If comfort had a flavor, surely it would taste just like Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef. This dish is the culinary equivalent of a big, cozy sweater—rich, filling, and incredibly satisfying on any night of the week. Earthy lentils mingle with tender vegetables and savory ground beef, all simmered together in a fragrant, deeply spiced broth that practically begs for seconds. Whether you’re craving warmth on a chilly evening or searching for a meal-prep superstar, this soup is bound to become a defining favorite in your kitchen.

Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef is in its simplicity—just a handful of everyday ingredients that, together, become so much more than the sum of their parts. Each one brings something special: texture from the lentils, color from fresh vegetables, and so much depth from seasonings and broth.

Olive oil: Gives a smooth base for browning the beef and sautéing your veggies for extra flavor.
Ground beef: Plenty of hearty protein and a rich taste that infuses the soup from start to finish.
Yellow onion: Sweet and aromatic, this is the foundation of flavor for the soup’s base.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves add irresistible fragrance and zing.
Carrots: Offer a pop of color and subtle sweetness that balances the savory broth.
Celery: Adds crunch and a gentle, herbal depth to every bite.
Dried lentils (brown or green): The star! These cook up creamy yet keep their shape, making the soup so satisfying.
Canned diced tomatoes: Their acidity lifts the flavor and adds a rustic, chunky texture.
Beef broth: The backbone of the soup’s savory depth; opt for low-sodium if desired.
Dried thyme: Brings subtle, earthy notes and complements the other aromatic herbs.
Dried oregano: Adds a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Smoked paprika: For a gentle smokiness and rich color throughout the broth.
Salt and black pepper: Simple, but absolutely essential for seasoning everything perfectly.
Bay leaf: Lends complexity and a little mystery to the slow-simmered broth (just remember to remove it!).
Chopped kale or spinach (optional): Fold in leafy greens at the end if you love a pop of color and extra nutrition.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the broth a slightly richer body.

How to Make Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large, sturdy soup pot set over medium heat. Add the ground beef and let it get beautifully golden brown, breaking it up with your spoon as you go. If there’s excess fat, just drain it off. Browning builds flavor, so don’t rush—this is what gives Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef its savory depth.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic right into the pot. Sauté everything for two to three minutes, just until the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible and the veggies are softening and golden around the edges. This simple step unlocks so much flavor.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Toss in your diced carrots and celery. Sauté these for another five minutes or so, stirring often, until they start looking vibrant and begin to soften. They’ll keep their shape and add that classic vegetable soup flavor we all love.

Step 4: Build the Broth

Pour in the rinsed lentils, the whole can of diced tomatoes (juice included), beef broth, dried thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt and pepper, bay leaf, and tomato paste. Stir it all together—take a moment to admire all those colors! Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Lower the heat so your soup is just barely bubbling, then partially cover the pot. Let everything simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, until the lentils are tender but still holding their shape. This slower cook lets the flavors meld into that signature Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef taste.

Step 6: Add Greens (Optional)

If you’re adding kale or spinach, stir them in for the final five minutes of simmering. They’ll wilt beautifully and add that gorgeous splash of green, not to mention even more nutrition.

Step 7: Final Touches

Fish out the bay leaf and give your soup a taste—does it need another sprinkle of salt or pepper? Once it’s perfect, ladle your Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef into bowls and serve piping hot for ultimate comfort.

How to Serve Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef

Garnishes

A soup this hearty deserves a flourish at the table! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, a little extra cracked black pepper, or even a spoonful of grated Parmesan cheese on top for a gourmet finish. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds luxurious richness, making each bowl even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef pairs well with crusty bread for dunking, a slice of warm cornbread, or even a simple green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette. For a real treat, try a grilled cheese sandwich alongside—yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds!

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful: serve the soup in small mugs as a party appetizer, ladle it over cooked rice or quinoa for an extra-filling meal, or top with a dollop of herbed yogurt. For family-style serving, bring the pot right to the table and let everyone dig in together—it’s casual, warm, and perfect for encouraging seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef makes fantastic leftovers. Cool the soup completely, then store in airtight containers in the fridge. The flavors actually get even better overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch that much more irresistible.

Freezing

This soup is a total lifesaver from the freezer! Let it cool, ladle into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little room at the top for expansion) and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a cozy dinner, just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour individual portions into a saucepan on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up—you’ll be back to that beautiful, just-made consistency in no time.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and works beautifully in this soup, providing a lighter flavor while still making it super hearty and satisfying.

What type Soup

Brown or green lentils are the best choice because they hold their shape during simmering, giving Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef its classic texture. Red lentils cook too quickly and tend to become mushy.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth. You might want to add extra veggies or even some mushrooms to keep that satisfying, meaty depth.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your beef broth if you’re avoiding gluten, as some brands contain additives.

Can I add potatoes or other vegetables?

You definitely can! Add diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers for a different twist. Just chop them small so they cook through in the simmering time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a soul-warming dish that makes everyone at the table happy, give Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef a try. Each bowl is brimming with flavor, comfort, and goodness—perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or any day you need something nourishing. Happy cooking!

Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Hearty Lentil Soup with Ground Beef is a comforting and nutritious meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with protein-rich lentils, flavorful ground beef, and a variety of vegetables, this soup is both delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

For the soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
6 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
2 cups chopped kale or spinach (optional)
1 tablespoon tomato paste

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add onion and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in carrots and celery and cook for another 5 minutes until slightly softened.
Add lentils, diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and tomato paste. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover partially, and simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until lentils are tender. If using, stir in chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasonings if needed, and serve hot.