Cook Your Meatless Monday Dinner on the Cheap With These 15 Lentil Recipes (2024)

There’s a misconception that eating vegetarian (or healthy in general) is really expensive. Wrong! You can *totally* find budget-friendly ingredients like lentils at any grocery store. The fiber-rich pulses, beans that are part of the legume family, are full of protein and make a great meat substitute in a host of filling dinner recipes. We’ve made the searching easy for you with these 15 cheap lentil recipes that’ll change the way you make dinner for your family.

Cheesy Lentil, Mushroom, and Rice Bake

You won’t find any cream of mushroom soup in this modern-day casserole. It’s full of protein-rich lentils, Pecorino-Romano cheese, cremini mushrooms, and brown rice to satisfy your tastebuds and keep you full. (via The Kitchn)

Lentil Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Really, is there anything zucchini can’t do? When it comes to being a vehicle for saucy lentils, the answer is no. (via Little Spice Jar)

Vegan Sloppy Joes

Sloppy joes are comfort food at its finest. To make them meatless, use lentils in place of beef and no one will object. (via Minimalist Baker)

Baked Eggplant With Lentils, Tomatoes, and Herby Topping

Who would have thought that a dish as elegant as this one could be so cheap? Serve up this vegan course at your next dinner party and the portions will be pennies on the dollar. (via Quite Good Food)

Beet Braised Lentils

There’s something about the deep violet color of this dish that’s so inviting. The earthiness of the beets pair perfectly with the lentils and are lovely topped with pungent crumbled blue cheese to finish. (via Feasting at Home)

Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry

When the takeout menu doesn’t have what you want, you just have to make it yourself! This lentil curry is a worthy substitute, and you’ll likely have leftovers for work the next day. (via The Endless Meal)

Easy Lentil Meatballs

These versatile meatballs will be a staple on your dinner menu from here on out. Whether you toss them with marinara, BBQ, or a sauce of your own creation, you’ll get a finger-licking result every time. (via Minimalist Baker)

Mushroom Lentil Loaf

This definitely isn’t your mother’s meatloaf. The fillers may be the same, but at the core are dozens of healthful lentils that keep this classic dish vegan and gluten-free. (via Pumpkin and Peanut Butter)

Italian Vegetable Lentil Soup

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of vegetable soup that nourishes you from the inside out. Tear off a chunk of crusty bread to sop up all of the juices and experience all of the hygge vibes. (via Cooking Classy)

Lentil Chili

If you love meatless chili but are tired of relying on beans to beef it up, this lentil version will get you back in the game. Top with shredded cheddar, croutons, and hot sauce for an added bite. (via Little Broken)

Lentil Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

This filling Shepherd’s pie has a hearty lentil base with tons of fresh herbs and spices to keep the flavor popping. (via Le Petit Eats)

Easy Lentil Quesadillas

Maybe you’ve dabbled in a roasted veggie or plain cheese quesadilla for meatless Monday, but this lentil and pepper jack variation is a great way to switch it up. Use canned lentils to make the process super quick and easy. (via Pinch of Yum)

One-Pot Cheesy Mexican Lentils, Black Beans, and Rice

Go ahead and treat yourself to a margarita for only dirtying one pan for dinner — score! Serve this simple skillet with a dollop of guac and sour cream on top to finish the Mexican feast. (via Recipe Runner)

Quinoa and Lentil Bolognese With Spaghetti Squash

Holy moly, this faux spaghetti bolognese is brimming with vital nutrients that your body craves. You can feel so good about this one, dessert is definitely in order. (via Simply Quinoa)

Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Tacos With Creamy Chipotle Sauce

Before you question the unusual lentil and cauliflower taco filling, here us out. The lentils soak up all of the spices you cook them in, and the cauliflower adds a wonderful crunchy texture. Drizzle them heavily with chipotle sauce and you’ll soon be obsessed. (via Cookie and Kate)

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Paige Johnson

Paige is a blogger, food writer and culinary master from Louisville, Ky. She's a newlywed who's obsessed with dogs and renovating her 117 year old home. When she's not working on her blog — My Modern Cookery — you can find her binge watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S with a triple shot latte in-hand.

Cook Your Meatless Monday Dinner on the Cheap With These 15 Lentil Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What goes well with lentils? ›

If you have a few root vegetables hanging out in your fridge, those are also great with lentils, like in this warm lentil and root vegetable salad with parsnips and carrots. Lentils are particularly nice with cheese, as in this grilled halloumi and lentil salad.

What is the best way to eat lentils? ›

Lentils are great in soups, as an addition to salads, and as a vegetarian protein source in recipes traditionally made with meat.

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Which color lentil is healthiest? ›

Black Lentils (Beluga lentils)

Best of all, black lentils are the most nutritious variety of lentils, boasting the highest amount of protein, plus high levels of calcium, potassium, and iron.

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Is it OK to eat lentils everyday? ›

Most people can enjoy lentils as part of their regular diet without any concern. But lentils also contain natural compounds called anti-nutrients. These substances bind with nutrients like iron and zinc, making them harder for our bodies to absorb. Soaking and cooking lentils can help reduce this effect.

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What do lentils do to your gut? ›

Lentils are high in fiber, which supports regular bowel movements and the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Eating lentils can increase your stool weight and improve your overall gut function ( 5 ).

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Why do I feel so good after eating lentils? ›

Lentils are rich in fibre, folate and potassium making them a great choice for the heart and for managing blood pressure and cholesterol. They are also a source of energising iron and vitamin B1 which helps maintain a steady heartbeat.

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What makes lentils taste better? ›

Think more like you're cooking pasta- you just need significantly more water than lentils. You can also use broth instead of adding an extra layer of flavor. I like adding a bay leaf, an onion cut in half, and a clove of garlic to add flavor to the lentils.

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What to pair with lentils for complete protein? ›

Alternatively, a full complement of amino acids can be achieved by pairing lentils with whole grains such as rice or wheat. Lentils are also a great source of fiber, vitamin B1 and folic acid, and are naturally gluten-free.

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What protein pairs with lentils? ›

Grains Grains, such as rice, oats, wheat, rye and corn, can act as complementary proteins for legumes such as lentils. They contain the cysteine and methionine that lentils lack, and lentils provide the lysine that grains do not contain enough of.

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What food goes well with lentils and rice? ›

You can serve the lentils and rice as a side dish, along with a big salad and some grilled or baked tofu or tempeh. Or you could make it a main dish along with some veggies: roasted beets, broccoli, and cauliflower all work really nicely with it.

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Are lentils carbs or proteins? ›

Lentils are high in fibre, and complex carbohydrates, while low in fat and calories. Their high protein content makes lentils a perfect option for those looking to boost their protein intake. They are naturally gluten-free, making them a delicious staple in a gluten-free kitchen.