Herb-Crusted Cheddar Lentil Bake

Recipe Collection: Dinner

Herb-Crusted Cheddar Lentil Bake transforms your meal with a vegetarian masterpiece that combines the earthy goodness of lentils with aromatic herbs and a rich layer of sharp Cheddar cheese. This American cuisine dish is perfect for those seeking a hearty, nutritious option, while also being a great choice for dairy-sensitive individuals.

With its robust flavor profile, this lentil bake is versatile enough to serve as a comforting main dish or a satisfying side. Easily accessible through the easyChef Pro App, you can explore personalized recipe recommendations, AI-powered pantry tracking, and smart shopping lists to streamline your meal prep. Select this recipe today and enjoy step-by-step guidance to create a delicious meal effortlessly!

Overview

This delightful dish combines the earthy flavors of lentils with a medley of aromatic herbs and vegetables, all topped with a golden layer of sharp Cheddar cheese. Perfect for vegetarians and loved by meat-eaters alike, this hearty casserole is both comforting and nutritious.

Diet Type

Vegetarian

Allergies

Dairy

Cuisine

American

Serving Size: 6

Cooking Time: 100 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 Cups (cups) water
• 1⅔ Cups (cups) dry lentils
• 1 14.5 Ounces (oz) can stewed tomatoes
• 2 Large onions, minced
• 3 Cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Teaspoons (tsp) salt
• 0.25 Teaspoon (tsp) pepper
• 0.25 Teaspoon (tsp) dried marjoram
• 0.25 Teaspoon (tsp) dried sage
• 0.25 Teaspoon (tsp) dried thyme
• 1 Large bay leaf
• 2 Large carrots, sliced
• 1 Stalk celery, minced
• 1 Medium green bell pepper, minced
• 1.5 Cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a 3-quart casserole dish, combine the water, lentils, stewed tomatoes, onions, garlic, salt, pepper, marjoram, sage, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well to mix the ingredients evenly.
3. Bake the mixture, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Remove the dish from the oven and stir in the carrots and celery. Cover the dish and return it to the oven. Continue baking until the lentils and vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes.
5. Stir in the minced green bell pepper, then evenly sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top.
6. Bake, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy your savory herb-crusted baked lentils with cheddar as a comforting main dish or a hearty side.

Enjoy your homemade Herb-Crusted Cheddar Lentil Bake!