Looking for a hearty meal that's easy to make and fills you up? Try this beef and lentil stew! It's perfect for cold nights or when you want a lot of flavor without a lot of fuss. You just need some beef, lentils, veggies, and a few spices.
Toss them all in a pot, and let it cook. Before you know it, you'll have a delicious stew that's great for the whole family. Even better, it's good for you, too. Lentils give you protein and fiber, and beef offers a rich, meaty taste. It's a win-win!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
First, this recipe is a great time-saver. Once you've got everything in the pot, you can just let it cook. That means you can do other things while your dinner is being made. No need to stand by the stove all the time. Plus, it's super flexible. Don't have carrots? Use potatoes. Don't have beef? Use chicken. You can mix and match with what you have.
Second, this beef and lentil stew is full of flavor and nutrients. Lentils are packed with good stuff like fiber, iron, and protein. They're also cheap and store well. Beef adds a hearty, full taste that makes the stew feel like a real meal. Add some veggies, and you've got a dish that's balanced in both taste and nutrition. So, you're not just filling up; you're eating something that's good for you.
Ingredients
Ground Beef - Adds richness and protein to the stew. Substitute: Ground turkey or ground chicken.
Green Lentils - They give the stew a hearty texture. Substitute: Brown lentils.
Carrots - Adds color and vitamins.Substitute: Sweet potatoes.
Onions - Provides flavor and aroma. Substitute: Shallots or leeks.
Tomato Paste - Deepens the flavor. Substitute: Canned diced tomatoes.
Tips
- Soak lentils beforehand to speed up cooking.
- You can use a slow cooker for this recipe, just extend the cooking time.
- Add spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor.
- You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- To make it creamier, stir in a dollop of sour cream before serving.
How to Serve
This hearty stew works well as a stand-alone meal but can also complement various dishes. It's great for colder weather or when you want something filling and nutritious.
- Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
- Over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the juices.
- As a topping for baked potatoes.
Similar Recipes
Beef and Lentil Stew
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup green lentils
- 2 carrots chopped
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: herbs like thyme rosemary
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the onions and garlic until soft.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in the tomato paste.
- Add the carrots and lentils to the pot.
- Pour in the beef broth.
- Add any optional herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes until lentils and carrots are soft.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
- Soak lentils beforehand to speed up cooking.
- You can use a slow cooker for this recipe, just extend the cooking time.
- Add spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor.
- You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- To make it creamier, stir in a dollop of sour cream before serving.