Best 2 Lentil Beef Chili Recipes

Lentil beef chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is made with a combination of ground beef, lentils, and a variety of spices, and can be served with a variety of toppings, such as sour cream, cheese, and avocado. This dish is a great way to use up leftover ground beef, and it is also a relatively inexpensive meal to make. Additionally, it is a good source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice for a weeknight meal. With its simple ingredients and delicious flavor, lentil beef chili is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

BEEF AND LENTIL CHILI

Beef and Lentil Chili image

Lentils were one of the crops on my dad's farm when we were growing up, and they're the best-kept secret in this delicious chili recipe. This dish is great for a large family meal and also freezes well. Everyone who asks for this recipe is amazed at how simple it is. -Cindy Agee, Lewiston, Idaho

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner Lunch

Time 1h20m

Yield 2-1/2 quarts.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 ounce semisweet chocolate
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
2 cups water

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, cook ground beef and onion, crumbling meat, over medium-high heat until beef is no longer pink, 6-8 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Add next 5 ingredients; bring to a boil. Add lentils and water. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until lentils are soft, about 1 hour, stirring often. Add water if mixture seems too dry.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 367 calories, Fat 16g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 70mg cholesterol, Sodium 655mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

LENTIL-BEEF CHILI

Lentil-Beef Chili image

Provided by Nancy Faulkner Wiersum

Categories Soup/Stew Beef Tomato Sauté Lentil Bon Appétit Illinois

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
2 leeks (white and pale green parts only), chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
4 green onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
8 ounces lentils
2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon chili powder
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons dried marjoram, crumbled
2 teaspoons dried oregano, crumbled
2 teaspoons dried basil, crumbled
1 teaspoon pepper
1 cup grated Parmesan
Sour Cream

Steps:

Heat heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until beef is brown, crumbling with fork, about 5 minutes. Drain well. Heat oil in heavy 3-quart saucepan over medium-high. Add onion and next 5 ingredients. Sauté until onion is tender, about 8 minutes.
Add beef, lentils and next 8 ingredients to saucepan. Cover and simmer until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 1/2 hours. Stir in Parmesan. Simmer, uncovered, until mixture is thick, about 15 minutes. Serve, passing sour cream separately.

Tips:

Soak the lentils: Soaking the lentils for at least 30 minutes before cooking will help them cook more evenly and reduce the cooking time.
Use a variety of vegetables: This will add flavor and nutrients to your chili. Some good options include onions, carrots, celery, peppers, and corn.
Brown the beef: Browning the beef before adding it to the chili will help develop its flavor and give the chili a richer color.
Use a good quality chili powder: The chili powder is one of the most important ingredients in this recipe, so be sure to use a good quality one. Look for a chili powder that is made with a variety of chili peppers and has a deep, rich flavor.
Simmer the chili for at least 30 minutes: This will allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
Serve the chili with your favorite toppings: Some good options include cheese, sour cream, onions, and avocado.

Conclusion:

This lentil beef chili is a hearty, flavorful, and healthy meal that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a delicious and satisfying chili recipe, give this one a try!