One-Pot Lentil & Veggie Rice | Easy Toddler Dinner
If you need an easy dinner that gets protein, veggies and carbs into one little pot, this one pot lentil rice is such a good one to have in your rotation. It’s made with rice, lentils, broccoli and marinara, and everything cooks together for a cozy meal that works for toddlers and the rest of the family too.
I love chopping the broccoli really finely with my favorite chopper so it blends right into the rice. Add mozzarella for a melty, pizza-inspired version, stir in some Parmesan, or leave the cheese out completely!
If your little one loves tomato-based meals, you have to try my viral Hidden Veggie Pizza Orzo next! 🍕 It’s another super easy, one-pot meal that’s been a huge hit with toddlers!
One-Pot Lentil & Veggie Rice | Easy Toddler Dinner
3-4
servings5
minutes20
minutesIngredients
½ cup white rice, rinsed well
½ cup canned lentils, drained and rinsed
½ cup marinara sauce
¾ cup low-sodium broth or water
½ cup broccoli, very finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt to taste, optional
⅓–½ cup shredded mozzarella or 2–3 tbsp grated Parmesan
Directions
- Rinse the rice well under cold water and drain.
- Add the rice, lentils, marinara, broth or water, finely chopped broccoli, olive oil or butter, garlic powder and Italian seasoning to a small pot. Stir everything together.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover.
- Cook for about 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Try not to keep opening the lid while it cooks.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for about 5 minutes. If the rice needs a little more time or looks dry, add a splash of broth or water and cook for another couple of minutes.
- If using mozzarella, sprinkle it over the rice, cover again and let sit for 2–3 minutes until melted. If using Parmesan, stir it into the warm rice just before serving.
Notes
- Rice: I use white rice for this recipe. Different varieties of rice require different amounts of liquid and cooking time, so adjust as needed based on the rice you’re using.
Lentils: I used canned brown lentils for this recipe. Make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding. If using dry lentils, cook them separately until tender first, then measure ½ cup cooked lentils and use as directed in the recipe.
Broccoli: Chop the broccoli very finely so it cooks along with the rice and blends into every bite.
For younger kids: Choose a lower-sodium marinara and broth when possible and skip the additional salt.
For a softer texture: Stir in an extra splash of broth or water at the end.
More veggies: Finely chopped spinach or frozen peas would work well here too.
Cheese: Mozzarella makes it melty and pizza-like, while Parmesan adds more savory flavor. You can also leave the cheese out entirely for a dairy-free version.
Iron tip: Lentils provide plant-based iron, while tomato and broccoli provide vitamin C, which can help with iron absorption. If you’re specifically trying to maximize iron absorption from the meal, you can keep the cheese portion smaller or serve it without cheese.
For adults: Top individual portions with red pepper flakes, black pepper, extra Parmesan or fresh basil.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating because the rice will continue to absorb moisture.
Freezing: This is best enjoyed fresh. You can freeze it, although the broccoli and rice may be a little softer after thawing. Freeze in individual portions for up to about 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Using dry lentils:
If you’re using dry lentils instead of canned, cook them separately first, then measure out ½ cup cooked lentils for the recipe. I wouldn’t add dry lentils directly to this pot because they need more liquid and a longer cooking time than the rice, which can throw off the texture. Brown or green lentils work best here since they hold their shape well.
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