Lentil and Rice Casserole

Background: I really enjoy this casserole--it is so yummy! When people are over for dinner and I've told them that I'm making a lentil and rice casserole, they pretend to be interested while secretly wishing they had stopped at McDonalds on their way over. Then they eat it and want the recipe. :) It is great for when dinner is still a while away and I don't want to spend a lot of time making it! I always keep the ingredients around so that I can make it without running to the store. This is my go-to, lazy dinner.

Originally from: La Dolce Vegan? I changed it slightly to increase the protein.

Serves ~4-6
Approximate time, from prep to table: ~1:50 (for 1:30 of this, the casserole is in the oven--just stay within hearing distance of your oven's timer for stirring)

Ingredients:
1 Cup dried red lentils
1 Cup uncooked brown rice
1 large or 2 small onions, chopped
1 Tbsp Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Base
4 Cups water (or just substitute 4 cups of desired stock for the Base and water)
1 14-oz can crushed tomatoes, not drained (or diced--whatever is in your pantry will work)
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
3/4 Cup cheese (any kind will do--I like cheddar; substitute soy cheese as needed), grated

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees even before getting ingredients lined up.

In a large casserole dish or 9x13 pan (did I mention that this recipe is very laid back?), combine the lentils, rice, onions, stock, tomatoes, basil, and oregano. Cover with lid (or not) and bake for 1 1/2 hours, stirring every half hour. After the hour and a half, remove lid, sprinkle cheese on top of casserole, and broil for 1-3 minutes, until cheese has melted. (Keep an eye on it so that it doesn't burn!)

Note/Tips: I like to serve this with a side of green beans and baked sweet potatoes. I bake the sweet potatoes in my toaster oven while the casserole is taking up the oven. Just scrub and poke all over with a fork after putting the casserole in. Put them in the toaster oven and wait until the first stirring of the casserole. Then set it to 450F and bake for about an hour, until fork tender. Too good!