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Beef Lentil Stew

Beef Lentil Stew
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This easy Beef Lentil Stew is a warm, hearty, and nutritious one-pot meal combining tender beef chuck, wholesome lentils, and a rich blend of vegetables and herbs. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or anytime you crave a comforting, protein-packed stew with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces

Lentils and Grains

  • 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed

Vegetables

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

Liquids and Sauces

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Fats and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Brown the Beef: Cut beef chuck into even, bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot, to develop a rich caramelized surface. Once browned, remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Cook gently over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until onions are translucent and vegetables are softened, building flavor layers.
  3. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to meld its tanginess into the vegetables. Add bay leaves, thyme, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to infuse the stew with aromatic seasoning.
  4. Combine Beef, Lentils, and Broth: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth and add rinsed brown lentils. Stir to combine everything evenly. Ensure the broth covers the mixture by about one inch for proper cooking.
  5. Simmer Until Tender: Bring stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and partially cover the pot. Simmer for 40 to 50 minutes or until beef is fork-tender and lentils are cooked but still hold shape. Check occasionally and add water or broth if stew becomes too thick.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For a thicker stew, mash a few lentils against the pot’s side and stir. Serve hot with your choice of garnishes and sides.

Notes

  • Brown the beef well to deepen flavor—don’t rush this step.
  • Choose brown or green lentils for texture; red lentils will make the stew creamier.
  • Onions, garlic, carrots, and celery are essential aromatics; don’t skip or substitute lightly.
  • Simmer gently to keep beef tender and prevent it from getting tough.
  • Adjust stew thickness at the end by mashing lentils or adding more broth.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, lentil stew, hearty meal, one pot recipe, comfort food, easy stew, healthy dinner

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