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Easy & Best Beef Lentil Soup Recipe

This Easy & Best Beef Lentil Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender beef, nutritious lentils, and a variety of vegetables in a flavorful broth. It's a wholesome meal that's packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, making it the perfect choice for a filling lunch or dinner. The savory beef and earthy lentils come together to create a satisfying soup that warms you from the inside out.

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Ladle for serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef stew meat or ground beef your choice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup dried green or brown lentils rinsed
  • 6 cups beef broth or vegetable broth for a lighter version
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for brightness

Instructions

  • Cook the Beef
  • In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. If using ground beef, cook until browned and crumbled. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
  • Sauté the Vegetables
  • In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the Lentils and Broth
  • Stir in the lentils, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), cumin, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil.
  • Simmer the Soup
  • Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the beef is cooked through.
  • Finish the Soup
  • Remove the bay leaf and stir in the lemon juice (if using) for a touch of brightness. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper.
  • Serve
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.