17 Simple Lentil Recipes Suitable For A Weeknight Meal

Lentils are the weeknight hero that never lets you down. They cook fast, taste amazing with simple pantry spices, and somehow make scraps in the fridge feel like a plan.

Whether you want soup, saucy pasta, bowls, or something cozy in a skillet, these recipes keep it simple and satisfying. Grab a bag of lentils and let dinner basically cook itself.

1. One-Pot Lentil Soup With Lemon and Garlic

You know those nights when you want dinner to make itself. This one-pot lentil soup basically does that with lemon, garlic, and simple veggies.

Toss everything into a pot, simmer until the lentils are tender, then brighten with lemon juice.

It tastes cozy yet fresh, like a hug with a little zip. Use broth you like, plus carrots, celery, and onion.

Add spinach at the end if you have it, and finish with good olive oil.

Serve with crusty bread for dunking. Leftovers reheat beautifully.

It is the easy reset your week needs.

2. Quick Lentil Chili

This quick lentil chili brings the thick, hearty vibe without hours on the stove. Sauté onion, garlic, and chili powder, then add tomatoes, broth, and lentils.

Simmer until everything melds and the lentils are tender.

Finish with a splash of lime and a pinch of cocoa for depth. Top with cheddar, scallions, and a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.

It is perfect with cornbread or over rice.

Make it smoky with chipotles or mild with sweet paprika. Leftovers freeze well.

Dinner, solved in under an hour.

3. Lentil Taco “Meat” for Tacos or Burrito Bowls

Craving tacos on a Tuesday with minimal effort. Cook lentils until tender, then sauté with onions, garlic, and taco spices.

Add tomato paste and a splash of broth to create a saucy coating that clings.

Pile into warm tortillas or spoon over rice for bowls. Top with avocado, pickled onions, and hot sauce.

It is savory, satisfying, and flexible with heat levels.

Leftovers are amazing in quesadillas or breakfast scrambles. Make a double batch and freeze.

Taco night just got cheaper, quicker, and still completely craveable.

4. Lentil Bolognese

Weeknight pasta night meets hearty comfort. Lentil bolognese gives you that slow-simmered texture without the slow part.

Build flavor with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, tomato paste, and a splash of red wine if you have it.

Simmer with crushed tomatoes and lentils until thick and saucy. Finish with butter or olive oil for gloss, plus parsley.

Toss with your favorite pasta or spoon over polenta.

It is deeply savory, affordable, and secretly high in protein and fiber. Add chili flakes for heat.

Tomorrow’s leftovers taste even better.

5. Curried Lentils (Fast Dal-Style)

When you want silky, fragrant comfort, make a fast dal-style curry. Bloom spices in oil with onion, garlic, and ginger.

Add red or yellow lentils, tomatoes, and water, then simmer until creamy.

Finish with coconut milk or butter and a squeeze of lime. Spoon over fluffy rice and swipe with warm naan.

It is soothing, budget friendly, and endlessly adaptable.

Stir in spinach at the end or top with crispy shallots for texture. You will feel like you planned it all along.

Dinner, done in 30 minutes.

6. Lentil and Spinach Coconut Curry

Grab a can of coconut milk, a bag of lentils, and a handful of greens. This creamy curry feels luxurious without fuss.

Sauté aromatics, stir in curry paste or spices, then simmer lentils in coconut milk until tender.

Fold in spinach to wilt and brighten. Finish with lime juice and a little brown sugar for balance.

It is comforting, dairy free, and surprisingly quick.

Serve with rice or flatbread. Add roasted cauliflower or chickpeas if you want more heft.

Leftovers pack beautifully for lunch tomorrow.

7. Sheet-Pan Sausage and Lentils

Let the oven carry dinner. Roast sausages with carrots and red onions until caramelized.

Warm cooked lentils with a quick mustard vinaigrette and toss everything together on the sheet pan.

The juices mingle with the dressing, making each bite savory and satisfying. Add arugula or parsley for freshness.

It is the easiest way to turn pantry staples into a full meal.

Use chicken sausage for lighter, spicy for heat, or veggie sausage to keep it meatless. Minimal dishes, maximum payoff.

Exactly what a weeknight needs.

8. Lentil “Sloppy Joes”

All the nostalgic saucy comfort, just lighter and faster. Cook lentils until tender, then simmer with onion, ketchup, mustard, and a splash of vinegar.

The mixture turns glossy and thick, perfect for piling onto toasted buns.

Add pickles, red onion, or shredded cabbage for crunch. It is sweet tangy, messy in the best way, and shockingly satisfying.

Kids and adults both devour these.

Serve with baked fries or a simple salad. Leftovers reheat beautifully for tomorrow’s lunch.

You will wonder why this was not always dinner.

9. Lentil and Roasted Veggie Grain Bowls

Turn roasted odds and ends into a colorful bowl that feels intentional. Roast whatever vegetables you have until caramelized.

Add cooked lentils, a grain like rice or quinoa, and a creamy tahini lemon drizzle.

It is hearty but fresh, perfect for everyone at the table. Mix and match toppings like feta, herbs, or crunchy seeds.

Make a big batch to cover lunches too.

Everything can be prepped ahead and assembled on demand. You will actually look forward to leftovers.

Bowl night is now a ritual.

10. Lentil Salad With Feta, Cucumber, and Herbs

When you want something light yet filling, this salad hits perfectly. Toss tender lentils with crunchy cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and a lemony vinaigrette.

Crumble in feta and shower with herbs.

It is crisp, tangy, and satisfying without feeling heavy. Great as a main with pita or alongside grilled chicken or tofu.

The flavors get even better as it chills.

Pack it for work lunches or picnics. Add olives or roasted peppers if you like.

You will keep this on repeat all year.

11. Warm Lentils With Caramelized Onions

Simple ingredients, big payoff. Slowly caramelize onions until jammy and golden.

Spoon over warm, well-seasoned lentils and finish with olive oil, pepper, and herbs.

Add a fried egg if you want extra richness. The sweet onions balance the earthy lentils beautifully.

It is humble food that feels like comfort in a bowl.

Serve with a crisp salad or toast. Make extra onions to stash for later.

Weeknights suddenly feel softer and calmer with this plate.

12. Lentil and Tomato Stew With Smoked Paprika

If you crave cozy, this stew delivers deep smoky flavor fast. Sauté onions and garlic, add smoked paprika and tomato paste, then stir in lentils and broth.

Simmer until thick and spoonable.

Finish with a splash of vinegar to brighten. The smoke and tang keep each bite interesting.

It is perfect with crusty bread or spooned over mashed potatoes.

Add roasted peppers or greens if you want. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

This is a weeknight classic in the making.

13. Lentil-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Turn baked sweet potatoes into a full dinner with minimal effort. Roast potatoes until tender and caramelized.

Fill with saucy spiced lentils and add dollops of yogurt or tahini.

The sweet meets savory balance is so satisfying. Sprinkle scallions and chili flakes for heat.

It is colorful, nourishing, and easy to customize for everyone at the table.

Great for meal prep too. Bake a batch of potatoes and reheat as needed.

You will love how complete this feels without extra sides.

14. Lentil and Veggie Stir-Fry

Grab a bag of slaw mix or whatever vegetables you have. Toss into a hot pan with oil, garlic, and ginger.

Add pre-cooked lentils and a quick sauce of soy, sesame, and a touch of honey or maple.

Everything gets glossy and irresistible in minutes. Serve over rice or noodles and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

It is fast, flexible, and unbelievably satisfying for how little work it takes.

Add chili crisp if you like heat. Leftovers make a great lunch.

This is the ultimate clean-out-the-fridge move.

15. Lentil and Rice Skillet

One pan, big comfort. Sauté onion and spices, then add rice, lentils, and broth.

Cover and cook until everything is tender and steamy, with crispy bits forming at the edges.

Finish with lemon, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. It is simple, cheap, and surprisingly full of flavor.

Add frozen peas or chopped spinach for color and sweetness.

Serve with yogurt or a green salad. The leftovers are just as good.

This skillet will become a dependable midweek habit.

16. Lentil “Meatballs” With Marinara

These lentil meatballs are fun, saucy, and weeknight friendly. Pulse cooked lentils with breadcrumbs, herbs, and parmesan, then bake until set.

Simmer briefly in marinara so they soak up flavor.

Serve over pasta or tuck into a sub with melty cheese. They hit that comfort craving without feeling heavy.

It is a clever way to stretch pantry ingredients into something special.

Add chili flakes or extra garlic if you like bold flavors. Freeze a batch for speedy meals.

You will want these on repeat.

17. Creamy Lentil and Mushroom Skillet

Mushrooms and lentils make a rich pair without much fuss. Sauté mushrooms until deeply browned, add garlic and thyme, then stir in cooked lentils.

Splash with cream or coconut milk and a bit of broth to make a velvety sauce.

Finish with lemon and parsley to lift it. Spoon over toast, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

It is elegant enough for company yet easy enough for any Tuesday.

Use mixed mushrooms for extra depth. Leftovers reheat gently and stay delicious.

This skillet is pure cozy satisfaction.