Beef Stew With Lentils
Hearty beef stew with lentils and vegetables offers rich flavors and comforting warmth, perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless beef chuck steak or lamb stew meat ⓘ
- nonstick cooking spray ⓘ
- 7 cups beef broth ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced carrot ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups lentils, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 (9 oz.) package frozen Italian-style green beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the beef into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Spray a 4-quart Dutch oven with nonstick cooking spray.
- Brown the meat, half at a time, over medium-high heat.
- Drain the fat.
- Return all meat to the pan.
- Add the beef broth, chopped onion, sliced celery, and sliced carrot.
- Bring to boiling; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
- Add the rinsed lentils, undrained stewed tomatoes, and bay leaf.
- Bring to boiling again; reduce heat to medium.
- Cook uncovered for about 45 minutes or until lentils are tender and stew is thickened.
- Add the frozen Italian-style green beans.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes more or until beans are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Ladle the stew into bowls and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the beef overnight in a mixture of garlic, herbs, and olive oil. If you don’t have lentils, split peas can be a suitable substitute, though they may alter the texture slightly. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter variation. For a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal. It can also be served alongside a fresh green salad for a refreshing contrast. For a cozy family dinner, consider serving it with mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. This dish also works well as a filling main course for gatherings, perfect for those chilly evenings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If using a microwave, transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power, stirring halfway through, until heated through. This Beef Stew(Microwave) option is convenient for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Stew With Lentils contains roughly 790 calories, with 49g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (192% of the Daily Value), iron (118% of the Daily Value), and protein (98% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 689mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute beef chuck with lamb or even chicken for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken will take less time to cook than beef or lamb. Make sure to choose cuts that are suitable for stewing to ensure they become tender.
How do I know when the lentils are cooked properly?
Lentils should be tender but still hold their shape, usually taking about 30-45 minutes to cook in the stew. Taste a few to check for doneness; they should not be mushy. If they need more time, simply simmer longer while monitoring the liquid level to prevent burning.
Can I freeze the beef stew for later use?
Yes, this beef stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).