Hearty Beef Mince Lentil Stew a Proper Winter Warmer

Recipe Introduction: Let's Talk Stew, Mate!

Ever feel like a hug from the inside? That's what this beef mince and lentil stew is all about. Honestly, proper comfort food is what we all need sometimes.

You know? I personally love that this easy mince stew recipe is super straightforward.

Why This Stew is Absolutely Brilliant

This hearty dish hails from the kind of kitchens where warmth and flavour are the top priority. Think classic British fare with a modern, healthy twist.

This recipe is easy, it's quick, and it's utterly satisfying. It takes about 20 minutes of prep, and then an hour of simmering and you will have a delicious stew.

Benefits? Blimey, There Are Loads!

Lentils are little nutritional powerhouses, packed with fibre and protein. This winter warmer stew is not only delicious but good for you too!.

This one-pot beef mince and lentil stew makes everything easier. It's perfect for a chilly evening, a family gathering, or even meal prepping for the week.

What makes it special? Simple: it’s a dish that brings people together around a table.

What You'll Need: The Gear

• For the Base:

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 large Onion, chopped
  • 2 Carrots, chopped
  • 2 Celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 lb Beef Mince (Ground Beef)
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste

• For the Stew:

  • 1 cup Brown or Green Lentils, rinsed
  • 4 cups Beef Broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • Optional: 1 cup Frozen Peas or other vegetables

• For Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh Parsley, chopped
  • Dollop of Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt

Let's Talk About the Ingredients

This beef mince and lentil stew recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have. Ground beef and lentils, combined with classic veggies and herbs.

This hearty lentil and ground beef recipe is easily adaptable. If you're veggie, swap the mince for more lentils or plant based mince.

Easy Steps to a Delicious Stew

First, you're going to gently sauté the aromatics like onion, carrots and celery and cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes.

After that, add the ground beef, then the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Lastly, add the lentils, beef broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce.

Stir it all together and let it simmer for about 45- 60 minutes. This ground beef and lentil stew is great with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

The smell alone will make you feel good and it will feel like a big hug for the whole family.

I was once making this for a friend who'd had a rough day, and I accidentally added a whole tablespoon of smoked paprika instead of a teaspoon.

Honestly? It was the best mistake ever!. The extra smokiness made it even more comforting. Don't be afraid to experiment a little to make it your version of this family friendly mince stew .

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make this beef mince and lentil stew . Don't worry, it's not a massive list.

I promise! We're keeping it simple, like those easy mince stew recipes your nan used to make.

Main Ingredients: The Star Players

• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml). This is for sautéing. Any good quality olive oil will do.
• Onion: 1 large, chopped (about 150g ). Go for a yellow or brown onion, nothing fancy.
• Carrots: 2 , chopped (around 120g ). Orange ones, obviously! The more colour the more interesting the stew.
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped (roughly 100g ). Honestly, I sometimes skip these if I don't have any. Don't tell anyone.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is best, yeah?
• Beef Mince : 1 lb ( 450g ), preferably lean. Get the best you can afford. Cheaper mince can be a bit greasy, you know? When browning your beef mince stew make sure you get a nice crust on it.
• Tomato Paste: 1 tbsp (15 ml). That little tube that lives in the back of your fridge.
• Dried Thyme: 1 tsp . Ground thyme is a good alternate if you don't have the leaves.
• Dried Rosemary: 1 tsp .
• Smoked Paprika: ½ tsp . This adds a winter warmer stew vibe.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy with the seasoning!

Stew Power-Up

• Lentils: 1 cup ( 200g ) brown or green, rinsed. Brown lentils hold their shape better, FYI. This will be a one-pot beef mince and lentil stew !
• Beef Broth: 4 cups ( 950ml ). Low sodium is best, so you can control the salt.
• Diced Tomatoes: One 14.5 oz can ( 400g ), undrained. The juice is flavour!
• Bay Leaf: 1 . Don't forget to take it out before serving, yeah?
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp . The secret ingredient for that umami kick, creating a hearty lentil and ground beef recipe !
• Frozen Peas (optional): 1 cup ( 100g ). Or any other veg you fancy!

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Thyme and rosemary are a classic combo for beef. The smoked paprika adds depth. I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

You can also use a dash of chilli oil for a little something something. If you are looking at Beef mince lentil stew variations then be brave and experiment.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large Dutch Oven or Pot. A heavy bottomed pot is important for even cooking.
• Cutting Board and Knife. Obviously, for chopping.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula. For stirring, so your stew doesn't stick.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons. For the perfect measurements.

That's it! Nothing too scary. Now, let's get cooking this amazing family friendly mince stew ! If you are not ready to prepare beef mince and lentil stew with vegetables then what are you waiting for?

Right then, let's get down to business with a proper beef mince and lentil stew ! It's the sort of thing that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Honestly, there's nothing quite like a big bowl of it on a chilly evening. Ever been to a proper football match on a freezing day? This is even better.

Forget the Bovril, get a hearty lentil and ground beef recipe going before you head to the terraces!

Nailing the Prep Like a Pro

Essential Mise en Place: Get Sorted!

First things first, the mise en place that's fancy chef talk for "get everything ready." Chop your 1 large onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks.

Mince 2 cloves of garlic, like proper minced, not that lazy jarred stuff. Rinse 1 cup of lentils. Now, weigh your 1 lb of beef mince you don't want to be caught short halfway through, do you? I always make sure I have everything measured out before I start cooking.

Trust me, it's a game changer.

Time Saving Tips: Be Clever!

Want to be extra efficient? Chop your veg the night before. Honestly, it makes the whole process way faster the next day.

You could buy pre-chopped but where's the fun in that? And it's cheaper to do it yourself. Or get the kids involved!

Safety First: No Accidents!

Sharp knives are your friend, but they can also be your enemy. Always use a proper cutting board and keep your fingers out of the way.

And for goodness sake, wash your hands before you start! Don't want any nasty bugs in your family friendly mince stew .

Getting Your Stew On: step-by-step

From Hob to Heaven: Easy Peasy Instructions

1. Sauté the Veg: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes . Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef Like You Mean It: Add your 1 lb beef mince. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, around 5- 7 minutes . Drain any excess fat no one wants a greasy stew!
3. Spice It Up: Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. You know, to taste.
4. Lentils and Liquid Ahoy!: Add 1 cup of lentils, 4 cups of beef broth, 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes, 1 bay leaf, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Stir well!
5. Simmer Down Now: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45- 60 minutes . The lentils should be tender. This slow cooking makes the best Beef mince stew .
6. Final Touches, Sorted: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas (optional). Taste and adjust seasoning. Bam!
7. Serve Like a Boss: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if you're feeling fancy.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Stew Game

Secret Agent Techniques: Flavour Bombs

For a deeper flavor, brown the beef in batches. Don't overcrowd the pan. Also, a splash of red wine after browning adds a nice touch.

Oops, I Did It Again: Mistakes to Avoid

Don't skip browning the beef. This is a must for flavor. And don't rush the simmering it needs time to let the flavors develop properly.

Salt to taste. Undersalted stew is not worth eating.

make-ahead Magic: Time Saver

This easy mince stew is even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

The flavors meld together and it's ready when you are. Talk about a winter warmer stew !

Recipe Notes

This beef mince and lentil stew isn't just a recipe, it's a hug in a bowl. Honestly, I’ve made this easy mince stew so many times, I could probably do it in my sleep.

I remember one particularly grim January, snowed in and miserable, this stew literally saved my sanity. It’s simple, hearty, and always a winner.

Serving Up Style: Plating & Pairings

Presentation wise, think rustic charm. Ladle your winter warmer stew into deep bowls. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens everything up.

For a bit of extra posh, swirl in a dollop of Greek yogurt just before serving.

Got company coming? Serve alongside some crusty bread for mopping up all that delicious gravy. It's so good! Some creamy mashed potatoes are also proper lush with this.

A crisp green salad cuts through the richness, too.

Stow Away: Storage Secrets

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the one-pot beef mince and lentil stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days .

Freezing is an option, too. Portion it out into freezer safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to three months .

When reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then gently warm it up on the hob, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of water or broth if it's thickened up too much.

Honestly, it tastes even better the next day!

Mix It Up: Variations Ahoy!

Fancy a bit of a twist? For a beef mince lentil stew variations , try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

You can also swap out some of the beef for chorizo for a smoky kick.

If you are vegetarian, swap the ground beef with a tin of green lentils. Don't forget to change the broth as well for vegetable!

The Nitty Gritty: Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's talk numbers. Each serving of this hearty lentil and ground beef recipe clocks in at roughly 350 calories.

You're getting a decent dose of protein (30g), some healthy fats (15g), and a good chunk of fiber (10g). It's also packed with vitamins and minerals thanks to all those lovely vegetables.

The mince and lentil stew with vegetables is great for you too!

All in all, this ground beef and lentil stew is a nutritional powerhouse.

This family friendly mince stew is perfect for a chilly evening. Don’t be afraid to experiment, that is the point of cooking in the first place!. Happy cooking!