Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef

When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something warm and comforting, Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef is the perfect dish to cozy up with. Picture a rich, flavorful broth filled with tender lentils, savory ground beef, and a medley of vegetables—each spoonful is a hug in a bowl. This soup is hearty enough to fill you up but light enough to keep you coming back for more. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and packs a punch with all the wholesome goodness you need to stay satisfied. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a go-to. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef

• Comfort in a Bowl: This soup is the definition of comfort food, with tender lentils and ground beef simmered in a delicious, savory broth. It’s like a warm blanket for your soul.
• Packed with Protein and Fiber: Between the ground beef and lentils, this soup is full of protein and fiber to keep you full for hours—without weighing you down.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. There’s no need to search for specialty items—just grab what you’ve got, and you’re good to go.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big pot, and you’ve got lunch or dinner for the whole week. It’s even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
• Customizable: If you like your soup spicy, add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce. Want it a bit heartier? Toss in some potatoes or additional veggies.

Ingredients

This soup is made with simple, hearty ingredients that bring loads of flavor to the table:

• Ground Beef: The savory base of the soup, adding richness and protein.
• Lentils: These little powerhouses are the star of the show, absorbing all the flavors of the broth and providing a nice bite.
• Carrots: Sweet and slightly earthy, they add depth and texture to the soup.
• Celery: A classic addition that brings freshness and crunch.
• Onion: Aromatic and savory, onions bring a solid base flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory touch to the soup.
• Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes add a slight acidity and depth to the broth.
• Beef Broth: The liquid base that pulls everything together with rich, savory goodness.
• Spices: A combination of bay leaves, thyme, and salt & pepper to season and elevate the dish.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and beef to bring out all their flavors.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this simple, hearty soup:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove any excess fat, and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Lentils

Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and lentils. Stir everything together to combine. Drop in the bay leaves and thyme, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 40-45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally, and check the lentils for doneness.

Step 5: Final Adjustments

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the lentils are tender and the soup is rich and flavorful, it’s ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy it with some crusty bread for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 10g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 25g
Vitamin A: 90%
Vitamin C: 10%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 20%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef

• With a Side of Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or a slice of garlic bread for dipping into the soup.
• Add a Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes the perfect side to balance the richness of the soup.
• Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor.
• With a Side of Crackers: Crumble some buttery crackers into the soup for added crunch.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: For a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño when sautéing the veggies.
• Use Different Ground Meat: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
• Freeze Leftovers: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in some spinach, kale, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
A1: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use canned lentils. Just drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup. The cooking time will be shorter.

Q2: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! You can skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version. Add more vegetables for extra flavor.

Q3: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A3: Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Q4: Can I freeze this soup?
A4: Yes! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove when you’re ready to eat.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.

Q6: Can I add potatoes to the soup?
A6: Absolutely! Adding cubed potatoes would make the soup even heartier. Just add them along with the lentils and cook until tender.

Q7: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A7: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works perfectly as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

Q8: How can I make this soup thicker?
A8: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender, then stir it back in.

Q9: Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
A9: Yes, if you want a lighter soup, vegetable broth works wonderfully. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed.

Q10: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A10: Yes! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Conclusion

Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and full of nutritious, filling ingredients. It’s the kind of dish that’ll warm you up from the inside out and keep you satisfied for hours. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, meal prepping for the week, or freezing it for later, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

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