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.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

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

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Rinse the lentils and rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the lentils, rice, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with the juices), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Stir in the baby spinach until wilted. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8

Transfer the lentil and rice mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread evenly.

Step 9

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, cheesy dish!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1938.5 grams (1938.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2044

Total Fat 109.50g	140%
Saturated Fat 54.40g	272%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.80g
Cholesterol 242mg	81%
Sodium 4827mg	210%
Total Carbohydrate 179.50g	65%
Dietary Fiber 37.40g	134%
Total Sugars 29.30g
Protein 99.20g	198%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2015mg	155%
Iron 16mg	89%
Potassium 3095mg	66%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.9%

Protein: 18.9%

Carbs: 34.2%