Description
Very Veggie Lentil Bake: Hearty, veggie-packed comfort food built with lentils and colorful vegetables, perfect for family dinners and meal prep. A delicious, nourishing vegetarian casserole with easy 15-minute prep and oven-baked goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1½ cups cooked lentils (green or brown)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14–15 oz)
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded vegetarian cheese or plant-based cheese
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms, cooking until slightly tender.
- Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving and garnish if desired.
Notes
- Make ahead: Prepare the vegetable mixture (steps 1-4) and refrigerate; bake later for 25–30 minutes.
- To make it vegan: Use plant-based cheese or omit cheese entirely.
- Leftovers store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days; refrigerate promptly.
- Freeze portion for longer storage up to 2 months.
- For extra protein, add a handful of chopped spinach or kale.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of dish)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Very Veggie Lentil Bake, lentil bake, vegetarian casserole, veggie lentil dish, easy lentil recipe, 15-minute prep, veggie bake, plant-based dinner