Beef and lentil soup

Cozy up with a hearty, nutritious bowl of Beef and Lentil Soup! This recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly days.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or diced stew meat)
1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
6 cups beef broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon cumin
1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup kale or spinach, chopped (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
If using stew meat, brown the pieces on all sides.
Drain any excess fat, if necessary, and set the beef aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.

3. Add Lentils and Broth

Return the beef to the pot.
Stir in the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, cumin, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Simmer the Soup

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
If using kale or spinach, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Customizations: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Make it Heartier: Add a handful of barley or diced potatoes to the soup.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

This Beef and Lentil Soup is a nutritious and filling dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Perfect for warming up on a cold day!