Mexican Lentil Casserole

Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 1 hr 5 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
• 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (brown rice is recommended)
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or 1/2 cup monterey jack cheese

Recipe

• 1 in a large saucepan, saute the onions, green peppers, and celery in heated oil over medium heat for 5 minutes.
• 2 add in the water; bring to a boil.
• 3 stir in the lentils; cover, lower heat, and simmer 40 minutes (do not drain).
• 4 transfer lentil mixture to a large bowl; add in cooked rice, tomato paste, taco seasoning mix, and chili powder; stir to combine.
• 5 transfer mixture to a lightly greased medium-sized casserole dish.
• 6 bake, uncovered, in a 350° oven for 20 minutes.
• 7 sprinkle tortilla chips and cheese on top.
• 8 bake another 5 minutes or until cheese melts.