Savory Carrot and Lentil Bake
This hearty dish is a wholesome fusion of nutritious lentils, brown rice, and carrots, packed with aromatic herbs and topped with cheese—a satisfying meal that is both light and fulfilling. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for a busy week, this casserole can easily be enhanced with your favorite toppings like sour cream and salsa for added zest and creaminess.
6
Servings
200
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
large onion
1 (chopped)
finely chopped carrot
1 cup (finely chopped)
dried lentils
3/4 cup (rinsed)
uncooked brown rice
3/4 cup
shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup
green pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
rubbed sage
1/4 teaspoon
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon
chicken broth
14 1/2 ounces can
diced tomatoes
14 1/2 ounces can (undrained)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2
Coat a 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
3
In the prepared baking dish, combine the chopped onion, carrots, rinsed lentils, uncooked brown rice, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green pepper, and seasonings: thyme, basil, oregano, salt, rubbed sage, and garlic powder.
4
Pour in the chicken broth and undrained diced tomatoes, mixing all ingredients thoroughly.
5
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent moisture from escaping.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 hours. The casserole is done when the liquid is fully absorbed, and the lentils and rice are tender.
7
Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
8
Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of salsa on top for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
10g
Protein
5g
Fiber
400mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Carrot and Lentil Bake?
It is a hearty, wholesome casserole featuring lentils, brown rice, carrots, and aromatic herbs topped with melted cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What oven temperature is required for this bake?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F.
How long does the Savory Carrot and Lentil Bake take to cook?
It takes between 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes to bake.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 3-quart baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray is recommended.
Do I need to precook the lentils or rice?
No, both the lentils (rinsed) and the brown rice are added to the dish uncooked.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained before adding?
No, use the diced tomatoes undrained as the liquid helps cook the rice and lentils.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is specifically noted as an ideal meal for busy weeks and meal prep.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 200 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
What are the primary herbs used for seasoning?
The dish uses dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, and rubbed sage.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes; although the recipe calls for chicken broth, you can substitute it with vegetable broth to make it fully vegetarian.
What kind of cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
How much fiber does a serving contain?
Each serving provides 5 grams of dietary fiber.
What is the sodium content per serving?
Each serving contains 400mg of sodium.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 14 ingredients.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent moisture from escaping.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The casserole is done when the liquid is fully absorbed and the lentils and rice are tender.
What optional toppings are recommended?
You can add a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of salsa for extra flavor.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, it uses 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What type of rice is used?
The recipe specifies uncooked brown rice.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be finely chopped before being added to the dish.
Can I add green peppers?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of chopped green pepper.
What is the recipe category?
It is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Does the recipe contain any added sugar?
No, the sugar content for this recipe is null or negligible.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe requires one 14 1/2 ounce can of chicken broth.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
Is this a frugal recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as frugal cooking because it uses affordable staples like rice, lentils, and carrots.