Beef Lentil Stew

Beef Lentil Stew: Rustic, packed with flavor, and so comforting. Our Beef and Lentil Stew is just the dish to fill and warm your belly this season!

Nostalgic Beef Stew

Stews remind me of my childhood… Of coming in from the blustering outdoors with ruby cheeks and a smile.

Stew reminds me of shedding my gloves and scarf at our hall tree, and then eagerly sitting around our family table for a filling meal.

Mom’s Beef Stew

Stew reminds me of my mom, always smiling, and always a wonderful cook; although she still won’t admit to it.

Mom had a way of drawing us into the kitchen.

She would make up funny stories about the origins of our food and allow us to whittle our fruits and veggies into amusing shapes. Even when life was hectic for her, she made our time together light, memorable, and full of teachable moments.

If only I can make such an impact on my babies.

Beef Lentil Stew Recipe

Today’s Beef and Lentil Stew is a true family favorite.

It’s a play-off of my mom’s classic beef stew, substituting brown lentils for potatoes to enhance its nutritional value.

Although I love the classic version and make it regularly, this lentil stew recipe offers an extra level of texture and depth of flavor.

Healthy Lentil Stew Recipe

It’s hearty and filling with a robust beefy flavor.

Yet this lentil stew is lean and packed with nutrients, for those on a clean diet, or who are just generally watching their waistlines.

Although I wouldn’t call this low-carb, it is a very well-balanced meal.

Beef and Lentil Stew is a marvelous meal to warm you up on cool evenings. It’s guilt-free, gluten-free, and fabulous as leftovers.

Beef Lentil Stew Ingredients

• Olive Oil – To saute the onions, garlic, and beef.
• Beef Chuck – A fabulous stew meat for flavor and texture.
• Onion – For depth of flavor.
• Garlic Cloves– For depth of flavor.
• Carrots – To add sweetness and color.
• Celery – To offer texture and herby essence.
• Dried Lentils – Use brown or green lentils, because they hold their shape after cooking.
• Crushed Tomatoes – For tangy flavor and thickening.
• Beef Stock – To intensify the beefy flavor. (You can use vegetable broth if that is what you have on hand)
• Red Wine – To balance the heavy ingredients.
• Bay Leaves – To offer deep herby notes.
• Thyme – You can use a few tablespoons of fresh or dried thyme.
• Cayenne Pepper – For a little kick!
• Tarragon – To offer a fresh pop of sweetness at the end.
• Salt and Pepper to Taste

How To Make Lentil Stew

1. Sauté. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions for a few minutes, then add the beef and garlic.

2. Brown. Brown the meat, stirring regularly, until the pieces are caramelized on all sides.

3. Dump. Add the vegetables, carrots, celery, lentils, tomatoes, beef stock, wine, bay leaves, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper.

4. Simmer. Bring to a boil, cover, then reduce heat and simmer, until the lentils are tender. Then stir in the tarragon and taste for salt and pepper.

5. Serve. Ladle into bowls and garnish.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

Get the Full (Printable) Beef Lentil Stew Recipe Below. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For ease, you can use canned lentils! Add them once the beef is tender and simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
• The wine adds a depth of flavor that you will otherwise not get, but you can omit it if you prefer not to cook with alcohol! Replace that liquid with extra broth, instead.
• Add extra veggies like broccoli, mushrooms or leeks!

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Definitely! While lentil beef stew doesn’t take that long on the stove top, you can certainly make it in a pressure cooker if you prefer! Simple sear the beef, sauté the veggies, and then put everything in the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 15 minutes with a natural release!

Why is my beef tough?

If you taste the beef stew and the beef is not as tender as you would like, let it cook on low heat a little longer. This will tenderize the beef while it simmers in all of the delicious flavors!