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Lentil Macaroni and Cheese

March 27, 2015 by Lindsay 35 Comments

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A childhood favorite kicked up a notch! This Lentil Macaroni and Cheese is packed with vegetables and lentils for a hearty vegetarian meal. 

A childhood favorite kicked up a notch! This Lentil Macaroni and Cheese is packed with vegetables and lentils for a hearty vegetarian meal.

Hi Friends!

Time for another second-look recipe. This Lentil Macaroni and Cheese is one of my absolute favorites. I first shared it on the blog back in 2012 and I’ve probably made it 100 times since then. What can I say? I love mac and cheese. Always have. Always will. Plain old mac and cheese will probably always be my favorite, but to make it a more complete meal, I’ve added lots of veggies and some extra protein to this version. I can easily make a batch and eat it for lunch or dinner several days in a row. So good.

A childhood favorite kicked up a notch! This Lentil Macaroni and Cheese is packed with vegetables and lentils for a hearty vegetarian meal.

I made a few tweaks to the original recipe and took some new pics so I thought I’d share it again! The best part about it is that it’s a very forgiving recipe so you can really vary it based on what veggies you have on hand, add extra cheese or a different kind if you want (I’ve been known to throw in some goat cheese!), throw in some meat or beans instead of or in addition to the lentils, etc.

Here’s how you make it.

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Lentil Macaroni and Cheese

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A childhood favorite kicked up a notch! This Lentil Macaroni and Cheese is packed with vegetables and lentils for a hearty vegetarian meal.

  • Author: Lindsay L

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pasta, uncooked
  • 3/4 cup lentils, uncooked
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3–4 cups mixed vegetables, diced (fresh, frozen or combination)
  • 5 oz frozen spinach, defrosted and squeezed to remove excess moisture (or 3 handfuls fresh baby spinach)
  • 2 Tbsp flour
  • 1.5 cups milk
  • 5 oz cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, optional

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  2. Cook lentils according to package directions.
  3. While pasta and lentils are cooking, melt butter in a large saute pan. Add garlic and vegetables and saute for 10 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle vegetables with flour.
  5. Add milk and cheese and stir until well combined.
  6. Stir in cooked pasta and lentils, add spices and serve warm.

Did you make this recipe?

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I usually make it with fresh spinach and think I like it slightly better that way, but frozen was all I had on hand this time and it worked just as well! If you don’t like spinach, leave it out all together. For veggies, I usually use fresh red peppers and onions and then add a couple cups of frozen mixed veggies. Broccoli, green beans, peas, carrots, etc are all great options. I’ve also added sweet potatoes.

A childhood favorite kicked up a notch! This Lentil Macaroni and Cheese is packed with vegetables and lentils for a hearty vegetarian meal.

If you’re feeling adventurous, check out my How To Sprout Lentils post and use those when you make it! If you don’t like lentils, sub your favorite protein – it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or pork and I often add chicken sausage when I make it!

A childhood favorite kicked up a notch! This Lentil Macaroni and Cheese is packed with vegetables and lentils for a hearty vegetarian meal.

You get the idea. As you can see, this is just a base recipe. Put your own twist on it!

[Tweet “A childhood favorite kicked up a notch! Lentil Veggie Mac and Cheese from @Leangrnbeanblog!”]

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Filed Under: Dinner Tagged With: Carrot, Cheese, Garlic, Lentils, Milk, Pasta, Spinach

About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa @ RunWiki says

    March 27, 2015 at 12:08 AM

    This was the delicious meal that you were photographing the other day. Can I please hang out at your house? Love how you’ve added some health and color to an old time fav.

    Reply
  2. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    March 27, 2015 at 4:33 AM

    Whoa, I’ve seen spinach and broccoli mixed with the mac but never lentils- what a vego protein boost here! epic photos to boot 😉

    Reply
  3. Hollie says

    March 27, 2015 at 5:21 AM

    We are big mac and cheese fans here too because it is so easy. There is no stress in making mac and cheese. This looks awesome!

    Reply
  4. CARLA says

    March 27, 2015 at 5:35 AM

    I possess a child who is 98.9839% mac and cheese.
    SUCH A GREAT IDEA.

    Reply
  5. Angela @ happy fit mama says

    March 27, 2015 at 5:46 AM

    I like the sneaky lentil’s! Pinning and making soon!

    Reply
  6. Erin @ The Almond Eater says

    March 27, 2015 at 6:22 AM

    Ughhh so good. Mac n cheese will always be a favorite of mine too, and I love all the veggies you’ve added. Deeeeelicious!

    Reply
  7. Amanda @ .running with spoons. says

    March 27, 2015 at 7:31 AM

    -Never- would have thought to add lentils to mac and cheese, but I’m loving the idea! Definitely blows the hot dog version out of the water 🙂

    Reply
  8. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    March 27, 2015 at 7:33 AM

    this looks AWESOME! pinned for later!!!

    Reply
  9. Courtney Bentley says

    March 27, 2015 at 8:15 AM

    Yum you are always SO creative in the kitchen! Thanks for sharing xo C

    Reply
  10. Sam @pancakewarriors says

    March 27, 2015 at 8:55 AM

    Lindsay I don’t know what inspires you but you are genius! So glad you remade this and shared the recipe because it’s way to smart. All my favorite ingredients (which I have on hand) and its Mac and cheese. Yum!!

    Reply
  11. Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says

    March 27, 2015 at 9:20 AM

    I want this for dinner tonight. I love all the healthy veggies and fiber packed lentils added in for health and flavor. Yummy!!

    Reply
  12. Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says

    March 27, 2015 at 9:33 AM

    Yum!! My boyfriend is obsessed with mac and cheese, so it’s fun finding a healthier version. I love pretty much anything with lentils, so I’ll definitely be trying this out 🙂

    Reply
  13. Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together says

    March 27, 2015 at 9:43 AM

    This looks like such a good “use up the fridge” dinner! I have so many random veggies and cheese to use, I’m going to have to try this soon! Love your creativity always, Lindsay!

    Reply
  14. Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says

    March 27, 2015 at 9:44 AM

    Ooo my favorite thing to do to boxed mac and cheese is adding veggies to it, whatever I have on hand. I actually did add lentil soup once. It looked kinda gross but tasted good! This looks much better however

    Reply
  15. kristin | W [H] A T C H says

    March 27, 2015 at 9:49 AM

    in the winter i so often find myself craving hearty pasta dishes like this. never thought to use lentils with pasta!

    Reply
  16. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    March 27, 2015 at 10:16 AM

    Lovin’ the legume addition 😉

    Reply
  17. Sonali- The Foodie Physician says

    March 27, 2015 at 10:22 AM

    This is one of the prettiest mac & cheeses that I’ve seen! And it looks so flavorful! Pinning and tweeting now 🙂

    Reply
  18. Amanda Marie says

    March 27, 2015 at 10:26 AM

    Great recipe idea! I love taking recipes that I loved as a kid and adding extras and changing the ingredients to create a whole new healthy food item! I really love adding a bunch of vegetables to noodles and mac and cheese too! Thanks for sharing the great recipe, I will need to try this soon!

    Reply
  19. Jen @ pretty little grub says

    March 27, 2015 at 10:30 AM

    Yum! I often add white beans to my macaroni but haven’t tried lentils. Love how colourful it is.

    Reply
  20. Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says

    March 27, 2015 at 10:44 AM

    Yum! I love lentils, but the hubby doesn’t. This might get him to eat them though. 😉

    Reply
  21. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says

    March 27, 2015 at 12:20 PM

    Ohhh this looks so yummy!

    Reply
  22. Emily @ Zen & Spice says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:17 PM

    I’ve seen you posting this on your IG all the time– about time I made it for myself!! I am a huge fan of mac and cheese as well.

    Reply
  23. Kaleigh says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:18 PM

    I think by the photo you used green lentils? Just curious, because red lentils would probably “hide” into the cheese sauce, but Green Lentils would probably add great texture. Either way – great recipe! I will definitley be making this – even though I have a 4 month old, I’m trying to test and save some “kid friendly” recipes!

    Reply
  24. Charlotte says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:25 PM

    I just pinned this post… I don’t cook with lentils nearly as much as I’d like and I love that you turned a classic (and let’s be real–not always healthy) old favorite into a hearty and healthy meal 🙂 Kudos!

    Reply
  25. Kaila at Healthy Helper Blog says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:43 PM

    So excited you posted this! I love how simple it is and the nice bit of extra protein from the lentils. Gorgeous pics too!

    Reply
  26. Jerusha T says

    March 27, 2015 at 4:02 PM

    I would have never thought of pairing lentils with mac and cheese… I’ll admit, I’m intrigued! I bet I could even get the kids to try this!

    Reply
  27. genevieve @ gratitude & greens says

    March 27, 2015 at 10:12 PM

    I am in love with how veggie filled this is! This is my kinda mac and cheese 🙂

    Reply
  28. Kierston says

    March 28, 2015 at 5:40 AM

    Thanks for linking up to this recipe over at #recipefriday! Pinning 🙂

    Reply
  29. Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says

    March 29, 2015 at 1:26 PM

    I am a Mac & Cheese lover too, and I think amping up the veggies and the protein in this casserole is fantastic. Genius idea, and the pics came out fantastic. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  30. Bri says

    October 14, 2015 at 7:28 PM

    Hi there- I was wondering how many servings your recipe makes? I am hoping to make it this evening but only using 1 cup of pasta doesn’t seem like enough for 4 people. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      October 14, 2015 at 7:44 PM

      It will definitely serve 4 people. With all the lentils and veggies in there, I purposely went a little lighter on the pasta but 1 cup uncooked will make more than one cup once it’s cooked and mixed with all the other stuff the servings will be filling! But you could always add a little more pasta if you want

      Reply
      • Bri says

        October 14, 2015 at 7:48 PM

        That makes sense! Thanks for the quick reply, can’t wait to make this!

        Reply
  31. simone takasaki says

    October 20, 2015 at 12:18 AM

    Think I could make this in a crockpot?

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      October 20, 2015 at 9:40 PM

      i would imagine so. haven’t tried it but let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  32. Carol UK says

    April 9, 2020 at 1:24 PM

    I had been searching for days for a recipe with lentil and macaroni cheese, I managed to find this earlier today, I made half of the recipe and served with a side salad, it is absolutely delicious, I will be using this recipe again, thanks loads x

    Reply

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Lindsay Livingston The Lean Green Bean Healthy Living Tips and Tricks

I'm a Registered Dietitian and mom of three from Columbus, Ohio. I use this blog to share simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, and an honest glimpse of motherhood!

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Questions? Comments? Email me: [email protected]

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