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 onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cups beef broth; 1 can diced tomatoes; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

Highlighted under: Modern Comfort Food Recipes

I absolutely love making Ground Beef and Lentil Stew on chilly nights. The hearty combination of tender beef, protein-packed lentils, and fresh vegetables warms me to my core and fills my home with an irresistible aroma. Each time I make this stew, I experiment with the spices, offering little surprises with every bite. It's a forgiving recipe that adapts well to what I have on hand, ensuring a flavorful dish that satisfies. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, making it easier to enjoy throughout the week!

Created by

Florence Keaton

Last updated on 2026-02-08T06:29:36.568Z

I’ve experimented with various ingredients for my Ground Beef and Lentil Stew, and I’ve come to appreciate how lentils absorb flavors beautifully, enhancing the stew's overall taste. They also add a wonderful texture that complements the beef, making each spoonful delightful.

One essential tip I learned is to sauté the onions and garlic until they're golden before adding the meat. This step creates a deep flavor base that elevates the entire dish. It’s a small change, but it truly makes a noticeable difference!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Hearty and nourishing, perfect for cozy gatherings
Packed with protein and fiber from lentils
Versatile and customizable to suit your taste

Understanding the Ingredients

Each element in this Ground Beef and Lentil Stew plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and hearty dish. The ground beef provides rich flavor and protein, while the lentils add a nutty taste and texture that complements the meat perfectly. Lentils are also a great source of fiber, making this dish not just filling but also nutritious. Fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions create a depth of flavor, contributing both sweet and savory notes that elevate the overall profile of the stew.

Spices like paprika and cumin enhance the stew's warmth and complexity. Paprika brings a slightly smoky flavor, while cumin adds an earthy richness that pairs beautifully with the beef and lentils. Adjusting these spices to your taste can allow for variations that keep this dish exciting. I often recommend starting with the suggested amounts and gradually adding more, tasting as you go to find your perfect balance.

Cooking Technique Insights

Sautéing the onions and garlic until they're soft is an essential first step in building flavor. Aim for a translucent state, which typically takes about 5 minutes over medium heat. This technique allows the natural sugars in the onions to caramelize slightly, contributing to the stew's depth. If you find that the mixture starts to brown too quickly, make sure to reduce the heat to prevent burning, which can lead to bitter flavors in your dish.

When browning the beef, breaking it apart in the pot ensures even cooking. You should see no pink remaining after about 7 minutes. If too much liquid is released, this might indicate that the meat wasn't sufficiently browned before adding the other ingredients. Consider using lean ground beef to avoid excess grease, but if you do opt for a fattier mix, you may want to drain excess fat before proceeding with the recipe.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup lentils, rinsed
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups beef broth
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Brown the Beef

Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, browning for about 7 minutes until it is fully cooked.

Add Remaining Ingredients

Stir in the carrots, celery, lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Simmer the Stew

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other vegetables you love, such as bell peppers or spinach. You can also substitute ground beef with turkey or a vegetarian option for a lighter version.

Garnishing and Serving Suggestions

Garnishing this stew can enhance not only the presentation but also the overall flavor experience. Fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, can add a burst of brightness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of feta cheese provides a creamy contrast to the hearty stew, while a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the dish with a refreshing finish. Serve it alongside crusty bread for a complete meal, allowing for delightful dipping.

For those looking to add more variety, consider serving the stew over brown rice or quinoa. This adds an extra layer of texture and additional nutrients. Additionally, it can be enjoyed with a side salad, which adds a fresh, crunchy element that balances the richness of the stew.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This Ground Beef and Lentil Stew is an excellent candidate for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors continue to deepen as it sits. For longer-term storage, consider freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so slowly on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to regain the desired consistency.

If you're prepping ahead, cook the lentils separately and add them to the stew during reheating to maintain their texture. This prevents them from becoming mushy. Also, feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand, making this a versatile recipe that can adapt to fit your pantry.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well. Just cool it completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

→ How long does it last in the fridge?

It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

→ What can I serve with this stew?

Serve it with crusty bread, rice, or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

→ Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.