The Coziest Hearty Lentil Soup With Ground Beef Recipe

Crafting a soul-warming lentil soup with ground beef brings comfort right to your table.

Robust flavors mingle deliciously in this classic one-pot wonder.

Meaty and satisfying, each spoonful promises deep, rich nutrition packed with protein.

Mediterranean cooking traditions inspire this simple yet remarkable dish.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly it comes together with minimal ingredients.

Protein-rich lentils create a filling meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Prepare to be surprised by how something so straightforward can taste incredibly delectable.

Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef Comfort

• Comfort in a Bowl: A warm, satisfying soup that hugs your taste buds with rich, deep flavors and hearty ingredients perfect for any mealtime.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from ground beef and lentils, plus a rainbow of vegetables providing essential nutrients and wholesome goodness for the entire family.
• Simple Cooking Magic: Requires minimal kitchen skills with straightforward steps, making this recipe accessible for beginners and experienced cooks who want a delicious one-pot meal.
• Customizable Comfort: Easy to adapt with different herbs, optional toppings, or additional vegetables, letting home cooks personalize the soup to their taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients That Bring This Soup Together

• Ground Beef: A rich and hearty meat that adds depth and protein to the soup.

• Onions, Celery, Carrots, Garlic: A classic mirepoix that provides a flavorful and aromatic foundation for the soup.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds a tangy sweetness and helps create a robust soup base.
• Broth: Provides essential liquid and additional flavor to the soup.

• Lentils: A nutritious and filling ingredient that gives the soup its hearty texture and earthy flavor.

• Thyme, Bay Leaves: Herbs that add a subtle, complex flavor to the soup.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a mild herbal note to the finished soup.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the vegetables and adds a smooth, rich undertone to the soup.

How to Cook Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces using a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns completely brown and loses its pink color, which takes approximately 5 minutes. Drain any extra fat from the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Diced celery
• Sliced carrots
• Minced garlic

Stir the vegetables and cook until onions become soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. Keep the heat low to prevent browning.

Step 3: Build The Soup Base

• Diced tomatoes with their juices
• Broth
• Lentils
• Dried thyme
• Bay leaves
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Simmer And Soften

Partially cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let the soup simmer.

Cook until lentils become tender, which takes about 45-50 minutes.

Step 5: Remove Bay Leaves

Take out the bay leaves and discard them from the soup.

Step 6: Create Creamy Texture

Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, maintaining some chunky texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer 2 cups of soup to a regular blender, blend, and return to the pot.

Step 7: Serve And Garnish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top and serve the soup piping hot.

Tips to Boost Flavor and Texture

• Brown meat thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors that enhance the overall soup taste.
• Brown or green lentils might require slightly longer cooking time, so check tenderness and add extra liquid if needed.
• Partially blend the soup to create a creamy yet chunky consistency that keeps the hearty feel intact.
• Drain excess beef fat after browning to control soup's richness and prevent greasy appearance.
• Add fresh parsley just before serving to brighten flavors and introduce a fresh, vibrant note to the soup.

Variations to Change Up This Hearty Soup

• Spicy Southwestern Lentil Soup: Replace thyme with cumin and chili powder. Add diced green chilies and top with shredded pepper jack cheese.
• Mediterranean Herbed Lentil Soup: Swap ground beef for lamb. Incorporate oregano and rosemary. Finish with crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Lentil Soup: Substitute ground beef with mixed wild mushrooms. Add smoked paprika for depth. Stir in spinach during final cooking minutes for extra nutrition.
• Moroccan-Inspired Lentil Soup: Include ground cinnamon and turmeric. Replace ground beef with merguez sausage. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of yogurt.

Pairing Suggestions That Complement Soup

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the hearty lentil soup, enhancing its depth and warmth.
• Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Choose a rustic sourdough or whole grain bread to soak up the soup's savory broth, adding a delightful textural contrast and providing a satisfying carbohydrate accompaniment.
• Match with Tangy Goat Cheese Crumbles: Sprinkle fresh goat cheese on top of the soup to introduce a creamy, slightly acidic element that cuts through the soup's heartiness and adds a sophisticated flavor profile.

Storing Your Lentil Soup the Right Way

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the soup remains fresh and tasty.

Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze up to 3 months. Keep the soup flat for easy storage.

Transfer frozen or refrigerated soup to a pot. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick.

Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving to ensure it’s hot throughout.

FAQs

• Why use an immersion blender in this recipe?

An immersion blender helps create a creamy texture while keeping some chunky elements, making the soup more interesting and satisfying without completely pureeing all ingredients.

• Can I substitute green or brown lentils?

Yes, but they might require slightly longer cooking time. Red lentils cook faster, while green and brown lentils need about 5-10 extra minutes to become tender.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Absolutely. The recipe combines protein from ground beef, fiber from lentils, and various vitamins and minerals from vegetables, creating a complete and nutritious meal.

• How can I make this soup more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or include some diced jalapeños during the vegetable sautéing stage to increase the heat level according to your preference.

Hearty Lentil Soup With Ground Beef Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Hearty lentil soup with ground beef delivers a comforting symphony of flavors from Mediterranean kitchens. Packed with protein and warmth, this rustic dish offers you a satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 0.5 pound (226 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 (14.5-ounce/411 grams) can diced tomatoes

Herbs, Spices, and Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (192 grams) French lentils or brown/green lentils
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• A few tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat for 5 minutes, breaking it into crumbles and draining excess fat if needed.
2. Introduce olive oil and sauté onions, celery, carrots, and garlic until vegetables soften and become translucent, approximately 5 minutes, avoiding browning by adjusting heat.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, broth, lentils, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper, then elevate to a boiling temperature.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover pot partially, and allow soup to simmer gently for 45-50 minutes until lentils reach a tender consistency.
5. Extract and discard bay leaves from the soup.
6. Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, maintaining a rustic texture. Alternatively, transfer 2 cups of soup to a standard blender, process until slightly smooth, and reintegrate into the pot.
7. Enhance the soup’s presentation by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Check lentil cooking times carefully, as green or brown lentils might need longer simmering compared to red or yellow varieties, potentially requiring 10-15 extra minutes of cooking.
• Drain excess beef fat completely to prevent greasy soup texture and reduce overall calorie content, enhancing the dish’s healthiness.
• Consider substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner protein option that suits different dietary preferences like low-fat or vegetarian diets.
• Customize soup thickness by adjusting liquid amounts – add more broth for a thinner consistency or simmer uncovered to reduce and create a more concentrated, robust flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg