Cheesy Bean & Lentil Vegetarian Casserole
Ingredients
- splash olive or avocado oil
for sauteeing
- 1.5 cups yellow or white onion
diced
- 2 tsp garlic
minced
- 1 19 oz can green lentils
do not substitute dry lentils for canned, the recipe won't work the same!
- 1 19 oz can black or kidney beans
- 1 28 oz can plain diced tomatoes
- ¼ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp ground cayenne
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
*
- 2 cups cheese of your choice
I use sharp or tex-mex
Directions
- 1
Saute onions and garlic in a splash of olive or avocado oil in a large pot for about five minutes.
- 2
Meanwhile, DRAIN and RINSE the beans. Drain the lentils and tomatoes. Add the beans, lentils, and tomatoes to the onion and garlic in the pot.Add the cumin, cayenne powder, onion powder, salt, and bring the mixture to a boil. Turn the heat to low and let simmer for about 20 minutes. Turn your oven to broil.
- 3
Pour the mixture into an oven-safe dish (I use a 2.5-quart dish). Cover the mixture with shredded cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is nice and bubbly but not burnt (keep an eye on it if you don't use your broiler much!).Serve and enjoy!
Cheesy Bean & Lentil Vegetarian Casserole
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About this Recipe
Craving healthy vegetarian comfort food that's also incredibly easy to make? This Cheesy Bean & Lentil Vegetarian Casserole is your answer, delivering rich flavor and satisfying plant protein without the fuss.
This casserole shines by marrying convenience with hearty satisfaction. The genius lies in utilizing canned green lentils, which ensures a perfectly tender texture and drastically cuts down on cooking time, unlike dry lentils that require extensive pre-soaking and simmering. Paired with canned beans and diced tomatoes, it comes together effortlessly, proving that robust, flavorful vegetarian meals don't need to be complicated, with just 5 minutes of prep and 25 minutes to cook.
Get ready for a truly comforting experience that warms you from the inside out. Each spoonful of this cheesy bean and lentil casserole offers a delicious medley of savory flavors, enhanced by aromatic cumin, a gentle kick from ground cayenne, and the foundational sweetness of sautéed onion and garlic. You'll savor the hearty, slightly chewy texture of the beans and lentils, all bound together by a blanket of gooey, bubbly, melted cheese. It's a dish that feels wonderfully substantial and nourishing, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that will leave you feeling content and perfectly fueled.
While delicious as is, this casserole is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with your choice of beans, using either black beans or kidney beans for their distinct textures and flavors. When it comes to the topping, a sharp cheddar or a zesty Tex-Mex blend works beautifully, but any cheese that melts well will be a winner.
This hearty casserole is ideal for cozy family dinners or as a comforting meal prep option for busy weeks. Serve it simply on its own, or with a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced vegetarian feast.