Cozy up with this hearty Lentils Sausage Casserole, a one-pot comfort food classic that's perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping! Packed with wholesome ingredients like protein-rich lentils, flavorful sausages, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, this dish strikes the perfect balance between nutrition and indulgence. A robust blend of dried thyme, smoked paprika, and a touch of tomato paste adds depth to the rich, savory sauce, while a simmered-in bay leaf enhances the rustic flavors. Ready in just over an hour, this casserole is a satisfying crowd-pleaser that can be customized with pork, chicken, or vegetarian sausages. Serve it piping hot, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, to enjoy a comforting meal that's both hearty and healthy. Perfect for lovers of one-pan recipes, this dish is sure to become a dinnertime favorite!
Preheat a large, deep skillet or casserole dish over medium heat.
Add the olive oil to the pan. Once heated, brown the sausages on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Rinse the dried lentils under cold water, then add them to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable stock, and tomato paste. Mix well.
Add the dried thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to integrate the spices.
Nestle the browned sausages back into the skillet, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Calories |
2831 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 164.6 g | 211% | |
| Saturated Fat | 50.1 g | 250% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 308 mg | 103% | |
| Sodium | 7868 mg | 342% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 192.0 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 39.5 g | 141% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.2 g | ||
| Protein | 136.1 g | 272% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.0 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 552 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 24.8 mg | 138% | |
| Potassium | 4844 mg | 103% | |
*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.