Ranch Style Lentil Casserole

Dive into comfort food heaven with this hearty Ranch Style Lentil Casserole, a flavorful and wholesome dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Packed with protein-rich green or brown lentils, tender sautéed vegetables, and the zesty kick of ranch seasoning, this casserole delivers on both nutrition and taste. A touch of smoked paprika and cumin adds a smoky, warming depth, while a golden layer of melted cheddar cheese creates a satisfying finish. Quick to prepare with just 15 minutes of prep time, this one-pan wonder bakes to bubbly perfection in under an hour. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve it as a standalone meal or alongside a crisp green salad for a complete, balanced dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry green or brown lentils
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Rinse the lentils under cold water to remove any debris, then place them in a medium saucepan with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water and set aside.

Step 3

While the lentils cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5

Stir the canned diced tomatoes, ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 6

Stir the cooked lentils into the skillet with the vegetable and tomato mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.

Step 7

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

Step 8

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

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley (if desired) before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1730.4 grams (1730.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1323

Total Fat 81.50g	104%
Saturated Fat 31.70g	159%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.20g
Cholesterol 129mg	43%
Sodium 3904mg	170%
Total Carbohydrate 91.90g	33%
Dietary Fiber 29.00g	104%
Total Sugars 27.10g
Protein 55.90g	112%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1117mg	86%
Iron 12mg	67%
Potassium 2158mg	46%

*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: 55.4%

Protein: 16.9%

Carbs: 27.7%