Dinner

One-Pan Smoky Veggie Lentil Lasagne Recipe

ByCleo Brixton November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

Introduction

This one-pan smoky veggie lentil lasagne is a delicious, hearty meal that combines smoky paprika, tender lentils, and fresh vegetables in a simple, fuss-free dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want comforting flavors without the usual mess of layering lasagne.

A white pan with a reddish-brown handle shows a partially eaten baked pasta dish with three visible layers: a base layer of orange-red tomato sauce mixed with diced zucchini and lentils, a middle layer of folded yellow pasta sheets, and a top layer of melted golden-brown cheese with specks of black pepper; next to it is a round white plate with a serving of the pasta layered similarly, topped with green leafy salad mix on the right side and a silver fork with a wooden handle on the left, all sitting on a white marbled surface with a folded red-striped cloth under the plate; in the upper right, there are two clear glasses with light-colored drinks and ice, and a white bowl with more leafy greens visible in the corner photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
160g courgettes, finely chopped
160g chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped
60g dried red lentils, rinsed and drained
200g can chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 tsp sweet smoked paprika
4 dried lasagne sheets, roughly broken up
1 tbsp half-fat crème fraîche (optional)
40g mature cheddar, grated
Green salad, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a 20cm frying pan with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 6 minutes until soft and lightly browned.
Step 2: Add the crushed garlic and stir for 1 minute to avoid burning.
Step 3: Stir in the courgettes and mushrooms, cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Add the lentils, chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, 250ml water, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and the broken lasagne sheets. Mix well to ensure the pasta is fully submerged.
Step 5: Cover the pan with the lid and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the lentils and pasta are tender.
Step 6: Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly.
Step 7: Stir in the crème fraîche if using, then sprinkle the grated cheddar evenly over the top.
Step 8: Place the pan under a hot grill until the cheese melts and turns golden. Serve hot with a fresh green salad.

Tips & Variations

Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
Try adding chopped spinach or kale for extra greens and nutrients.
Swap mature cheddar for mozzarella or a vegan cheese for different tastes.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili flakes along with the paprika.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to prevent drying out. This dish does not freeze well due to the texture of the lentils and pasta.

How to Serve

A white skillet shows about half of a baked pasta dish left inside, the pasta sheets soft and unevenly layered, covered with thick, chunky orange-red sauce with bits of vegetables and melted cheese on top creating a bubbly texture. Nearby, on a white plate sits a serving of the same pasta with sauce, topped with fresh green mixed leaves adding contrast, accompanied by a fork with a silver head and wooden handle resting on the plate edge. Two glasses with amber-colored drinks and ice cubes are placed above next to a white scalloped bowl with more mixed green leaves, all set on a white marbled surface with a red cloth napkin under the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils?

Red lentils work best because they cook quickly and soften well in this recipe. Brown or green lentils take longer and hold their shape more, so they may need extra cooking time.

Do I have to use lasagne sheets or can I substitute?

Lasagne sheets provide a classic pasta texture, but you can use broken pieces of other flat pasta shapes or thinly sliced vegetables like eggplant for a gluten-free alternative.