Name: Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491718H17M50S
Total time: PT-491718H17M50S
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice (see note #1); 1 cup red lentils (see note #2); 1 medium sweet potato, diced small (1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes); 1 medium orange bell pepper, diced; 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth; 13.5 ounce can coconut milk; 1/3 cup raw unsalted cashews (optional); 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola oil or similar); 1 1/2 tablespoons curry powder; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt; Chopped cilantro; Lime wedges

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 78 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances warmth, vibrant flavors, and nourishing ingredients, look no further than this Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry Casserole Recipe. It’s a comforting, hearty casserole that brings together the earthiness of red lentils, the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, and a harmonious mix of Indian-inspired spices. This dish not only fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma but also delivers a creamy, satisfying texture thanks to the gentle simmering of coconut milk and spices—all baked to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or want to impress friends with a flavorful vegetarian entrée, this recipe is absolutely worth making again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass baking dish filled with a thick yellow liquid layer topped with small, evenly spread cubes of light orange and purple-skinned sweet potatoes. The sweet potato cubes float on the surface of the yellow mixture that covers the entire dish. The scene is set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating the vibrant flavors, luscious texture, and beautiful colors that make this curry casserole so memorable. The list may seem simple, but every item—from the aromatic spices to the creamy coconut milk—works together to turn humble ingredients into something truly special.

Basmati rice: Use long-grain basmati for its fluffy texture and fragrant aroma that complements the curry spices.
Red lentils: These cook down almost to a creamy consistency, adding protein and a rich color to the casserole.
Neutral oil (canola or similar): Perfect for toasting spices without overpowering their nuanced flavors.
Curry powder: This aromatic spice blend is the heart of the dish’s bold, warming flavor.
Garam masala: Adds a deeper layer of complexity with its fragrant, slightly sweet spice notes.
Ground cumin: Brings an earthy, slightly smoky flavor that enhances the curry profile.
Ground coriander: Offers a delicate citrus undertone, balancing richer spices perfectly.
Ground ginger: Adds a hint of zesty warmth and freshness.
Ground cinnamon: A subtle touch of sweetness and warmth that elevates the curry.
Diamond Crystal kosher salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors in every ingredient.
Vegetable broth: Provides a savory base that balances the creaminess of coconut milk.
Coconut milk (13.5 oz can): Brings a luscious creaminess with a slightly sweet tropical note.
Sweet potato (medium, diced): Adds natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of orange color.
Orange bell pepper (medium, diced): Offers crunch and a bright, fresh flavor to the casserole.
Chopped cilantro and lime wedges: Bright garnishes that add freshness and zesty lift at serving.
Raw unsalted cashews (optional): For toasty, crunchy texture contrast when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Grains

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it’s warming up, rinse the basmati rice in a fine mesh sieve under cold water until it runs clear—this helps prevent it from becoming sticky. Sort through the red lentils to remove any debris or discolored lentils and rinse them thoroughly as well. Getting the grains prepared this way sets the stage for a perfectly textured casserole.

Step 2: Toast the Spices

Drizzle your neutral oil into a medium pot over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the curry powder, garam masala, ground cumin, coriander, ginger, and cinnamon. Toast the spices for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, just until they become fragrant and begin to bloom. This brief toasting time unlocks the essential oils in the spices and deepens their flavor dramatically.

Step 3: Build the Coconut Broth

Add salt, vegetable broth, and coconut milk directly to the pot with your toasted spices. Whisk everything together until fully combined and bring the mixture to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat. This rich, fragrant broth will gently cook the lentils, rice, and veggies later on while infusing them with an irresistible creamy curry flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine your rinsed lentils and rice along with the diced sweet potatoes and orange bell pepper. Pour the simmering broth carefully over the ingredients and give everything a good stir to distribute the liquid evenly. The vibrant mixture is now ready to bake.

Step 5: Bake Until Tender and Creamy

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or an inverted baking sheet to trap steam and moisture. Place it in the oven’s center rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. After 25 minutes, check the lentils and rice for doneness—the lentils should have softened almost completely, creating a creamy texture. If needed, cover and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes to finish cooking gently.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping (Optional)

Remove the cover and sprinkle the optional raw unsalted cashews on top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to toast the cashews and evaporate any excess liquid. If you’re skipping cashews and the liquid is already absorbed, you can skip this final baking step. Your curry casserole should now be creamy, rich, and perfectly cooked.

How to Serve Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry Casserole Recipe

A clear rectangular glass baking dish filled with a mixed rice dish that has a light yellow color with visible orange pieces of carrots and small green herb leaves scattered on top. The rice looks fluffy and has some texture from the vegetables mixed in. There is a half lime placed on the top right corner of the dish. Around the baking dish, there is a white marbled surface with a bunch of fresh green herbs on the top left and two whole limes, one whole and one half, at the bottom left near a floral-patterned cloth. The overall look is fresh, colorful, and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs and citrus create a beautiful contrast to the warm spices in this dish. Sprinkle chopped cilantro generously over the top just before serving to add a refreshing herbal brightness. Serve lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their portions—this little touch of acidity really lifts the flavors and balances the richness.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines on its own as a nourishing vegetarian main, but you can easily pair it with simple sides like crisp cucumber raita, naan bread, or a light salad with a citrus vinaigrette. These accompaniments introduce cool textures and flavors that complement the warm, creamy casserole and keep the meal well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or hollowed-out bell peppers for visually appealing portions. You can also dollop yogurt or coconut cream on top for extra creaminess, or scatter some toasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy surprise. Presentation is a great way to elevate this humble dish for guests or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked and cooled, transfer the casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 4 days, making it a perfect candidate for meals later in the week. The flavors actually deepen as time passes, so leftovers often taste even better!

Freezing

The casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into airtight, freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When freezing, avoid adding fresh garnishes or cashews—these are best added fresh after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in a covered baking dish at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions with a damp paper towel cover to keep moisture in. Add fresh cilantro, lime, and toasted cashews right before eating for maximum freshness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils instead of red lentils?

Red lentils contribute to the creamy texture as they tend to break down during cooking. Using green or brown lentils will give a firmer texture and will require longer cooking. You can try them, but expect the casserole’s consistency to be different.

Is this dish vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! This Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry Casserole Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for a variety of dietary needs.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped fresh chili, a dash of cayenne pepper, or increase the curry powder to amp up the heat. Taste as you go to get your preferred spice level.

What can I substitute for coconut milk if I’m allergic?

You can swap the coconut milk for a creamy non-dairy milk like cashew or oat milk, but be aware the flavor and richness will be slightly different. Adding a spoonful of vegan butter or a splash of plant-based cream can help mimic the creaminess.

Is it okay to use other types of rice?

Basmati is ideal because of its aroma and texture, but you can use jasmine or long-grain white rice if needed. Brown rice will take longer to cook, so adjust baking times accordingly or pre-cook the rice slightly before assembling.

Final Thoughts

This Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation because it hits all the marks: comforting, flavorful, easy to prepare, and utterly satisfying. It invites cozy meals filled with bold spices and hearty textures, perfect for any season. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy curry dinner at home!