Beef Lentil Skillet Recipe

This hearty Beef Lentil Skillet is a family favorite, so delicious it goes viral at every potluck! Adapted from a treasured Mennonite cookbook recipe, this nutritious and flexible one-pan wonder is packed with flavor. Easy to customize and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing gathering. Get ready for rave reviews!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 70 mins
Calories 485.1 kcal
Protein 72g
Rating 4.0 (2 Reviews)
Beef Lentil Skillet 21

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Beef Lentil Skillet

  • Ground Beef
  • Dried Lentils
  • Onion
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Corn
  • Water
  • Bay Leaves
  • Ground Cumin
  • Chili Powder

How to Make Beef Lentil Skillet

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the olive oil to the skillet. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Add the lentils, beef broth, and diced tomatoes (undrained) to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
  5. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

4 g

Sugar

26g

Fat

34g

Carbs

14g