Easy Cheesy Lentil Rice Casserole
Comfort food meets wholesome goodness with this Easy Cheesy Lentil Rice Casserole—a hearty, protein-packed dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals. This one-pan recipe combines tender green or brown lentils, fluffy white or brown rice, and fresh baby spinach, all simmered in rich vegetable broth and spiced with smoked paprika and oregano for a burst of flavor. Finished with a layer of golden, bubbling cheddar cheese, this casserole is oven-baked to perfection in under an hour. It’s an ideal vegetarian dinner option that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying. Serve this versatile casserole on its own or pair it with a crisp side salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rinse the lentils and rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the lentils, rice, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with the juices), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and rice have absorbed most of the liquid and are tender.
Stir in the baby spinach until wilted. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Transfer the lentil and rice mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, cheesy dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
342 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.2 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.1 g | 46% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 699 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.9 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.9 g | ||
| Protein | 16.6 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 323 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 553 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
