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
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.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey or lean ground beef.
- This soup freezes well and is great for meal prep.
- You can also add diced potatoes or swap kale for another leafy green.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
