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Beef Lentil Stew

Beef Lentil Stew
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Warm up with a savory Beef Lentil Stew packed with tender, slow-cooked beef, nutritious lentils, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. This hearty one-pot meal combines rich, comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients to nourish both body and soul, making it perfect for cozy nights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1.5 pounds beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes

Lentils and Legumes

  • 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

Liquids

  • 4 cups beef broth or stock (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (or fresh equivalent)

Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Herbs and Spices

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Trim the beef into bite-sized cubes for even cooking. Rinse lentils under cold water until clear. Finely chop onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to create your stew base.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil or butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces in a single layer and brown on all sides to seal in juices and develop rich color. Remove browned beef and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook gently for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant to build a flavorful base.
  4. Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Return browned beef to the pot along with rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until beef is tender and lentils are cooked through.
  5. Season and Serve: Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Let stew rest a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Browning beef thoroughly adds deep, savory flavor—don’t rush this step.
  • Soaking lentils for 30 minutes is optional but can reduce cooking time and improve texture.
  • Use fresh herbs if possible for brighter flavors.
  • Adjust liquid during simmering to keep desired consistency; add broth or water if too thick.
  • Allow stew to rest before serving; flavors deepen and meld beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef lentil stew, hearty stew, comfort food, slow-cooked beef, lentils, one-pot meal, gluten-free stew

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/beef-lentil-stew/