Lentil Casserole with Mushrooms

4.93 from 13 votes

This Lentil Casserole combines lots of wholesome vegetables with hearty lentils and flavorful mushrooms, creamy sauce, and cheesy topping.

Prep Time20

Cook Time1 5

Total Time1 25

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: North American

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: servings

Calories: 274kcal

1 large onion finely chopped
3 large celery stalks finely chopped
2 large carrots coarsely grated
3 tablespoons oil for frying
1 pound brown mushrooms sliced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 1/2 cups green lentils uncooked & rinsed
11 ounces can organic cream of mushroom soup I use Pacific Foods or Simple Truth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups water or low sodium vegetable broth
1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and spray large 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
Preheat large skillet on medium heat and swirl 2 tablespoons of oil to coat. Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add celery and carrots, sauté for more 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to previously prepared baking dish (everything gets mixed here).
Return skillet to high heat and add mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes or until a bit browned, draining liquid into the baking dish as necessary (flavourful broth for baking) and stirring occasionally. Transfer mushrooms to the baking dish.
Return skillet to low heat and add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, along with thyme and garlic powder. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add lentils and cook for 2 minutes. Add water or broth, bring to a boil and transfer to the baking dish, scraping the bits off the bottom of the skillet.
Add mushroom soup, salt and ground black. Stir well, cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15 minutes. Then sprinkle with cheese and bake for 5 more minutes or until cheese is melted.
Remove casserole from the oven, cover and let stand for about 20 minutes (very important - casserole is just tastier this way). Serve hot on its own or over spinach, greens, brown rice or whole grain pasta.