Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Heat the pot: In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Sear until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Cook the aromatics: In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Stir in the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in the garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Broth
- Deglaze the pot: Add the diced tomatoes and their juice, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- Add flavor: Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, bay leaf, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes to develop the flavors.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
- Combine ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the lentils and pour in the beef broth.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until the lentils and beef are tender.
- Taste and adjust: Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle into bowls: Serve the soup hot, ensuring each bowl has a generous amount of beef, lentils, and vegetables.
- Add garnishes: Top with fresh parsley and shaved Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Choose the right lentils: Use green or brown lentils as they hold their shape better than red lentils during cooking.
- Make it faster: Use ground beef instead of cubed beef for a quicker version.
- Add greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
- Freeze for later: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens too much.
Serving Suggestions
- With bread: Serve alongside a crusty baguette or cornbread.
- For a full meal: Pair with a fresh side salad.
- Customize: Add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for extra creaminess.
Conclusion
This Beef and Lentil Soup is a nutritious, satisfying dish packed with hearty ingredients and rich flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it as a family dinner or making a batch for meal prep, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again. Let the aroma fill your kitchen, and savor every comforting spoonful!