Name: Family-Style Cheesy Lentil Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 14 oz fusilli or rotini pasta (400 g, about 4½ cups dry); 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion (diced); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms (optional, blended for kids); 2 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano and basil); 3 cups marinara sauce (750 ml); 1 can lentils (14 oz / 400 g, drained and rinsed); 2 Tbsp ricotta or shredded mozzarella; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 cups baby spinach (optional, chopped small); 1 batch all-purpose cheese sauce; paprika (for garnish); grated parmesan or mozzarella (for serving)

1

Searing the Beef

Kid-friendly option: Blend mushrooms or spinach into the sauce so they disappear.
Substitutions: Swap ricotta for mascarpone or cream cheese for a smoother finish.
Serving suggestions: Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Wine pairing (adults): A soft Chianti or Pinot Noir works well.
Make-ahead: Assemble in the morning, cover, and bake in the evening.
Leftovers: Refrigerate up to 4 days; reheat covered at 325°F until hot.

Notes

1

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a 10x14 inch baking dish.

2

Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.

3

Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté onion and garlic until soft, then add mushrooms and herbs. Cook until softened.

4

Stir in marinara, lentils, ricotta or mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Simmer briefly, then stir in spinach.

5

Combine with pasta, spread into dish, cover with cheese sauce, and sprinkle with paprika.

6

Bake 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbling. Serve with extra parmesan or mozzarella.

Instructions

14 oz fusilli or rotini pasta (400 g about 4½ cups dry)

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion (diced)

2 garlic cloves (minced)

1 cup finely chopped mushrooms (optional blended for kids)

2 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano and basil)

3 cups marinara sauce (750 ml)

1 can lentils (14 oz / 400 g drained and rinsed)

2 Tbsp ricotta or shredded mozzarella

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

2 cups baby spinach (optional chopped small)

1 batch all-purpose cheese sauce

paprika (for garnish)

grated parmesan or mozzarella (for serving)

Family-Style Cheesy Lentil Bake

Anthology of Crumbs

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average rating is 5 out of 5

This casserole is comfort food the whole table can agree on. Pasta and lentils simmer in marinara until hearty, then are folded into a baking dish and finished with a creamy cheese topping. The result is bubbling, golden, and deeply satisfying. With softened mushrooms blended in, gentle seasoning, and a creamy finish, this family-style version is as welcoming to kids as it is to adults — an easy weeknight recipe that still feels special.

Servings :

6

Calories:

Prep Time

20 min

Cooking Time

25 min

Rest Time

5 min

Total Time

50 min