Description
Savor a comforting and hearty Beef Lentil Stew combining tender beef chuck and earthy lentils simmered in a rich broth with vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs. Perfect for cozy nights or any season, this protein-packed stew offers a nourishing and satisfying meal that’s easy to customize to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
Lentils
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
Liquid & Seasonings
- 4 cups beef broth or stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes, forming the flavorful base of the stew.
- Brown the Beef: Add beef chuck pieces to the pot and sear until browned on all sides. This locks in the juices and enhances the rich meat flavor.
- Add Lentils, Tomatoes, and Broth: Stir in the rinsed lentils, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and pour in beef broth. Mix thoroughly, ensuring lentils are submerged and nothing sticks to the pot bottom.
- Season and Simmer: Add bay leaves, thyme, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for about 1 hour until beef is tender and flavors meld.
- Final Adjustments and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove bay leaves before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy your comforting Beef Lentil Stew.
Notes
- Use quality, well-marbled beef chuck for tender and flavorful results.
- Take your time browning the beef for deeper flavor development.
- Rinse lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove dust or impurities.
- Simmer gently to keep lentils intact and beef juicy; avoid boiling vigorously.
- Customize herbs by adding fresh parsley or rosemary at the end to brighten flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg