The Best Recipes Using Lentils

Here you will find The Best Recipes Using Lentils. If you ask me, using lentils is so underrated! They are super cheap to buy but are very high in protein, making them a great and inexpensive substitute for meat.

Lentils are always found in my pantry because I love to have them on hand for a quick and filling meatless dinner recipe. For those nights when you aren’t sure what to make and just need something easy and protein packed.

When using lentils in the recipe, you can forgo another form of meat for protein and add whatever else sounds good.

Be sure to save and pin this post for when you need to stay on budget at the end of the month or when there’s a busy weeknight ahead and you only have a little time to prepare a simple dinner recipe.

The Best and Easy Lentil Recipes:

Curious how I made these recipes step-by-step? Click here to watch the video!

Lentil Bolognese

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3/4 lb spaghetti or any pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 8 oz white mushrooms, diced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 14 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 24 oz pasta sauce
• 1 cup lentils – any color – rinsed
• 2 cups water

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta on the stove according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, mushrooms, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms have softened.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, lentils, water, Italian seasoning and bay leaf. Mix well, then cover the skillet with a lid. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are fully cooked.
4. Serve the lentil bolognese over the cooked pasta. Top with grated parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!

Lentil Curry Casserole

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 14 oz can diced tomatoes
• 14 oz can coconut milk
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 cup lentils – brown or green – rinsed
• Optional toppings for serving
  • Lime
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Cooker rice
  • Naan bread

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. To a 9×13 baking dish, add in the oil, garlic, onion, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, vegetable broth, seasonings and lentils. (Everything except the optional toppings for the end)
3. Stir. Cover tightly with foil bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes
4. Remove the foil bake for an additional 10 minutes
5. Stir well.
6. Top with lime juice and cilantro serve with rice and naan bread.

One Pot Lentil Mexican Skillet

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced (or you can use a normal potato)
• 1 1/2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup lentils – brown or green – rinsed
• 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz can corn, drained
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, and sweet potatoes, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until they begin to soften.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning
3. Add the remaining ingredients except the cheese, bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Are lentils healthy?

Yes! They are a great source of protein that can be used in many different recipes.

What do lentils taste like?

Lentils are often described as having a similar taste to beans. They have a nutty flavor and are softer once cooked.

Do lentils need to be washed?

Yes, similar to rice or beans, you will want to rinse the lentils before cooking to remove any debris or dirt left over.

Do lentils need to be soaked before cooking?

Nope! That is one of the great things about lentils. Short of having to wash them, lentils are ready to cook right away.

More meatless recipes to enjoy:

• Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet
• Veggie Pasta
• Pesto Orzo Casserole
• Broccoli Panko Orzo

Quick links for making dinner easy:

• Family meal plans
• Tools for the kitchen and more
• The best cookbook for family dinner recipes
• FREE budget meal plan
• Cooking videos to watch

If you give these recipes a try, make sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and let us know how much you liked the recipes!