Hearty Beef & Lentil Soup with Vegetables

Introduction

Embrace the cozy warmth of a truly comforting Beef & Lentil Soup with Vegetables. This hearty, satisfying dish is perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and tastes like a warm hug in a bowl. Get ready to make a delicious and healthy beef and lentil soup that the whole family will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Beef & Lentil Soup

You’ll quickly fall in love with this robust and fulfilling Beef & Lentil Soup with Vegetables for many reasons. It’s designed to be simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile for any home cook.

• Rich, savory, deeply satisfying flavor. Each spoonful offers a delicious blend of seasoned beef, earthy lentils, and tender vegetables.
• Packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients. Discover more about the health benefits of incorporating lentils into your diet. This soup is a nutritional powerhouse, keeping you feeling full and energized.
• One-pot recipe, minimal cleanup. Enjoy more time with your family and less time scrubbing pots and pans after dinner.
• Versatile for various dietary needs. Easily adapt ingredients to suit preferences, from adding extra veggies to swapping broths.
• Even better as leftovers. The flavors deepen overnight, making this soup an excellent meal prep option for busy weeks.

Ingredients

Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients for this delicious Beef & Lentil Soup with Vegetables. They come together to create a deeply flavored and nourishing meal that’s perfect for any day.

• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Onion, chopped
• 1 Clove Garlic, minced
• 1 Pound Chuck Roast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 Tablespoon Beef Bouillon
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 ½ Cups Lentils, rinsed
• 10 Ounces Potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 32 Ounces Beef Broth
• 2 Cups Water
• 1 Cup Carrots, sliced (fresh or frozen)
• 1 ½ Cups Green Beans, cut (fresh or frozen)
• 14 Ounces Diced Tomatoes, canned

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to customize your soup with these simple swaps and additions.

• Beef: You can easily use stew meat, sirloin, or even lean ground beef for similar results. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Lentils: Green or brown lentils hold their shape well and are ideal for this recipe. Avoid red lentils, which can become too mushy.
• Vegetables: Enhance your soup by adding extra veggies like chopped celery, fresh spinach, corn, or peas.
• Broth: Substitute chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer, though beef broth adds a richer flavor.
• Seasoning: Always adjust salt to your taste. Consider adding black pepper, a bay leaf, or a pinch of dried thyme for extra depth.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to create this wonderful beef and lentil soup.

• Large saucepan or a Dutch oven
• Sharp knife for chopping
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your comforting Beef & Lentil Soup with Vegetables. This beginner-friendly guide ensures a delicious outcome every time.

1. Prepare the Beef: Begin by cutting your chuck roast into small, bite-size pieces. This helps it cook evenly and makes it easier to eat.
2. Season the Beef: In a small bowl, combine the beef bouillon, turmeric, and salt. Rub this flavorful spice mixture generously all over the cut beef pieces.
3. Chop Aromatics: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic clove. These will form the aromatic base of your soup.
4. Prepare Potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly, then peel them and cut them into small, uniform cubes.
5. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
6. Brown the Beef: Add the seasoned beef to the pot with the onions and garlic. Cook for a few minutes, browning it slightly on all sides. This step locks in flavor.
7. Add Lentils: Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. Stir the rinsed lentils into the pot with the beef and aromatics.
8. Add Potatoes: Next, add the cubed potatoes to the pot, mixing them gently with the other ingredients.
9. Pour Liquids: Carefully pour in the beef broth and water. Give everything a good stir to combine.
10. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This allows the lentils to soften.
11. Add Remaining Vegetables: Stir in the green beans and sliced carrots. Increase the heat again to bring the soup back to a boil.
12. Finish Cooking: Finally, add the canned diced tomatoes to the pot. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes are heated through and the vegetables are tender.
13. Serve: Ladle your hot and hearty Beef & Lentil Soup with Vegetables into bowls. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Beef & Lentil Soup

Enhance your homemade beef and lentil soup with these helpful tips for maximum flavor and texture.

• Browning Beef: Don’t skip browning the beef before adding liquids. This crucial step initiates the Maillard reaction, creating complex, rich flavors that form the foundation for the soup.
• Deglaze the Pot: After browning the beef, pour in a splash of broth or water and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits are full of flavor.
• Lentil Doneness: Taste test your lentils towards the end of the simmering time. Avoid overcooking them, as they can become mushy.
• Adjust Consistency: If your soup becomes too thick for your liking, simply add a bit more beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish individual servings with fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving. This adds a pop of color and a bright, fresh flavor.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

A warm bowl of beef and lentil soup is delicious on its own, but these ideas make it even better.

• Serving: Pair this hearty soup with some crusty bread for dipping, warm cornbread, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
• Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It tastes even better the next day!
• Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Spicy: For a kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other spices, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the table.
• Mediterranean: Give it a Mediterranean twist by adding a teaspoon of dried oregano, a bay leaf during simmering, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
• Creamy: For a richer, creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a swirl of full-fat coconut milk just before serving.

Nutrition Information

Enjoy this beef and lentil soup recipe knowing it’s packed with goodness. It offers substantial protein and fiber, making it a truly satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover answers to common questions about making this amazing Beef & Lentil Soup with Vegetables.

• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Brown the beef first for best flavor, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
• Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking? No, green or brown lentils generally do not require soaking. Just give them a good rinse under cold water to remove any debris.
• How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin? For a thicker consistency, mash some of the cooked potatoes or lentils against the side of the pot. Alternatively, create a cornstarch slurry with water and stir it in.
• What other vegetables can I add to this soup? Feel free to customize with extra vegetables! Try adding chopped celery, zucchini, bell peppers, or even frozen corn towards the end of the cooking time.

Conclusion

This Hearty Beef & Lentil Soup with Vegetables is a truly comforting and nutritious meal, perfect for any occasion. Its simple steps and rich flavors make it an instant family favorite, proving that healthy eating can also be incredibly delicious. Dive into a bowl of this satisfying soup and enjoy a nourishing beef and lentil soup that warms you from the inside out.

Hearty Beef & Lentil Soup with Vegetables

This hearty beef and lentil soup is packed with flavor and vegetables, making it a comforting and nutritious meal. Perfect for a cold day, it's easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Onion
• 1 Clove Garlic
• 1 Pound Chuck Roast
• 1 Tablespoon Beef Bouillon
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 ½ Cups Lentils
• 10 Ounces Potatoes
• 32 Ounces Beef Broth
• 2 Cups Water
• 1 Cup Carrots Sliced into bite-size pieces (can be frozen)
• 1 ½ Cups Green Beans Cut into bite-size pieces (can be frozen)
• 14 Ounces Diced Tomatoes Canned

Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Stirring spoon

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cut the chuck roast into bite-sized pieces.
2. Combine beef bouillon, turmeric, and salt, then rub the spice mixture onto the beef for added flavor.
3. Chop the onion and garlic.
4. Wash and cut the potatoes into small chunks.

Cooking

1. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil, then sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent.
2. Add the spiced beef to the saucepan and cook for several minutes.
3. Rinse the lentils under cold water, then stir them into the saucepan with the beef.
4. Add the prepared potatoes to the pot with the lentils and beef.
5. Pour in the beef broth and water, stir well, and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
7. Stir in the green beans and carrots, then bring the soup back to a boil.
8. Add the diced tomatoes and continue cooking for about 5 minutes until heated through.
9. Serve the hearty beef and lentil soup and enjoy.

Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot after simmering. You can also adjust the spice levels to your preference by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.