Save A warming, rustic casserole featuring tender lentils, savory sausages, and aromatic vegetables baked together for a comforting, protein-rich meal.
I first made this casserole on a rainy weekend when comfort food was all we wanted. The blend of lentils with herbed sausages made it a family favorite for nourishing weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Pork sausages: 4 large sausages (about 400 g), preferably herbed or smoked
- Dried lentils: 1 1/2 cups (300 g) green or brown lentils, rinsed
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Carrots: 2, peeled and diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g / 14 oz)
- Bay leaf: 1
- Thyme: 2 sprigs fresh (or 1 tsp dried)
- Parsley: 2 tbsp chopped fresh, for garnish
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 3 cups (720 ml), low-sodium
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Set oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brown sausages:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large ovenproof casserole on medium heat. Add sausages and cook on all sides about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add remaining olive oil to the casserole. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add aromatics:
- Stir in garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add lentils and liquids:
- Pour in lentils, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, and broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine and season:
- Nestle browned sausages into the mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake:
- Cover and transfer to oven. Bake for 50–60 minutes until lentils are tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Finish:
- Remove from oven, discard bay leaf and thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish:
- Scatter chopped parsley before serving.
Save This dish gets requested for Sunday family dinners, especially when the kids help sprinkle parsley just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread to soak up all the tomato-rich juices. A robust red wine pairs perfectly for adults.
Make It Vegetarian
Swap the sausages for smoked tofu or plant-based sausages, and proceed as usual for a meat-free version.
Extra Greens
Stir in chopped kale or spinach in the last 10 minutes of baking for an added nutrition and vibrant color boost.
Save This casserole is a meal-in-one that delivers comfort every time. Enjoy the leftovers or freeze for future busy nights!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute different sausages?
Yes, herbed or smoked pork sausages are recommended, but you can use chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausages for variation.
- → How should I prepare the lentils for baking?
Rinse lentils thoroughly before using. No need to soak; they will cook fully during the baking process with the broth.
- → What vegetables complement this dish?
Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic provide a flavorful base. You can also add kale or spinach near the end for extra greens.
- → Can this dish be made ahead of time?
It’s ideal for preparing ahead; simply reheat gently in the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- → What sides pair well with this casserole?
Crusty bread and a robust red wine complement the hearty flavors and texture perfectly.