Best Beef Lentil Soup Recipe

Beef Lentil Soup is a savory, one-pot meal made by simmering ground beef, lentils, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. It often includes ingredients like onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and tomatoes, along with seasonings such as thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. The lentils add a rich texture and are a great source of protein and fiber, making this soup both nutritious and satisfying. It’s a popular comfort food, perfect for cold weather or when you need a filling, healthy meal.

Beef Lentil Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare. The cooking time allows the lentils to soften and the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and hearty soup. You can also make a large batch and store leftovers in the fridge for a few days, or freeze it for later use.

Many find Beef Lentil Soup to be a perfect meal for busy days. The combination of beef and lentils creates a satisfying dish that fills you up without being heavy. The soup’s rich flavors are enhanced by the herbs and vegetables, making it a favorite among those who enjoy easy, home-cooked meals. Whether served as a main course or paired with bread, this soup always delivers comfort and nutrition in one bowl.

Why You’ll Love It Beef Lentil Soup

• Nutritious & Filling: Beef lentil soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. The combination of lean beef and lentils provides essential nutrients, helping you stay energized throughout the day.
• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is simple and quick to make, even for beginners. With minimal prep time and easy-to-find ingredients, beef lentil soup is a great option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
• Versatile & Flavorful: The rich flavors of beef and lentils blend perfectly with savory spices. You can easily adjust the recipe to your taste, adding extra vegetables or seasonings to create a unique, delicious bowl every time.

Ingredient Notes for a Beef Lentil Soup

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make a delicious Beef Lentil Soup:

• Ground Beef: Adds richness and protein to the soup. Ground beef is the base of the soup, providing flavor and texture.
• Onion: Adds a savory depth to the soup. It softens and becomes sweet as it cooks, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Carrots: These provide a slight sweetness and color to the soup. Carrots are also a great source of vitamins and minerals.
• Celery Stalks: Celery adds a subtle crunch and fresh, herbaceous flavor to the soup. It also balances the sweetness of the carrots.
• Garlic: A must-have for adding depth and aroma. Garlic complements the beef and other ingredients beautifully.
• Dry Lentils: Lentils are the star of this soup. They’re hearty, nutritious, and absorb the flavors of the broth well. Be sure to rinse them before cooking.
• Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes or canned ones bring a slight acidity and freshness to the soup, balancing out the richness of the beef.
• Beef Broth or Chicken Broth: Use beef broth for a deeper, more robust flavor. Chicken broth can also be used for a lighter taste.
• Tomato Paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor, giving the soup a rich, smooth texture and depth.
• Dried Thyme: This herb adds an earthy, slightly floral flavor that complements the savory ingredients.
• Dried Oregano: Oregano brings a Mediterranean note that enhances the overall taste, especially when paired with the thyme.
• Bay Leaf: Bay leaves infuse the soup with a subtle, aromatic flavor while it simmers. Be sure to remove it before serving.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Add to taste to bring all the flavors together.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the beef, olive oil helps develop the flavor and adds a rich, smooth finish.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice at the end brightens the soup, adding freshness and balancing the rich, savory flavors.

Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch to Beef Lentil Soup

Beef lentil soup is a hearty, nutritious dish loved by many. To make it truly special, start with quality beef and fresh vegetables. Ensure the lentils are fully cooked before serving. This soup is flexible, so feel free to adjust seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Adding extra herbs or spices can elevate your beef lentil soup. Try incorporating cumin, garlic, or thyme for added depth of flavor. Experimenting with these ingredients will make your soup uniquely yours. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings as you cook.

If you prefer a richer texture, consider adding a splash of cream or coconut milk. This will create a creamy base that balances the hearty beef and lentils. For extra flavor, try a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs as a garnish.

Beef Lentil Soup Variation

While the traditional Beef Lentil Soup is delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try to mix things up.

• Spicy Beef Lentil Soup: Add chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. You can also toss in some jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with mushrooms or tempeh for a vegetarian version. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
• Curry Beef Lentil Soup: For a twist, add curry powder to the soup for a unique flavor profile. This pairs wonderfully with the earthy lentils and beef.
• Beef and Lentil Soup with Potatoes: You can include diced potatoes in the soup for added texture and a more filling meal.

How to Serve Beef Lentil Soup

Beef Lentil Soup is versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different preferences.

• With Bread: Serve your Beef Lentil Soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. A warm, buttered roll or baguette is perfect alongside this hearty dish.
• With Salad: Pair the soup with a light, fresh salad. A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
• With Rice: Some enjoy serving Beef Lentil Soup over a bed of rice, making the meal even more filling.
• Topped with Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top for added flavor.

Storage Options

Beef Lentil Soup is perfect for making in advance, as it stores well and even tastes better the next day. Here are some storage tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Beef Lentil Soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: Beef Lentil Soup freezes well. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stovetop.
• Meal Prep: This soup is a great option for meal prepping. Make a large batch and divide it into individual portions for easy lunches throughout the week.

FAQs About Beef Lentil Soup

How long does it take to cook Beef Lentil Soup?
Cooking Beef Lentil Soup usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the type of beef and how soft you like the lentils. You can also cook it in a slow cooker for a more tender result.

Can I use ground beef in Beef Lentil Soup?
Yes, ground beef works well in Beef Lentil Soup and can make it quicker to cook. Just brown the ground beef before adding the other ingredients for the best flavor.

Is Beef Lentil Soup healthy?
Yes, Beef Lentil Soup is a healthy option. It provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a balanced meal for any diet.

Can I freeze Beef Lentil Soup?
Absolutely! Beef Lentil Soup freezes well and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just reheat it on the stove for a quick and easy meal.

Best Beef Lentil Soup Recipe

Beef Lentil Soup is a savory, one-pot meal made by simmeringground beef, lentils, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. It often includesingredients like onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and tomatoes, along withseasonings such as thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. The lentils add a richtexture and are a great source of protein and fiber, making this soup bothnutritious and satisfying. It’s a popular comfort food, perfect for coldweather or when you need a filling, healthy meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef or stew beef cut into cubes
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup dry lentils rinsed
• 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
• 6 cups beef broth or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice optional, for added flavor

Equipment

• Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden Spoon or Ladle
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Strainer (optional)
• Can Opener

Method

 

1. Cook the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. If you're using stew beef, brown the pieces on all sides.
2. Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Add the tomato paste, dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine, letting the tomato paste cook for 2-3 minutes to develop a rich flavor.
4. Add the Broth and Lentils: Pour in the beef broth and add the rinsed lentils. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
5. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the lentils are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
6. Add the Tomatoes: Once the lentils are tender, stir in the can of diced tomatoes. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls. Serve hot with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

This Beef Lentil Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It's even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight and heat on the stovetop until warmed through.