Hearty and Healthy Crock Pot Beef Lentil Soup
Are you in search of a hearty and comforting meal that is easy to make? Look no further than this Crock Pot Beef Lentil Soup recipe. This delicious and nutritious soup requires minimal prep time and cooks in your slow cooker, allowing you to go about your day while the flavors marry together to create a yummy meal.
The combination of earthy lentils, savory beef, and aromatic herbs like marjoram make this soup a filling and comforting choice. It’s perfect for those chilly winter nights or as an easy weekday lunch.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also budget-friendly and a great way to use up leftover vegetables from the fridge. Whether you’re a meat-lover or you prefer plant-based meals, this soup is easily customizable with substitutions like veggie broth or ground beef.
So grab your crock pot and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: You come home after a long, chilly day and you can already smell the inviting aroma of warm soup filling up your house. There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of soup on a cold day to soothe the soul, and this Crock Pot Beef Lentil Soup Recipe is the perfect choice for those looking for a comforting and healthy meal.
Not only is this recipe incredibly easy to prepare, but it also packs a nutritional punch, taking advantage of lentils’ high protein and fiber content. The combination of lean beef, nutrient-rich lentils, and a medley of vegetables makes for a well-rounded meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the convenience of cooking in a slow cooker. You can toss all the ingredients in before leaving for work or running errands, and by the time you return home, dinner will be ready! The slow-cooking process also allows for flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in a more delicious and complex soup.
Whether you’re trying to warm up on a chilly night or just want an easy and healthy meal the entire family will enjoy, this Crock Pot Beef Lentil Soup Recipe should be at the top of your list. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to experience soup perfection!
Ingredient List
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to make a delicious crock pot beef lentil soup recipe:
- 1 pound (16 oz) beef stew meat, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup dry lentils (you can use any types of lentils, but I prefer red lentils), rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes(fresh or canned)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 potato, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups chopped cabbage
- 2 teaspoons dried marjoram leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Feel free to adjust the amount of vegetables according to your personal taste or preference. If you don’t have fresh tomatoes on hand, canned tomatoes will work just fine.
For vegetarian version, simply omit the beef stew meat and replace beef broth with vegetable broth.
The Recipe How-To
Preparation before cooking
Before you start cooking, you need to prepare the vegetables and lentils. Start by peeling and chopping one onion, three carrots, and three celery stalks. Rinse well and drain one cup of lentils. I prefer using red lentils as they cook faster than other types of lentils, but you can use any type of lentil you have on hand.
Cooking instructions
-
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chopped onion and garlic to the pot.
-
Sauté the onion for a minute until it becomes translucent, then add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot.
-
Stir in one tablespoon of marjoram, one teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
-
Add one can of chopped tomatoes along with lentils and stir well to combine with vegetables.
-
Pour in 6 cups of hot water, then crumble two beef bouillon cubes into the broth.
-
Add three peeled, chopped potatoes; one cup of shredded green cabbage; and one bay leaf to the pot.
-
Bring soup to a full boil before reducing heat to low setting, covering the pot’s lid, and simmering for around 55 minutes or until lentils are tender.
-
Remove the bay leaf from the soup before adjusting salt and pepper seasoning according to your taste.
-
To thicken soup slightly, mix 1 tablespoon each of flour + seasoning together in a small bowl until stirred well; add this mixture into soup at last 10 minutes of cooking time.
Cooking Tips
- If you like your soup thick, you can add extra lentils.
- Cooking on low heat will help blend flavors more deeply.
- Make sure you use enough liquid as the lentils will absorb a lot while cooking.
- For an instant pot option, sauté vegetables as mentioned above with one pound ground or minced beef then pour in rinsed lentils with tomatoes; 1 TB marjoram; 2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 6 cups beef broth before mixing well. Cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes before releasing pressure manually and enjoying your instant pot detox soup!
Enjoy your hearty bowl of homemade crock pot beef lentil stew!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking for ways to customize the taste and texture of this delicious soup recipe? Here are some simple substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Different types of lentils: While brown or green lentils are typically used in this recipe, you can also experiment with other varieties like red lentils or French lentils. Keep in mind that different types of lentils cook at different rates, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
– Ground beef or minced beef: If you don’t have stew beef on hand, ground or minced beef is a great alternative. You can even use a combination of ground/minced beef and stew beef for added flavor and protein.
– Instant Pot method: To make this recipe in an Instant Pot, simply brown the beef using the sauté function, then add all remaining ingredients except for the cabbage. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, release the pressure manually, and add chopped cabbage. Cook on high pressure for an additional 5 minutes, then allow to naturally release for 10 minutes before serving.
– Detox soup version: For a healthy and flavorful detox soup, simply omit the stew beef and replace with extra lentils and vegetables such as kale, spinach or Swiss chard.
– Vegetarian/vegan version: Omit the beef entirely and substitute vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make a hearty vegetable lentil soup. Alternatively, add tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein source.
Try these substitutions and variations to make this recipe your own and experience new flavors!
Serving and Pairing
Now, let’s talk about how to serve and pair this delicious crock pot beef lentil soup recipe. This soup is a hearty and filling meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with some crusty bread, garlic bread, or even a salad. I particularly love to serve this soup with a side of warm bread rolls, as it helps to soak up all the flavorful broth.
When it comes to pairing, red wine is always a classic choice for beef dishes. A bold and full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot would complement the richness of the beef and lentils. You can also opt for a lighter red wine like Pinot Noir if you prefer.
If you’re not much of a wine drinker, fear not – this soup pairs beautifully with beer too! A rich and malty beer like an Amber Ale or Porter would be perfect. For those who prefer lighter beers, a crisp and refreshing Pilsner or Wheat beer would make a great pair.
For vegetarians and vegans, this soup is easily adaptable by substituting the beef broth with vegetable broth and omitting the beef altogether. You can also add in some extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition.
In summary, this crock pot beef lentil soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various sides and drinks. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want a comforting meal for yourself, this soup is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this Crock Pot Beef Lentil Soup Recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, stored and reheated with ease. I enjoy making a big pot of this soup on the weekend and storing it in individual portions for quick weekday meals.
To store the soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container with a lid. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to three months. When reheating, simply microwave or heat on the stove for a quick meal.
If you plan to make this soup ahead of time, it’s important to note that the lentils will absorb some liquid as they sit. To combat this, you may need to add more water or broth when reheating.
Another tip for making this soup ahead of time is to make sure you stir well before serving. The vegetables and lentils tend to settle at the bottom while being stored, so giving it a good stir will ensure that each bowl has an equal amount of all ingredients.
Overall, making this Crock Pot Beef Lentil Soup Recipe ahead of time and storing/reheating is easy and convenient. It’s perfect for those busy weekdays when you want a healthy and satisfying meal in minutes.
Tips for Perfect Results
To get the perfect result, there are a few tips you should follow when making this crockpot beef lentil soup recipe. Here are some of my recommendations to ensure a great outcome:
Firstly, though it may be tempting to use pre-cooked lentils, I would advise against them for this dish. Using raw lentils ensures that they cook properly and have the perfect texture in the soup.
When cooking in a slow cooker, it is essential to layer ingredients correctly. Start with tougher vegetables such as carrots and celery at the bottom of the pot, then add in the softer ingredients like onions and potatoes on top. This allows for even cooking and prevents any ingredients from being overcooked or undercooked.
To enhance the flavor profile of your soup, consider adding in vegetable or beef broth instead of just using water. This will add depth to your soup and make it more savory.
Additionally, I always add in marjoram with the beef bouillon cubes to give the dish extra flavor. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices such as bay leaves, thyme or even chili powder to switch things up.
For those who prefer a spicier kick, you can also add in some pepper or red pepper flakes into the soup for some extra heat.
Lastly, to serve your dish perfectly, garnish your bowl of lentil soup with some cabbage on top for an additional layer of texture and flavor. Alternatively, consider serving with a slice of freshly baked bread to soak up all the flavors of your delicious crockpot beef lentil soup!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a tasty and hearty meal that everyone will enjoy!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there might be questions and concerns that arise when cooking, especially if you are new to making soups or using the slow cooker. In this section, we will address some of the common questions and issues that may come up when making this crock pot beef lentil soup recipe. We hope to clear up any confusion and help you achieve perfect results every time you make this delicious soup. Let’s take a look at some of the frequently asked questions about this recipe.
Do you have to soak lentils before making soup?
I’ve got some fascinating news for you: Lentils don’t demand to be soaked like beans (though they must be screened and washed before cooking). Various lentil varieties have various cooking durations; the red lentils are the quickest cooking amongst them. When cooked, they disintegrate and result in a smooth soup.
What meat goes with lentils?
Lentils, a mild-flavored legume, can be elevated with the addition of rich fats like duck and pork (such as bacon) for those who include meat in their diet. These versatile legumes can be used in meatless dishes or as a hearty ingredient in stews, making them a must-have pantry staple that can add a touch of warmth to your winter meals.
Is lentil soup the healthiest soup?
Lentil soup is not only delicious but also offers great health benefits. Lentils are highly nutritious, boasting minerals, and protein that make them an excellent vegetarian protein source. They have a low-fat content and high fibre levels, making them favorable for improving digestion. Approximately 25% of lentil calories come from protein, making them a perfect addition to your diet.
Are red or brown lentils better for soup?
For this soup recipe, it’s ideal to use red lentils since they have a moderate cooking time and a tendency to soften in the broth, giving the dish a velvety consistency. While there are other types of lentils like green and brown, red lentils seem to work best for this purpose.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this slow cooker beef lentil soup recipe is a must-try for any food lover. With its hearty ingredients and delicious flavors, it’s perfect for satisfying your hunger on a cold day. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a meal to impress your family and friends, this recipe won’t disappoint.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s versatile and can be adapted to your liking. You can substitute different types of lentils or add more vegetables if you prefer. The possibilities are endless with this dish.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients and try out this amazing soup recipe today! Don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments below. With its flavorful broth, tender beef, and nourishing vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite in no time. Try it out and enjoy the delicious taste of slow-cooked comfort food.
Crock Pot Beef Lentil Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs soup bones with meat
- 3 carrots, peeled &, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled &, chopped
- 1 large onion, peeled &, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can chopped tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups water
- 6 beef bouillon cubes, crushed
- 1/2 lb lentils, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon marjoram
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
Instructions
- In slow cooker (4-1/2 quarts or larger) combine all ingredients except cabbage.
- Cover& cook on low 8 hours or until lentils are tender.
- Remove beef from bones, shred and and return to pot.
- Add shredded cabbage, turn pot to high setting, and cook 30 to 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.