Vegan Chickpea Meatloaf

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Whole Food Plant-BasedOil-freeGluten-freeSugar-free

This hearty vegan Chickpea Meatloaf is wonderfully flavored and easy to make for the whole family to enjoy. It is gluten-free, oil-free, and made with simple pantry ingredients. It’s a perfect satisfying vegan main dish that can be made ahead.

the vegan chickpea meatloaf on a chopping board while a knife is cutting it into pieces

This flavor-packed chickpea meatloaf is loaded with healthy plant protein and is quite filling. It makes a great healthy holiday or family main meal. And the best part is that it can be made in advance.

a macro shot of the the vegan chickpea meatloaf

Recipe Highlights

  • Dietary – vegan, whole food, oil-free, gluten-free, nut-free, grain-free
  • Packed with protein and fiber
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients
  • This is a WFPB recipe
  • Easy to make
  • Holds well together
  • Allergy-friendly
  • Budget-friendly
  • Great for family meals or special occasions
  • Can be prepared in advance
  • A perfect holiday centerpiece
the vegan chickpea meatloaf cut into 9 pieces

Simple Whole Food Ingredients

This chickpea loaf tastes pretty good. It’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • chickpeas – you’ll need 3 cups cooked chickpeas, canned or cooked from scratch both work, just drain them well.
  • veggies – I used carrot, onion, and garlic, finely chopped
  • chickpea flour – it keeps the loaf gluten-free and holds everything together
  • ground flax seeds – be sure it’s freshly ground
  • seasonings – you’ll need tomato paste, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce – all of them combined provide a great taste. Use gluten-free tamari if necessary.
  • herbs & spices – I used nutritional yeast, paprika, cumin, and thyme to extend the flavor even more
  • glaze – I used organic ketchup, it gives a tangy and flavorful taste to the loaf
the ingredients for the vegan chickpea meatloaf

For the full ingredients list, measurements, and instructions, please find the recipe card below.

Healthy Whole Food Chickpea Meatloaf

This is one meatless vegan chickpea loaf that is packed with flavor and is not missing anything!

It is a healthy vegan holiday roast alternative with a base of delicious hearty chickpeas. Not only is it healthy but it’s also loaded with plant-based protein and doesn’t contain a single harmful cholesterol.

This is a WFPB chickpea meatloaf recipe that is high in fiber. It is very nutritious and filling. It’s also completely free of oil and gluten.

3 pieces of the vegan chickpea meatloaf

Chickpeas are brimming with vitamins and minerals, such as choline, folate, magnesium, and vitamins A, E, and C. They are also a source of complete plant protein containing all the essential amino acids you need.

This chickpea meatloaf has great texture, flavor and is so satisfying. It is a perfectly healthy main meal for you and your family.

a macro 3/4 angle shot of the vegan chickpea meatloaf

This Vegan Chickpea Meatloaf is

  • vegan (dairy-free, egg-free)
  • whole food
  • gluten-free
  • oil-free
  • nut-free
  • healthy
  • easy to make
  • packed with flavor
  • satisfying and filling
  • a family favorite!
  • perfect for holidays or family gatherings
2 piece of the vegan chickpea meatloaf shot from above

How to Serve

This chickpea meatloaf pairs great a variety of sides and meals. Here are some ideas:

the vegan chickpea meatloaf is cut into pieces and shot from above

How to Store

Fridge: Cooked loaf stores well in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days.

Freezer: To keep longer, it can be frozen whole or in slices in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated to your preference.

Make ahead: Loaf can be prepared up to 1 day in advance and stored in the fridge uncooked. When ready bake according to instructions.

a macro shot of the vegan chickpea meatloaf

More Healthy Main Meals

a macro shot of the vegan chickpea meatloaf cut into 9 pieces

If you try this Vegan Chickpea Meatloaf, please let me know! Leave a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. I would love to see your remakes and hear what you think.

Vegan Chickpea Meatloaf

Venelina Dove M.D.
This hearty vegan Chickpea Meatloaf is wonderfully flavored, easy to make for the whole family to enjoy. It is gluten-free, oil-free and made with simple pantry ingredients. It's a perfect satisfying vegan main dish that can be made ahead.
4.86 from 7 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine European
Servings 8 -10
Calories 138 kcal

Ingredients
 

For the Glaze

  • cup (85 g) organic ketchup

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Put the chopped carrot, onion, and garlic in a pot with a half cup of water (120 ml). Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 mins or until tender.
  • Meanwhile, put 3/4 of the chickpeas into a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped. You can also mash them with a fork or potato masher. This will help hold the meatloaf together.
  • In a large bowl, combine all the chickpeas, cooked veggies, and all the other ingredients. Stir everything well with a spoon until well mixed.
  • Line a loaf pan with parchment paper so it sticks out over the long edges of the pan. This will allow you to lift the loaf out once done. My loaf pan is wider on top and measures about 23 x 12 cm/ 9" x 5" on the top and 20 x 9 cm/ 8" x 3.5" at the bottom.
  • Firmly press the chickpea mixture into the pan using the back of a spoon.
  • Bake for about 35 mins. Take it out of the oven and evenly spread the glaze on top. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 mins.
  • Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for at least 10 mins before slicing. The longer it sits, the firmer it gets. If you slice it too soon, it may be a little moist. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Serve sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
  • To take it out easily run a knife along the edges of the pan that weren't lined with parchment paper. Then, lift the loaf out of the pan and place it on a cooling rack for about 15 mins before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1PieceCalories: 138kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 7gFat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gFiber: 6gSugar: 6g
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I’m Venny, I am a medical doctor and I believe great health stems from eating whole plant foods. Here you’ll find delicious (mostly) oil-free whole food, plant-based recipes and learn how food makes you healthy!


8 thoughts on “Vegan Chickpea Meatloaf”

  1. 5 stars
    Hello, can you recommend an alternative to chickpea flour? I cannot find it in my local grocery store.

    Thanks,

    Katrina

    Reply
    • Hi Katrina,
      you can use oat flour instead of chickpea flour in this recipe. It’s made by grinding oats into a fine powder and can help bind the ingredients together. You can also make your own chickpea flour at home by grinding dry chickpeas with high-powered blender until they form a fine powder.

      Reply
  2. 5 stars
    I prepared most of the ingredients a day ahead. I used a 9×5 loaf pan. My husband, a foodie, said “oh my gosh, this tastes just like meatloaf!” This recipe goes well with mashed potatoes. Or for contrast, sliced oranges.

    Reply
    • Hi Judy,
      that’s wonderful to hear! It’s fantastic that your husband, a foodie no less, enjoyed it so much. Pairing it with mashed potatoes sounds like a cozy and comforting combination.

      Reply
  3. 5 stars
    An empty plate is all that was left.
    So simple, and so delicious…I added chilli flakes to it and a splash of vinegar…Will be making this a staple in our home…Thank you!

    Reply
    • Hi Heather,
      thrilled to hear you loved it! Adding chili flakes and vinegar sounds delicious. Making it a staple in your home is the ultimate compliment. Thank you for sharing your experience!

      Reply
    • Hey Suzette, you can always use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce. Hope this is helpful!

      Reply

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