Herbed Lentil Loaf with Tomato Glaze
A hearty, savory lentil loaf with fresh herbs and a tangy tomato glaze, perfect for meal prep or a meatless main. This vegetarian-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 60 minutes pairs cooked brown lentils, rolled oats, finely grated carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, cooked brown lentils
- 1/2 cup, rolled oats
- 1/2 cup, finely grated carrots
- 1/4 cup, finely diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, combine 1 cup cooked brown lentils, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup grated carrots, 1/4 cup diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Step 2: Press mixture firmly into a greased 8x4-inch loaf pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and firm to the touch.
- Step 3: While loaf bakes, whisk together 1/4 cup tomato sauce and 1 tsp balsamic vinegar for the glaze. Brush glaze over the loaf during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Step 4: Let loaf rest 10 minutes before slicing. The center should feel firm when gently pressed, and the glaze should be glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herbed Lentil Loaf with Tomato Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Herbed Lentil Loaf with Tomato Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cooked brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herbed Lentil Loaf with Tomato Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Herbed Lentil Loaf with Tomato Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Herbed Lentil Loaf with Tomato Glaze gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
