🔥 KITCHEN FINDS
3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out
These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.
This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil
One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.
Check It Out on Amazon →
This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You
Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.
Check It Out on Amazon →
Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess
Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.
Check It Out on Amazon →
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Cheesy Baked Lentil Casserole is the perfect dish for a cozy dinner that warms both your heart and your home. This comforting casserole combines hearty lentils with a melty cheese topping, making it not only satisfying but also packed with flavor. It’s an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love, featuring simple ingredients that come together beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Baked Lentil Casserole is a delightful fusion of nutrition and taste. Here are a few reasons to try it:
- Loaded with plant-based protein from lentils.
- Rich, cheesy topping that satisfies cravings.
- Simple to prepare with minimal cleanup.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
- Customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Cheesy Baked Lentil Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Transfer the lentil mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the lentil mixture, followed by the bread crumbs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread crumbs are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly to remove any dust or debris.
- For added flavor, consider sautéing a bell pepper or adding spinach to the vegetable mix.
- Use a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, for a more complex flavor profile.
- Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
Easy Variations
- Swap out lentils for quinoa or chickpeas for a different texture.
- Add chopped tomatoes or tomato sauce to the lentil mixture for a tangy twist.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a kick.
- Incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
What to Serve With It
- A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- Steamed broccoli or green beans for a vibrant side.
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for creaminess.
Storage and Reheating
📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS
Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out
Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.
❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites
Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.
See It on Amazon →
🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook
From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.
Check It Out on Amazon →
🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead
Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.
See It on Amazon →
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quick option.
Recipe Card
Cheesy Baked Lentil Casserole
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield/Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients:
1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
3 cups vegetable broth
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Transfer the lentil mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the lentil mixture, followed by the bread crumbs.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread crumbs are golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes: Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield/Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients:
1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
3 cups vegetable broth
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Transfer the lentil mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the lentil mixture, followed by the bread crumbs.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread crumbs are golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes: Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own!
