Roasted Veggie Lentil Skillet

Name: Roasted Veggie Lentil Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 small red onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love making this Roasted Veggie Lentil Skillet on busy weeknights when I'm craving something hearty yet healthy. The combination of roasted vegetables with protein-rich lentils creates a satisfying dish that's loaded with flavor. It's one of those meals that you can easily customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to prepare a nutritious one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this delightful, veggie-packed dish!

Created by

Heidi Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-16T00:10:22.131Z

When I first experimented with this Roasted Veggie Lentil Skillet, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could become a culinary delight. I roasted an array of seasonal vegetables alongside the lentils, which intensified their natural flavors. The key to this dish is allowing the veggies to caramelize, creating a depth of flavor that truly elevates the meal.

Over the years, I've learned to adjust the spices based on my mood, sometimes adding a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for tanginess. Each variation offers a unique twist, allowing this dish to brighten up my dinner table every time!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with vibrant roasted veggies for amazing flavor
High in protein and fiber, keeping you full and satisfied
Easy to make in one skillet, perfect for quick cleanup

      

Understanding Lentils

Lentils are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making them a key player in this dish. Green and brown lentils hold their shape well after cooking, adding texture alongside the tender roasted vegetables. Be sure to rinse them beforehand to remove any debris and impurities, ensuring a clean taste. Cooking them in vegetable broth instead of water elevates their flavor, providing a savory base that complements the roasted veggies beautifully.

For optimal results, consider soaking the lentils for about an hour before cooking. This can reduce cooking time slightly and enhance their digestibility. If you're short on time, soaking isn’t necessary, but keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure they don’t overcook; you want them tender, not mushy.

Veggie Roasting Tips

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables while adding a slight caramelization that enhances their flavor. When preparing your veggies, aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. The bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and onion in this recipe will roast to perfection at 400°F (200°C). Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to catch that perfect golden edge; removing them too soon may result in less flavor.

Feel free to customize the vegetable mix based on what you have available. Broccoli, sweet potatoes, or even eggplant can work well in this skillet. Just remember to adjust roasting times accordingly, as denser vegetables may need a little longer to become tender and flavorful.

Serving and Storage

This Roasted Veggie Lentil Skillet is not just a meal; it can be a base for various serving ideas. Try topping it with a dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added richness. Additionally, serve it alongside some crusty bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal for even more variety.

Storing leftovers is straightforward. Keep the skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to prevent the dish from drying out. You can also freeze portions of this meal for up to three months; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the best texture.

Ingredients

Gather all the fresh ingredients for this nutritious skillet meal.

Ingredients

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 carrot, diced
1 small red onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure to have everything prepped before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your delicious roasted veggie lentil skillet.

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that's warming up, prepare all your vegetables by dicing and slicing them. In a medium pot, combine lentils and vegetable broth, and bring to a boil.

Roast the Vegetables

In a large baking dish, toss the diced bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and onion with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables out evenly and roast in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.

Combine and Simmer

Once the lentils are cooked (about 20 minutes), drain any excess liquid. Stir in the roasted vegetables into the pot with the lentils, mixing well. Simmer everything together for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious, nutritious roasted veggie lentil skillet!

Remember, this dish is quite versatile—feel free to experiment with different vegetables or spices!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving or top with your favorite cheese.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have green or brown lentils on hand, you can substitute with canned lentils, but be sure to adjust the timing accordingly as they require less cooking time. Don't hesitate to modify the vegetable selection based on seasonal ingredients or pantry staples; sauces like teriyaki or barbecue can also be drizzled on the veggies to change up the flavor profile.

For a gluten-free version, ensure your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free. You can also enrich this dish’s nutrition by tossing in some spinach or kale just before serving; the residual heat will wilt the greens perfectly without compromising their vibrant color.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable; simply increase the proportions of lentils and vegetables while maintaining the same ratios of ingredients. For larger gatherings, a double batch can be baked on two separate trays to avoid overcrowding, which ensures even roasting of the vegetables. Keep in mind that cooking times for the lentils may vary slightly with increased quantities, so checking them regularly is key.

If you plan on meal prepping, portion out single servings into airtight containers for grab-and-go meals throughout the week. This not only saves time but provides a nutritious option that holds up well in flavor and texture when reheated.

Flavor Enhancements

To elevate this dish further, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar after mixing the lentils with the roasted vegetables. This brightens the entire dish and balances out the earthy tones of the lentils and the sweetness of the roasted veggies. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also be introduced to add an aromatic flair.

Another potential enhancement is to toss in some roasted nuts or seeds right before serving for an additional crunch factor. Whether pine nuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds, they provide contrasting textures and a satisfying bite that mixes beautifully with the soft lentils and vegetables.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned lentils to save time; just rinse them and add them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add kale, spinach, or any seasonal vegetables to your skillet for added nutrition and flavor.

→ Is this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is plant-based and perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.