Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400F and set a 9×13″ casserole dish aside. Mix the sauce, broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, and Italian seasoning together in a medium pot. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 2

While the liquid is heating up, add the onion, bell peppers, lentils, garlic, and rice to the casserole dish. Use your hands to separate and sprinkle the thawed spinach over the veggies, then mix together with a spatula until everything is evenly combined.

Step 3

Remove the broth from the heat once it comes to a boil and pour evenly over the casserole dish. Cover the casserole with a lid, aluminum foil, or parchment paper followed by aluminum foil and bake in the middle rack of the oven for 60 minutes.

Step 4

Remove from the oven, uncover, and stir well to incorporate the sauce evenly. If you are not using vegan cheese, serve here. Otherwise, top the casserole with vegan cheese and return to the oven; broil for 2 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Step 5

Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to one week, or in the freezer for up to one month.