a firmer loaf, add more oats or flour to the batter.
You can substitute fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary and thyme.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This loaf can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A rectangular loaf of food with a rough texture sits on a sheet of white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The loaf has a brown base with uneven patches of red sauce spread across the top, creating a slightly cracked appearance. A sprig of fresh green rosemary rests in the center on top of the loaf. Around the loaf, there are some green herb sprigs scattered on the white marbled surface, along with a small white bowl filled with bright red sauce and another small white bowl containing chopped green herbs. A light beige cloth is draped in the upper left corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned lentils instead of dry lentils?

Yes, you can! Use about 3 cups of cooked canned lentils, rinsed and drained. Since canned lentils are already cooked, you can skip the boiling step and proceed to blending with the other ingredients.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free oats or gluten-free flour alternatives to keep the lentil loaf gluten-free. Always check the labels of processed ingredients like soy sauce or marinara sauce to confirm they are gluten-free as well.