Vegetarian Lentil Casserole: Cozy & Powerful 7-Step Bake

Name: Vegetarian Lentil Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 cups uncooked green lentils, rinsed; 1.5 cups peeled and chopped potatoes; 1 medium carrot, finely chopped; ½ cup green peas, fresh or frozen; 1 stalk celery, finely chopped; 1 large red onion, finely chopped; 2–3 large garlic cloves, minced; 1 can diced tomatoes, with juices; 2¾ cups vegetable stock; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon red chili flakes; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; Salt, to taste; 2 cups shredded melting cheese of choice; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one recipe that checks all the boxes—comforting, nourishing, budget-friendly, and weeknight-easy—it’s this vegetarian lentil casserole. Warm, cheesy, and loaded with veggies, this is the kind of dish that feels like a hug after a long day. And the best part? It’s mostly hands-off. You toss everything into a baking dish, let the oven do the heavy lifting, and boom—dinner magic.

As a chef who’s cooked for busy families, last-minute guests, and my own “what’s-for-dinner-again?” nights, I can tell you this casserole earns a permanent spot in the recipe rotation. It’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table, even the ones who swear they “need meat.” (Spoiler: they won’t miss it.)

Let’s dig in.

Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Lentil Casserole

This vegetarian lentil casserole isn’t trying to be fancy—it’s trying to be reliable, delicious, and comfortingly familiar. Here’s why it works so well:

One dish, minimal cleanup (because no one dreams of doing dishes)
Protein-packed lentils that keep you full and energized
Simple vegetables you probably already have on hand
Cheesy, bubbly topping that seals the deal
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers that actually taste better the next day

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and cozy, this casserole shows up every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Nothing Complicated Here)

Here’s what goes into this comforting bake. Think humble ingredients coming together for big flavor.

Ingredients for vegetarian lentil casserole including lentils vegetables and spices — Fresh ingredients prepared for vegetarian lentil casserole, including lentils, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings.

1.5 cups uncooked green lentils (about 280 g)
1.5 cups peeled, chopped potatoes (about 250 g)
1 medium carrot, peeled and finely chopped
½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 large red onion, finely chopped
2–3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 can diced tomatoes (about 14.5 oz / 411 g)
2¾ cups vegetable stock
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt, to taste
2 cups melting cheese of choice (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Chef tip: Green lentils are ideal here—they hold their shape and give the casserole a satisfying, hearty texture.

How to Make Vegetarian Lentil Casserole (Step-by-Step)

This is truly a dump-and-bake situation. No stovetop juggling required.

Step 1: Prep the Lentils

Rinse the green lentils thoroughly under cold water. Transfer them directly into a large baking dish.

Step 2: Add the Veggies

Add the chopped potatoes, carrot, peas, celery, red onion, and minced garlic right into the dish. No pre-cooking needed—everything softens beautifully in the oven.

Step 3: Season & Build Flavor

Sprinkle in the oregano, red chili flakes, black pepper, and salt. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the vegetable stock. Give everything a really good mix so the flavors get friendly.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (200°C) for 1½ hours, stirring once halfway through to keep things evenly cooked.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Carefully remove the foil (watch that steam!). Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Your kitchen will smell incredible—fair warning.

Vegetarian lentil casserole slice served with cheese and fresh toppings — A hearty slice of vegetarian lentil casserole served warm with melted cheese and fresh toppings for a comforting meal.

Cooking Tips from My Kitchen to Yours

If it looks soupy halfway through, don’t panic. Lentils soak up liquid as they cook. Trust the process.
Short on time? Dice your vegetables small so they cook faster and evenly.
Like it extra cheesy? Add a little cheese inside the casserole before baking, not just on top.
No foil? Use a tight-fitting oven-safe lid or parchment paper plus a baking sheet on top.

And yes—if your cheese browns a little unevenly, congratulations. That’s the good stuff.

A Little Personal Note from Chef Omar

This vegetarian lentil casserole became a go-to after one of those evenings when friends showed up hungry and unannounced. I had lentils, vegetables, and cheese—so I improvised. The dish disappeared faster than I could say “seconds?” and I’ve been making it ever since. It’s proof that simple food, cooked with care, always wins.

FAQs About Vegetarian Lentil Casserole

Can I use canned lentils instead of dry?

You can, but reduce the cooking time and liquid significantly. Dry lentils give the best texture here.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella for meltiness, cheddar for bold flavor, or a mix of both. Use what you love.

How long does this keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it keeps well for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

One Last Cozy Thought Before You Go

This vegetarian lentil casserole is more than just dinner—it’s comfort, nourishment, and simplicity baked into one dish. It’s the recipe you make on busy nights, chilly evenings, or whenever you need something reliable and satisfying. Serve it with a simple salad, some crusty bread, or just a big spoon and a quiet moment.

From my kitchen to yours, happy cooking—and don’t forget to enjoy that first cheesy bite.

Keep the Cozy Cooking Going

If this vegetarian lentil casserole hit the spot, there are plenty of other comforting, nourishing dishes waiting for you. These recipes keep the same cozy, feel-good vibe—perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and homemade.

For another oven-baked favorite that’s pure comfort food, this sweet potato lentil shepherd’s pie for cozy meatless dinners brings creamy layers and rich lentil flavor to the table.
If you’re in the mood for something warm and spoonable, you’ll love this detox Moroccan lentil soup with warming spices—perfect for chilly evenings or lighter meals.
Want a fun way to use lentils beyond casseroles? These savory vegetarian lentil meatballs for easy weeknight meals are great for pasta nights, sandwiches, or freezer-friendly cooking.
Curious about building well-rounded lentil meals? This guide on what foods go well with lentils for balanced meals is packed with practical pairing ideas you’ll use again and again.
And if you enjoy seeing how different kitchens approach the same comfort classic, this classic lentil casserole recipe inspiration from AllRecipes is a great way to explore another take on this beloved dish.

Whether you’re sticking with casseroles, branching into soups, or experimenting with new lentil recipes, there’s always another delicious idea waiting in the kitchen.