Hearty Beef & Lentil Soup Recipe

This Beef & Lentil Soup recipe is one of those soup recipes I come back to again and again when life feels busy. It is warm, filling, and made with simple pantry staples. I first made this on a foggy Carmel evening when the kids needed something cozy and fast. The beef gives it comfort, the lentils make it hearty, and the broth brings everything together. If you are looking for dinner recipes that feel like home, this bowl does the job.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This soup is filling enough for dinner and simple enough for a weeknight. It uses ground beef, which makes it budget friendly. The lentils cook right in the pot, so there is no extra work. Best of all, it tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Ground beef, adds rich flavor and makes the soup hearty.
• Brown or green lentils, they hold their shape and add protein.
• Onion and garlic, these build the base flavor.
• Carrots and celery, they add sweetness and balance.
• Crushed tomatoes, give the broth body and warmth.
• Beef broth, brings everything together.
• Salt, pepper, and dried herbs, simple seasoning is all you need.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Break it up as it cooks.
2. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
6. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30 to 35 minutes.
7. Check lentils for tenderness. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Helpful Tips and Variations

• This is one of my favorite quick dinner ideas because it all cooks in one pot.
• If you like thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes.
• You can swap ground beef for ground turkey if needed.
• This works well for lazy dinners when you want something warm without effort.
• Leftovers make great lunch the next day, one of my favorite things to do with ground beef.

If you enjoy easy meals with ground beef, you might also love this ground beef orzo with tomato for busy nights. For something fun and classic, try these ground beef Philly cheesesteaks. When I want bold flavors, I make this Mediterranean ground beef stir fry. And for seasoning help, this firecracker ground beef seasoning is a favorite.

Serving and Storage

Serve this soup hot with crusty bread or a simple green salad. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes it feel special.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Hearty Beef & Lentil Soup

This hearty Beef & Lentil Soup is cozy, comforting, and packed with rich flavor. Made in one pot with simple ingredients like ground beef, lentils, and veggies, it’s the perfect go-to meal for busy nights or chilly days when you need something warm and filling.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 carrots chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup brown or green lentils rinsed
• 1 can crushed tomatoes 14 oz
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs

Equipment

• Large Pot

Method

 

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30–35 minutes.
7. Check lentils for tenderness, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve hot.

Notes

Let the soup simmer uncovered in the last 5 minutes for a thicker consistency. You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day.

FAQs

Is this one of those easy meals with ground beef?

Yes, this soup is very simple. Everything cooks in one pot, and the steps are easy to follow. It is great for nights when you want comfort without stress. Even new cooks can make this with confidence.

Can this soup work for dinner ideas with ground beef?

Absolutely. This is a full meal in one bowl. The beef and lentils make it filling enough for dinner. It pairs well with bread, but it is satisfying on its own too.

Are lentils hard to cook in soup recipes?

Not at all. Lentils cook right in the broth and do not need soaking. Just give them time to simmer until tender. They are one of my favorite pantry items.

Is this good for things to make with ground beef ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is even better the next day. The flavors deepen as it sits. It is perfect for meal prep or make ahead dinners.

Final Thoughts from Ama

Some recipes feel like a hug in a bowl, and this Beef & Lentil Soup recipe is one of them. Even if it is not perfect, it will still taste wonderful. Take your time, enjoy the process, and remember that a warm meal can turn any day around.