Looking for a hearty, nutritious, and satisfying meal that’s packed with vegetables and protein? This Veggie Lentil Bake is exactly what you need. Creamy lentils and fluffy rice are combined with a colorful mix of vegetables, layered with melted cheddar, and baked until golden and bubbling. It’s a one-dish wonder that looks simple but tastes incredible—a perfect family dinner or meal prep option.

Veggie Lentil Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Veggie Lentil Bake because it’s comforting yet healthy, simple to make, and completely customizable. It’s packed with protein and fiber from the lentils and rice, while the vegetables add color, texture, and vitamins. The cheesy topping adds just the right amount of indulgence, making this dish both satisfying and nourishing. Best of all, it’s easy to adapt with whatever vegetables you have on hand, and it reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

Tip: you’ll find full ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

110 g red lentils (~1/2 cup)
75 g white rice (~1/4 cup)
650 ml vegetable stock (~2 1/2 cups) or 2 stock cubes made up in 650 ml water
1 tbsp oil
1 small leek or 1/2 large leek, sliced
1 bell pepper, diced (orange or your choice)
5 medium mushrooms, diced
1 small courgette (zucchini) or 1/2 large, diced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Black pepper, to taste
90 g grated cheddar cheese (~1 cup)

Instructions

Cook the Lentils and Rice: Boil the lentils and rice in the vegetable stock for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. During the last 5 minutes, stir constantly to prevent sticking. Once cooked, do not drain the water; continue stirring until the mixture thickens to a porridge-like consistency.

Cook the Vegetables: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add leek, bell pepper, mushrooms, and courgette. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 190°C (375°F / Gas Mark 5).

Combine and Season: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils and rice with the sautéed vegetables. Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and plenty of black pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Layer and Add Cheese: Transfer half of the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar over the layer. Add the remaining lentil mixture on top, smooth the surface, and finish with the remaining cheese.

Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and crispy. Serve warm.

Variations

Swap cheddar for a vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
Add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, or broccoli.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added fiber.
Add a handful of cooked chickpeas for extra protein and texture.

Heating and Storage

This bake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm. For meal prep, you can portion it into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners. This dish is not suitable for freezing as the texture of the vegetables may change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use green lentils instead of red lentils?

Yes, but cooking time may increase slightly, and the texture will be firmer.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the lentils and vegetables, layer with cheese, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use pre-cooked lentils?

Absolutely. Reduce the initial cooking time and adjust the stock amount accordingly.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes, add extra cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes to the mixture.

Can I omit the cheese?

Yes, it will still be tasty. Consider adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

What type of baking dish should I use?

Any oven-safe dish, preferably 8×8 inches or similar size, works well for even cooking.

Can I add herbs?

Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary can be added for extra flavor.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free stock and check that your cheese is gluten-free.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, but reduce cooking time when sautéing as frozen vegetables release extra moisture.

How do I get a crispy cheese topping?

Ensure the oven is fully preheated and bake until the cheese is golden brown. Broiling for 1-2 minutes at the end can give extra crispiness.

Conclusion

This Veggie Lentil Bake is a versatile, wholesome, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. It’s colorful, packed with flavor, and easy to adapt to suit your taste. With minimal effort, you get a comforting one-dish meal that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.