Ground Beef And Lentil Stew

Name: Ground Beef And Lentil Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups beef broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Rustic Inspiration

When I first decided to try my hand at making Ground Beef and Lentil Stew, I was excited to blend the heartiness of lentils with the rich flavor of beef. This dish turned out to be a comforting bowl of goodness that my family absolutely adored. The combination of spices and slow-cooked ingredients brings a depth of flavor that you won’t find in a quick meal. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more legumes into our diet while ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.

Created by

Nell Abernathy

Last updated on 2026-02-08T06:57:36.741Z

Creating my Ground Beef and Lentil Stew was a delightful journey that allowed me to experiment with flavor profiles. I used a medley of vegetables and spices that truly highlight the beef while allowing the lentils to shine through. After a few attempts, I discovered that simmering the stew slowly really enhances the flavor, letting all the ingredients meld beautifully together.

One of my favorite tips is to let the stew sit for a few minutes after cooking; doing this allows the flavors to develop even further. When I serve it, I love adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and brightness to the dish, making it as appealing as it is delicious.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Hearty and filling, perfect for a family meal.
Rich in flavors with a unique blend of spices.
A nutritious way to enjoy lentils and beef together.

      

Mastering the Cooking Technique

When making Ground Beef and Lentil Stew, it's essential to cook the beef until it reaches a brown hue, which typically takes about 7-10 minutes over medium heat. This browning process not only enhances the flavor through the Maillard reaction but also provides a savory base for the stew. Don't rush this step; a properly browned meat will impart a rich depth to the final dish.

After adding the vegetables, aim for a soft texture without overcooking. Sautéing for just 5 minutes allows the onions to become translucent and the carrots to soften. Keep an eye on the garlic—burnt garlic can turn bitter, so add it last and stir frequently to keep it from browning too quickly.

Balancing Flavors and Textures

The combination of spices—thyme and cumin—plays a pivotal role in defining the stew's personality. Thyme contributes an earthy aroma, while cumin adds warmth and a slight nuttiness. Adjust the quantities to your taste, but ensure these flavors intertwine with the beef and lentils during the simmering stage; they require some time to meld fully, usually about 30-40 minutes.

For an ideal texture, make sure the lentils are rinsed and checked for any debris beforehand. When fully cooked, they should retain a slight bite without being mushy. If you prefer a creamier stew, consider mashing a portion of the lentils with the back of a spoon just before serving to thicken the mixture naturally.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to begin your delicious stew:

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have everything prepped for the best cooking experience!

Instructions

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

Cook the Beef

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, and cumin to the pot. Stir to combine.

Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

Season and Serve

Once cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your hearty meal with some crusty bread!

Pro Tips

For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream just before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to lighten up this Ground Beef and Lentil Stew, you can swap ground turkey or chicken for beef, which will yield a lighter flavor profile. Additionally, for a vegetarian version, consider using lentils alone, supplemented with mushrooms for a meaty texture, along with vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Fresh herbs can enhance the dish further; feel free to substitute dried thyme with fresh thyme leaves. Remember that fresh herbs are usually more potent, so use three times the amount specified for dried herbs.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This stew is an excellent make-ahead meal. After cooking, let it cool to room temperature and store in airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For reheating, a gentle simmer on the stove works best, as it allows the flavors to revive.

When storing, consider portioning out the stew into single servings, making it easy to grab for lunches or quick dinners. Just remember to leave some extra liquid, as the lentils will absorb moisture while stored.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

→ How can I make it vegetarian?

Simply omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead, adding extra vegetables for flavor.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, leftovers will last for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the stew?

Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.