Ranch Style Lentil Casserole

I'm not sure what these have to do with a ranch, (Don't you wonder where some dishes get their names?) but they're good. The ground beef is very optional. I leave it out, to cut down on both cost and calories.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 2  cups lentils
• 1  quart water
• 1  lb ground beef (optional)
• 1  cup catsup
• 1 (1 1/2ounce) package  onion soup mix
• 1  teaspoon vinegar
• 1  teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
• 1⁄8 teaspoon pepper
• 1  cup water

Directions

1. Put lentils and 1 quart of water in a 3-quart pot; bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Brown ground beef, if using, and drain fat.
3. Stir all other ingredients into lentils (do not drain the lentils).
4. Pour into 2 1/2 quart casserole and bake uncovered at 400*F for 30 minutes.