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 dry lentils (green or brown); 1 large onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 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

Highlighted under: Feel-Good Plates

I absolutely love making Ground Beef and Lentil Stew on chilly evenings. It’s a comforting dish packed with flavors and nutrients. The combination of tender beef, hearty lentils, and a medley of vegetables creates a satisfying meal that warms the soul. I enjoy preparing this stew as it is simple yet incredibly rewarding. Each bite is a blend of spices, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!

Created by

Jenna Rowland

Last updated on 2026-02-07T23:35:36.306Z

When I first experimented with combining ground beef and lentils, I was surprised at how well they complemented each other. The lentils not only add nutrition but also absorb the rich flavors from the beef and spices beautifully. I remember the first time I let it simmer on the stove; the heavenly aroma had my family gathering in the kitchen, eager to taste it.

One tip I’d share is to allow the stew to rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together and infuse every spoonful with deliciousness. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A perfect blend of hearty flavors and cozy warmth
Packed with protein from beef and lentils
Easily adaptable with seasonal vegetables

Mastering the Art of Stewing

Stewing is a unique cooking method that gently breaks down ingredients over time, resulting in an incredibly flavorful and tender dish. In this Ground Beef and Lentil Stew, it's essential to brown the beef thoroughly. This step caramelizes the meat, enhancing its flavor, so be sure to cook it until it develops a rich brown color and an appealing crust. A well-browned base will impart depth to the entire stew.

Slow simmering is also key in stewing, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. Once you bring the stew to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. This creates a cozy environment ideal for the lentils and vegetables to become tender without boiling away their nutrients. Aim for a soft, buttery texture on the lentils; checking them after 30 minutes will help you get just the right consistency.

Substitutions and Variations

This Ground Beef and Lentil Stew is highly adaptable to your pantry and personal tastes. If ground beef isn’t your preference, you can easily swap it for ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, consider using mushrooms or plant-based crumbles along with vegetable broth instead of beef broth, ensuring a hearty yet meatless meal. Adjusting spices can also elevate the dish—adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce can introduce exciting new flavors.

Fresh herbs can make a big difference too. While the recipe suggests thyme, feel free to experiment with rosemary or bay leaves for enhanced aromatics. If you have leftover roasted vegetables, this is the perfect opportunity to add them in during the simmering stage to incorporate their smoky flavors without additional cooking time.

Ingredients

For the Stew

1 pound ground beef
1 cup dry lentils (green or brown)
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
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

Steps

Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces.

Sauté Vegetables

Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Add Lentils and Spices

Stir in the lentils, diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Simmer

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

Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or beans to the stew. A splash of red wine can enhance the flavor further!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This stew is not only delicious fresh, but also makes great leftovers. Once cooled, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so don’t hesitate to prepare it a day ahead for more robust taste. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags, laying them flat for easy stacking and quick thawing— they will last up to three months.

To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the stew has thickened up. Stir occasionally to avoid scorching, and ensure everything is heated through before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef and Lentil Stew can be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice. Adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can enhance its creaminess, creating a delightful contrast with the hearty stew. I also love to serve it with a simple arugula salad dressed in a light vinaigrette— the freshness adds a wonderful balance.

For a more international flair, consider serving the stew with flatbreads or naan, perfect for scooping up the luscious broth. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving brightens the dish visually and complements the flavors beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients.

→ Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative can be used instead.