Looking for a comforting, nutritious, and flavorful dish? This cheesy potato lentil casserole is the perfect answer. Packed with hearty lentils, creamy potatoes, and a cheesy topping, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser and ideal for any occasion. Below, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of creating this delectable dish, along with tips, variations, and more.
How to Make Cheesy Potato Lentil Casserole
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 2 cups cooked lentils (green or brown)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Pinch of nutmeg
For the Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions to Make Cheesy Potato Lentil Casserole
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or butter.
Cook the Lentils
- If you don’t have pre-cooked lentils, rinse 1 cup of dried lentils and cook them in salted boiling water for 20–25 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the peas, drained tomatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 3–4 minutes.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, then stir in shredded cheddar, mustard powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Casserole
- Spread a layer of lentils in the casserole dish.
- Add a layer of sautéed vegetables over the lentils.
- Arrange the sliced potatoes on top in an even layer.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes, ensuring they are well-covered.
Add the Topping
- Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the topping over the casserole.
Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Tips to Make the Perfect Cheesy Potato Lentil Casserole
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamy texture or Yukon Golds for a buttery flavor.
- Pre-Cook Potatoes: Parboil the potato slices for a few minutes to ensure they cook through in the oven.
- Customize the Cheese: Mix in Gruyère, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheddar for added flavor.
- Boost Flavor: Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the lentil mixture for an umami kick.
- Prevent Dryness: Ensure the cheese sauce fully covers the potatoes to avoid them drying out.
What to Serve with Cheesy Potato Lentil Casserole
- Fresh Salads: Pair with a crisp green salad or a coleslaw recipe for pulled pork for a refreshing contrast.
- Soup: Serve alongside a comforting tomato or roasted red pepper soup.
- Bread: Warm sourdough bread or garlic bread complements the creamy casserole beautifully.
- Drinks: A chilled glass of white wine or pomegranate cocktail variations adds a celebratory touch.
Variations of Cheesy Potato Lentil Casserole
- Cheesy Potato and Lentil Pie: Swap the casserole dish for a pie crust base to create a rustic savory pie.
- Vegan Version: Replace the cheese sauce with a cashew cream or vegan béchamel sauce and use nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.
- Mexican Style: Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Italian-Inspired: Layer in marinara sauce and mozzarella for an Italian-style bake.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or chili flakes for added heat.
FAQs While Making Cheesy Potato Lentil Casserole
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
Can I Freeze Cheesy Potato Lentil Casserole?
Absolutely. Bake the casserole first, let it cool completely, and freeze it in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
How Can I Ensure the Potatoes Cook Evenly?
Thinly slice the potatoes and parboil them for a few minutes to guarantee even cooking.
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead?
Yes, sweet potatoes work wonderfully and add a hint of sweetness to the dish.
Substitutes
- Lentils: Use chickpeas, black beans, or kidney beans.
- Cheese: Replace cheddar with feta, Gouda, or vegan cheese alternatives.
- Milk: Opt for almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used for the topping.
Nutrition of Cheesy Potato Lentil Casserole
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 8g
- Calcium: 25% of the daily recommended value
This casserole is not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients like fiber, protein, and essential vitamins.
For more comforting recipes, check out our guides on Nutella Puff Pastry or the classic Sourdough Grilled Cheese.
Enjoy this hearty and cheesy potato lentil casserole as a main dish or side—it’s bound to become a family favorite!
