Ground Beef And Lentil Stew

Name: Ground Beef And Lentil Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup lentils, rinsed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups beef broth; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp vinegar (optional)

Highlighted under: Modern Comfort Food Recipes

I absolutely love making Ground Beef and Lentil Stew on chilly evenings. The combination of tender beef and hearty lentils creates a comforting dish that warms my soul. This stew is not only easy to prepare but also packs a punch of flavor with spices that really come alive during the cooking process. I enjoy experimenting with different vegetables and herbs, so feel free to switch things up based on what I have available. It's perfect for dinner and even better as leftovers!

Created by

Florence Keaton

Last updated on 2026-02-08T06:24:36.627Z

When I first tried my hand at making Ground Beef and Lentil Stew, I was amazed at how simple yet delicious this meal turned out. The secret lies in using a good quality ground beef, as it gives the stew a rich flavor that blends perfectly with the earthy lentils. I decided to use a mix of spices, including cumin and paprika, which really elevate the dish.

Over the years, I’ve learned that simmering the stew slowly allows the flavors to meld beautifully. I also like to add a splash of vinegar at the end for a touch of brightness. It’s these small tweaks that make it a go-to recipe in my household.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying with a perfect balance of flavors
Nutritious lentils combined with juicy ground beef
Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of ground beef and lentils is not just hearty, but incredibly nourishing. Lentils contribute protein, fiber, and essential nutrients while absorbing the flavors of the spices and broth melded in the stew. I often suggest using green or brown lentils for their firmness, which holds up well during cooking. If you substitute with red lentils, be aware they will break down more and create a thicker stew, which can alter the texture significantly.

When selecting vegetables, go for a mix that provides both flavor and texture. Carrots bring sweetness, while celery adds a satisfying crunch. For an extra kick, you might consider adding diced bell peppers or zucchini. Choose seasonal vegetables for maximum flavor and nutritional benefit. Additionally, if you have leftover cooked vegetables, this stew is adaptable enough to incorporate them without missing a beat.

Cooking Techniques to Enhance Flavor

Browning the beef is a crucial step that adds depth to the dish. As the beef caramelizes, it develops a rich flavor that enhances the overall profile of the stew. Make sure you don't crowd the pot; if necessary, brown the meat in batches to achieve a good sear. Look for a deep brown color, and don’t rush this process—it usually takes about 5-7 minutes at medium heat for the beef to cook properly.

During the sautéing of vegetables, the goal is to achieve a slightly translucent appearance and a tender texture without overcooking. This typically takes about 5 minutes. Adding the garlic last prevents it from burning and turning bitter; it only needs a minute of cooking until fragrant. If you love spices, consider toasting the cumin and paprika in the oil before adding the vegetables for a more pronounced flavor.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a delicious stew:

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup lentils, rinsed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vinegar (optional)

Make sure to have all ingredients prepped before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Ground Beef and Lentil Stew:

Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Combine the Ingredients

Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, beef broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Simmer the Stew

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Finish and Serve

If desired, stir in a splash of vinegar before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.

Enjoy your hearty Ground Beef and Lentil Stew!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while the stew simmers. Just remember to remove it before serving.

Perfecting Your Stew

To ensure a consistent texture and flavor in your stew, it’s important to monitor the simmering process. After bringing the stew to a boil, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer gently. A low bubble is ideal and prevents the lentils from splitting apart. Keep an eye on the liquid level; if the stew becomes too thick, add a splash more broth or water.

If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a small portion of the lentils against the side of the pot. This will help in achieving a creamy consistency. Conversely, if you’d like your stew to be more soupy, simply add additional broth at any stage of cooking without hesitation.

Storing and Reheating

This Ground Beef and Lentil Stew is an excellent candidate for meal prep. It stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, allowing the flavors to continue marrying over time. For longer storage, consider freezing the stew in airtight containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer and make for a hearty meal on busy nights. Just remember to cool the stew completely before transferring it to the freezer to avoid ice crystals.

When reheating, gently warm the stew over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If it has thickened after cooling, you might need to add a little water or broth to restore its original consistency. I often recommend enjoying the stew with fresh bread or over rice for a complete meal experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or even diced beef for a different flavor.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this stew?

Absolutely! Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients listed are gluten-free!