Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (15 ml)
- 1 large Onion, chopped (approx. 150g)
- 2 Carrots, chopped (approx. 120g)
- 2 Celery stalks, chopped (approx. 100g)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) Beef Mince (Ground Beef), preferably lean
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste (15 ml)
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- 1 cup (200g) Brown or Green Lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups (950ml) Beef Broth (Stock) – Low Sodium recommended
- 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained (400g)
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- Optional: 1 cup (100g) Frozen Peas or other vegetables (e.g., chopped kale)
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (Optional)
- Dollop of Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (Optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add beef mince to the pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add lentils, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the stew has thickened.
- Remove bay leaf. Stir in frozen peas (or other vegetables) if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired. Enjoy your beef mince and lentil stew!