Description
This easy Vegetarian Lentil Casserole is a hearty and wholesome meal packed with nourishing lentils, fresh vegetables, and melted plant-based cheese. It offers comforting, nutritious, and satisfying flavors perfect for any night. Ideal for meal prep and customizable to your taste, this casserole combines simple wholesome ingredients into a delicious, warm, and healthy dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
Topping
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (melting variety, plant-based)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (natural)
Herbs and Spices
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Other
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preparing Lentils: Rinse the brown lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Simmer the lentils in vegetable broth over medium heat for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture for the casserole base.
- Sautéing Vegetables: While the lentils cook, finely chop the onions, carrots, and celery. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the vegetables until soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking to maximize its flavor without burning it.
- Combining Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked and drained lentils with sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine the flavors well before transferring the mixture into a baking dish.
- Adding the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the plant-based cheese on top of the lentil mixture. Finish with a layer of natural bread crumbs for a crispy, golden crust after baking.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving so it firms up and slices neatly.
Notes
- Drain lentils well after cooking to prevent a watery casserole.
- Sauté vegetables to enhance depth of flavor versus adding raw.
- Watch baking time carefully to avoid drying the casserole.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley at the end to brighten flavor.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to help it firm up.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: vegetarian lentil casserole, lentil casserole, plant-based casserole, healthy casserole, easy vegetarian dinner, protein-packed vegetarian
