Lentil Casserole
A hearty and flavorful lentil casserole combining tender lentils, brown rice, and savory herbs, topped with sharp Cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal or family dinner, it offers a nutritious, filling option with warm, aromatic spices that appeal to those seeking wholesome comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3/4 cup dried lentils ⓘ
- 3/4 cup brown rice ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon rubbed sage ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 2 (10 1/2 oz.) cans low-sodium chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine chopped onion, dried lentils, brown rice, shredded Cheddar cheese, dried thyme, dried basil leaves, dried oregano leaves, salt, garlic powder, and rubbed sage in a 1 1/2-quart casserole coated with vegetable cooking spray; stir well.
- Add water and low-sodium chicken broth; stir well.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until lentils are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, sauté the onions before combining them with the other ingredients. You can substitute brown rice with quinoa for a quicker cooking time or use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. Adding diced carrots or bell peppers can enhance the texture and nutrition of this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty lentil casserole alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a simple cucumber salad. For a protein boost, consider adding a side of shredded chicken or pork sandwich for a filling lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in individual servings until hot. This casserole also freezes well; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lentil Casserole contains roughly 249 calories, with 11g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (53% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 809mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar cheese adds a nice flavor, you can use mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different taste. Just ensure that whatever cheese you use melts well for the best result.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this lentil casserole is vegetarian-friendly. By substituting the low-sodium chicken broth with vegetable broth, you can easily adjust this recipe to fit a vegetarian diet without losing flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).