Best Beef Broth Soup with Lentils

Hey there, soup lovers!

Craving something warm and hearty? I’ve got the perfect bowl of comfort for you.

Today, I’m sharing my beef broth soup with lentils.

It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with good-for-you ingredients.

Best of all, it’s super easy to whip up!

Grab your spoon—let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Possible Ingredient Alternatives

Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or crumbled tempeh. These options provide similar texture and protein content while accommodating vegetarian or lower-fat diets. Adjust cooking time as needed, as plant-based options may cook faster.

Beef broth can be substituted with vegetable broth or mushroom broth for a vegetarian version. These alternatives maintain a rich, savory flavor profile while making the dish suitable for vegetarians. Use the same quantity as called for in the recipe.

Lentils can be swapped with other legumes like split peas or chickpeas. These substitutions offer similar nutritional benefits and cooking properties. Adjust cooking time as needed, as chickpeas may require longer cooking. For a lower-carb option, consider using riced cauliflower, though this will significantly alter the texture and nutritional profile of the dish.

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	50-70 minutes
Total Time	65-90 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 750-850
• Protein: 50-60 g
• Fat: 30-40 g
• Carbohydrates: 80-90 g

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 1/2 – 1 tsp thyme
• 1-2 tsp chopped parsley
• 8 cups beef, chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 – 1 1/2 cup cleaned and sorted lentils
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon until browned.

If necessary, drain any excess fat from the pot to keep the dish light and healthy.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

Add 1 cup of chopped onions, 1 cup of chopped celery, and 1 cup of diced carrots to the pot with the browned beef.

Season the mixture with 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, then stir well.

Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to become tender and aromatic.

Step 3: Enhance with Aromatics and Spices

Stir in 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and 1 cup of diced tomatoes.

Add 2-3 bay leaves, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of thyme, and 1-2 teaspoons of chopped parsley.

Mix everything thoroughly and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Slowly pour in 8 cups of beef, chicken, or vegetable broth.

Bring the mixture to a boil.

Once boiling, add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of cleaned and sorted lentils to the pot.

Reduce the heat to a low simmer, and cook for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.

Adjust the soup’s consistency by adding more broth if you prefer a thinner soup.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serve

Once the lentils are fully cooked and the flavors are well combined, turn off the heat and remove the bay leaves from the pot.

Garnish the soup with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor before serving.

Enjoy your hearty beef lentil soup, perfect for a cozy meal!