Lentils Sausage Casserole

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!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 pieces sausages (e.g., pork, chicken, or vegetarian)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 piece celery stalk, diced
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
• 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat a large, deep skillet or casserole dish over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the olive oil to the pan. Once heated, brown the sausages on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 4

Rinse the dried lentils under cold water, then add them to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable stock, and tomato paste. Mix well.

Step 6

Add the dried thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to integrate the spices.

Step 7

Nestle the browned sausages back into the skillet, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2027.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2831.2

Total Fat 164.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 50.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.1g
Cholesterol 307.9mg	0%
Sodium 7868.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 192.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 39.5g	0%
Total Sugars 40.2g
Protein 136.1g	0%

Vitamin D 120.0IU	0%
Calcium 551.6mg	0%
Iron 24.8mg	0%
Potassium 4843.8mg	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: 53.0%

Protein: 19.5%

Carbs: 27.5%