Lentils and Rice Casserole

Transform simple pantry staples into a hearty, wholesome meal with this Lentils and Rice Casserole, a one-dish wonder that’s both nutritious and deeply satisfying. Packed with protein-rich brown lentils, fragrant long-grain white rice, and an aromatic blend of cumin, paprika, and thyme, this casserole is simmered in vegetable broth and baked to perfection. The addition of garlic, onion, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley elevates its flavor, while an optional topping of melted cheddar cheese adds a rich, comforting finish. Perfect as a vegetarian main course or a versatile side dish, this recipe is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and ideal for meal prep. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or savor the leftovers for a quick, nourishing meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown lentils
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and set aside.

Step 3

In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the cumin powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.

Step 6

Stir in the rinsed lentils, uncooked rice, and vegetable broth. Mix well to ensure the spices and ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet or dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.

Step 8

Transfer the covered dish to the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the lentils and rice are tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.

Step 9

Carefully remove the dish from the oven and fluff the lentils and rice with a fork, stirring in the chopped parsley for extra flavor and freshness.

Step 10

If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole and return it to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

Step 11

Serve warm as a main dish or a side, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1262.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1477.1

Total Fat 72.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 30.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.8g
Cholesterol 120mg	0%
Sodium 4776.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 149.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.8g	0%
Total Sugars 14.8g
Protein 64.9g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1024.4mg	0%
Iron 15.8mg	0%
Potassium 2342.1mg	0%

*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: 43.2%

Protein: 17.2%

Carbs: 39.6%