If you are craving something comforting, nutritious, and packed full of flavor, this Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together tender lentils, savory ground beef, and a medley of aromatic vegetables and spices to create a bowl of soup that’s soul-satisfying and perfect for any season. Whether you need a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal to impress family and friends, this recipe is straightforward, wholesome, and endlessly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients sets the foundation for a delicious soup. Each item here adds its own unique taste, texture, or color, making the final dish balanced and hearty.
- Ground beef: Provides rich, savory flavor and protein that makes the soup filling.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and builds the flavor base when sautéed.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with warm, aromatic notes that elevate the overall taste.
- Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a splash of bright color.
- Celery: Offers a mild, earthy crunch to balance the softness of lentils.
- Dried lentils (green or brown): The heart of the soup, delivering earthiness and a satisfying texture.
- Beef broth: Deepens the meatiness and creates a flavorful base for the soup.
- Diced tomatoes: Add acidity and a fresh taste that balances richness.
- Dried thyme and oregano: Classic herbs that give the soup warmth and complexity.
- Ground cumin and smoked paprika: Introduce subtle spice and smoky depth.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté ingredients for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Bay leaves: Impart a delicate herbal aroma as the soup simmers.
- Fresh parsley: A vibrant garnish that adds freshness and color at the end.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for highlighting and balancing all the flavors.
How to Make Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook it until it’s richly browned throughout, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step builds the savory backbone of your soup. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off, so your soup stays hearty but not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add diced onion, carrots, and celery right into the pot with the beef. Cooking these together softens the veggies and lets their natural sweetness meld with the meat. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes, until everything feels tender and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, ground cumin, and if you like a touch of smoky warmth, some smoked paprika. Let this mixture cook for 1 to 2 minutes until you can really smell those beautiful spices waking up your soup.
Step 4: Combine Lentils, Tomatoes, and Broth
Pour in the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with their juices, and the beef broth. Give everything a good stir to make sure ingredients are well blended. Turn the heat to medium-high until the soup comes to a boil, signaling it’s ready for the slow simmer that brings all flavors together.
Step 5: Simmer Until Lentils Are Tender
Reduce the heat to low and add bay leaves. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. This slow cooking softens the lentils perfectly while allowing all the ingredients to infuse into a harmonious, comforting blend. Stir occasionally to keep everything well mixed.
Step 6: Adjust and Finish
Remove the bay leaves and taste your soup. This is the moment to season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer a thicker texture, partially mash some lentils with a potato masher or an immersion blender — it’s a wonderful way to customize the soup’s consistency before serving.
How to Serve Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of green and a burst of fresh herbal flavor that perfectly balances the rich, earthy soup. For an extra touch, a drizzle of olive oil or a bit of grated Parmesan can also bring a lovely finish.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with something simple like crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up all those savory juices. A crisp side salad can add brightness and crunch, making the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls for a cozy, homestyle feel. For entertaining, you can ladle the soup into small cups or shot glasses as a starter. Another fun idea is to hollow out a warm bread bowl, turning the meal itself into an edible serving dish that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef Recipe tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making each bite more delicious.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Lentils hold their texture well, and reheating brings the comforting taste right back.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it’s too thick after refrigerated or frozen storage, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of lentils?
Absolutely! While green or brown lentils hold their shape nicely in this soup, you can experiment with red or yellow lentils. Keep in mind those tend to cook faster and may break down more, resulting in a creamier texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with hearty mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. It still packs a ton of flavor and remains hearty and satisfying.
What can I add to make the soup spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when you add the garlic and spices. This will give your soup a gentle but noticeable kick without overpowering the other flavors.
How thick should the soup be?
That depends on your preference. The Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef Recipe can be kept brothy or thickened by mashing some lentils during the final cooking step. Both textures taste wonderful!
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
You certainly can! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first on the stove, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until lentils are tender.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef Recipe is a true comfort food champion — nourishing, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Once you try it, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to meals for chilly evenings or anytime you want a satisfying bowl of goodness. Give it a whirl and enjoy every spoonful!
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Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty lentil soup with ground beef is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with protein-rich lentils, savory ground beef, and a medley of aromatic vegetables and spices, this soup offers robust flavors and a satisfying texture. Ready in about an hour, it’s an easy one-pot meal that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Legumes and Liquids
- 1 1/2 cups dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed
- 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
Oils and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and develop a slight golden color, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, ground cumin, and smoked paprika (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant, releasing the depth of the spices.
- Add Lentils, Tomatoes, and Broth: Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with their juices, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat to begin cooking the lentils.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Add the bay leaves, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender and the flavors meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning and Texture: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed. For a thicker consistency, use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially mash some of the lentils, enhancing the soup’s creaminess.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors.
Notes
- Lentils do not need pre-soaking, making this soup quick and easy.
- For a vegetarian version, omit ground beef and use vegetable broth.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a delightful smoky depth to the soup.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a more filling meal.
