Baked Lentil Casserole Recipe

This hearty Baked Lentil Casserole is bursting with fresh herbs and savory flavors! A perfect meatless main course or a satisfying side dish, it's quick to prepare and incredibly delicious. Serve with a simple salad for a complete and healthy vegetarian meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this flavorful and surprisingly easy recipe!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 80 mins
Calories 316.6 kcal
Protein 41g
Rating 4.4 (9 Reviews)
Baked Lentil Casserole

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Baked Lentil Casserole

  • 3 cups water
  • Dry Lentils
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Dried Marjoram
  • Rubbed Sage
  • Dried Thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Fresh Tomatoes
  • Cheddar Cheese

How to Make Baked Lentil Casserole

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup brown or green lentils, 1 medium onion (chopped), 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 cup chopped celery, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried marjoram, 1 teaspoon dried sage, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Add 3 cups of water.
  3. Pour the mixture into a greased 13x9 inch casserole dish. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil.
  4. Bake for 45 minutes.
  5. Remove from oven and stir in 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes (undrained).
  6. Cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese).
  8. Bake uncovered for 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove bay leaf before serving. Enjoy!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

22 g

Sugar

15g

Fat

37g

Carbs

10g