(This blog was created by guest blogger, Mollie Stover, a nutrition exercise health science and dietetic student at the Univerity of Nebraska-Lincoln.)

Are you interested in incorporating more nutritious, meatless meals into your diet?  If you are, this Lentil Casserole is an excellent recipe for you.

This quick and easy recipe provides a delectable lentil-vegetable medley that is rich in protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

• Yield: 5 servings
• Cooking time: 1 hour
• Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils (rinsed)
• ¾ cups water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 can diced tomatoes (16 ounces)
• 2 thinly chopped carrots
• ½ shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Rinse lentils in a colander
3. Combine lentils, water, onion, tomatoes, and seasoning
4. Cover tightly with tinfoil or a lid and bake for 30 minutes
5. Remove from oven and stir in carrots 
6. Cover once again and place in oven for an additional 30 minutes
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle cheese on top
8. Bake, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted
9. Enjoy!