Description
This Vegetarian Lentil Casserole is a hearty, wholesome, and easy-to-make dinner packed with brown lentils, vibrant vegetables, and savory herbs. It offers comforting flavors and satisfying textures in a one-pan dish perfect for any season and ideal for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (mild melting)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Lentils: Rinse the brown lentils under cold water to remove any debris. Cook them in simmering vegetable broth until tender but not mushy, about 20-25 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 7-8 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking or burning.
- Combine Tomatoes, Lentils, and Seasonings: Mix in the cooked lentils and canned diced tomatoes alongside vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the lentil and vegetable mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with plant-based cheese and evenly distribute the natural gelling agent for a lovely consistency as it bakes.
- Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Choose lentils wisely: Brown lentils hold their shape well, but other varieties will change texture and cooking time.
- Don’t skip sautéing: Cooking vegetables first builds layers of flavor.
- Use fresh herbs for a bright, aromatic quality.
- Check seasoning before baking and adjust salt, pepper, or vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) as needed.
- Let the casserole rest after baking so the texture sets perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegetarian, lentil casserole, plant-based, gluten free, easy dinner, healthy, wholesome
