Zesty Lentils and Brown Rice (Instant Pot)
- Jenny Tanner
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
A surprisingly delicious, budget-friendly plant-based meal
Sometimes the simplest meals turn out to be the most satisfying.
When I first looked at the ingredients for this lentils and brown rice dish, I thought it would probably be… fine. Nutritious? Sure. Filling? Probably. But exciting? I wasn’t so sure.
It turns out I was wrong.
This humble combination of brown rice, lentils, tomatoes, and spices creates a dish that is deeply savory, hearty, and surprisingly flavorful. It’s one of those meals where the ingredients are inexpensive and basic, but the final result tastes far more interesting than you’d expect.
Even better, it’s a nutritional powerhouse, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for meal prep.
This recipe is featured in our "Meal of The Day Series" on YouTube, focusing on meals that aid in weight loss, blood sugar control, and hormone balance in midlife.
Why I Love This Recipe
1. It’s incredibly affordable
This is the kind of recipe that reminds me how economical whole foods can be. Rice and lentils are two of the least expensive staples you can buy, yet together they create a meal that is filling, comforting, and nourishing.
Even with the vegetables and spices, the whole pot costs only a few dollars to make and yields multiple servings.
If you're trying to eat healthier without increasing your grocery bill, meals like this are a lifesaver.
2. It’s nutritionally balanced
One of the things I appreciate most about this meal is how naturally balanced it is.
The lentils provide protein and fiber, while the brown rice adds complex carbohydrates for lasting energy. Together they create a complete, satisfying meal that supports steady blood sugar and keeps you feeling full.
The tomatoes, onion, garlic, and peppers add extra vitamins, antioxidants, and flavor without much extra effort.
It’s simple food—but it’s very nourishing.
3. It’s shockingly flavorful
Between the taco seasoning, oregano, tomatoes, garlic, and green chiles, the flavor is bold and savory. The ingredients cook together under pressure and develop a rich, almost stew-like depth.
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro at the end brightens everything and makes the whole dish come alive.
It’s the kind of meal where people often say, “Wait… this is just lentils and rice?”
4. It’s perfect for meal prep
This recipe makes a generous batch and stores beautifully.
You can:
Keep it in the refrigerator for 4–5 days
Freeze individual portions for quick meals later
Reheat it easily in the microwave or on the stovetop
I love having containers of this in the fridge for quick lunches or simple dinners when I don’t feel like cooking.
Zesty Lentils and Brown Rice (Instant Pot)
Ingredients
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup brown rice
3/4 cup brown lentils
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 (15-oz) can petite diced tomatoes
1 (4-oz) can diced green chiles
1 Tbsp taco seasoning
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
For serving: Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot.
Stir to combine.
Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 15 minutes.
Allow 15 minutes of natural pressure release, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
Stir the mixture and taste for seasoning.
Serve warm and top with fresh cilantro for a bright finishing touch.
Serving Ideas
This dish is wonderful on its own, but you can also serve it with:
sliced avocado
a squeeze of lime
chopped tomatoes
warm corn tortillas
Final Thoughts
Meals like this are a great reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive.
With just a handful of pantry staples and a few vegetables, you get a meal that is:
✔ hearty✔ nourishing✔ budget-friendly✔ freezer-friendly✔ and genuinely delicious
Not bad for a pot of lentils and rice.
If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think!
*This recipe was adapted from the original, which can be found HERE.
