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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
Craving comfort food that doesn’t blow your grocery budget? This Cheesy Lentil Bake is about to become your new best friend. Creamy, cheesy, packed with protein, and made with pantry staples—it’s the kind of dish that tastes like it came from a cozy bistro, not your meal prep list.
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Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Feels indulgent, costs under $1.50 a serving
- Packed with fiber and plant-based protein
- Great for batch cooking or meal prep
- Cozy, melty cheese on top (yes please!)
- Uses mostly shelf-stable ingredients
Budget-Friendly Ingredients
| Ingredient | Cost (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Lentils (1 cup) | $0.70 | Green or brown work best |
| Onion (1 medium) | $0.25 | Diced |
| Garlic (2 cloves) | $0.10 | Minced |
| Carrot (1 large) | $0.20 | Grated |
| Canned Tomatoes (1) | $0.50 | Diced or crushed |
| Dried Herbs (1 tsp) | $0.10 | Basil, oregano, or Italian mix |
| Salt & Pepper | $0.05 | To taste |
| Shredded Cheese (1 c) | $0.75 | Cheddar or mozzarella |
Total Estimated Cost:
$2.65 for 4 servings ($0.66 per serving)
How to Make It
1. Cook the lentils: In a pot, cover lentils with water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain.
2. Sauté the base: In a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and carrot in oil until softened.
3. Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine cooked lentils, sautéed veggies, canned tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake it up: Pour mixture into a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
5. Let it cool slightly: Give it a few minutes to firm up before serving.
Tips for Extra Flavor
- Add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for a little kick
- Stir in spinach or kale before baking for extra greens
- Use breadcrumbs on top for crunch
More Budget Beauties You’ll Love
- One-Pot Spicy Cajun Chicken & Rice
- Creamy Garlic Ramen for Less Than $2
- Hearty Lentil Soup for Pennies
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Final Bite
This Cheesy Lentil Bake proves you can eat like royalty on a peasant budget. It’s simple, comforting, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, it checks every box.
Share this with your cozy casserole crew or pin it for a rainy day craving!
