Cheesy Lentil Potato Bake (Printable Version)
Layered potato and bean bake with vegetables, finished with cheddar for a cozy, budget-friendly main dish.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Mashed Potato Layer
01 - 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
02 - 1/3 cup unsweetened soy milk
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - Salt, to taste
05 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Legume Filling
06 - 2 cups cooked brown lentils or mixed white beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 cup vegetable broth
14 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Topping
15 - 3/4 cup shredded vegan cheddar-style cheese
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Place potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until fork-tender.
02 - Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Add soy milk, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as desired.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Add lentils or beans and frozen vegetables to the skillet. Stir in thyme, oregano, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 7–8 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and mixture to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Layer lentil filling evenly in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading to cover completely. Sprinkle shredded vegan cheddar over the top.
06 - Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and the filling is bubbling. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Relies mostly on pantry and freezer staples
- Affordable ingredients feed a crowd with little effort
- Delicious way to eat more plant proteins
- Cheesy mashed potatoes are always a hit
02 -
- This dish is high in fiber and protein
- Naturally freezer friendly make ahead for busy nights
03 -
- Smooth your potato topping all the way to the edge to keep the filling juicy
- Taste your broth before adding for the right salt balance
- Let it cool five minutes after baking so slices hold their shape best