Slow Cooker Beef Lentil is a cozy dish that never fails to impress on chilly nights. This hearty stew brings warmth and comfort to the table, perfect for busy families seeking nutritious meals without the hassle. Made with tender beef and nutritious lentils, it’s a dish that nourishes both body and soul. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering stew!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Lentil

This Slow Cooker Beef Lentil stew is not just easy to prepare; it’s packed with benefits. First, it’s a wonderful hearty beef and lentil dish that ensures everyone leaves the table satisfied. The combination of beef with lentils provides an excellent source of protein, making it a great choice for healthy beef lentil meals. Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly versatile; you can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand. It also fits into a low-fat beef lentil slow cooker diet, making it a guilt-free comfort food. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a delicious, homemade dinner ready to go!

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Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Lentil

Gather these items:

2 pounds Beef Stew Meat
1 cup Dried Lentils
1 medium Onion
2 medium Carrots
2 stalks Celery
3 cloves Garlic
1 14 oz can Diced Tomatoes
4 cups Beef or Chicken Broth
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
1 leaf Bay Leaf
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Black Pepper

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Lentil Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep your ingredients: Dice the onion, peel and chop the carrots, and mince the garlic. Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sear the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until browned on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Load the slow cooker with the seared beef (or raw), lentils, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Add diced tomatoes and broth.
Step 4: Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, and thyme. Mix to combine.
Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 4 to 6 hours until beef is tender.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Remove the bay leaf.
Step 7: Serve in bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or salad.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Lentil

Keep these in mind:

Consider using ground beef for a different flavor profile.
Green or brown lentils work best.
Feel free to use fresh thyme.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes.

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Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Lentil

This beef lentil stew is fantastic on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

Pair it with crusty bread for dipping.
Serve it over a bed of cooked rice for a heartier meal.
Add a fresh green salad on the side for a balanced dinner.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Beef Lentil

To store your slow-cooked lentils with beef, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. This stew is perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a delicious, homemade dinner ready to go!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Lentil

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Beef Lentil?

The secret lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Ensure you use quality beef and soak the lentils beforehand for even better texture. This is truly the best slow cooker beef lentil recipe for a reason!

Can I make Slow Cooker Beef Lentil ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just remember to reheat it thoroughly before serving. It’s a fantastic option for quick beef and lentil dinner ideas during a busy week.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Beef Lentil?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure the lentils are rinsed before adding them to the slow cooker. Also, be cautious with liquid amounts; too much broth can dilute the flavors. Following these tips will help you create a delicious comfort food beef lentil dish every time.

Variations of Slow Cooker Beef Lentil You Can Try

Here are a few twists on this classic recipe:

Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
Incorporate different spices like curry powder for a unique flavor.
Use chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Try adding spinach or kale at the end of cooking for a nutrient boost.

For more delicious recipes, check out homemade tomato sauce or pappardelle with beef ragu. If you’re interested in healthy meals, you might also enjoy the many benefits of onions.

Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Lentil Stew for Heartwarming Nights

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Cozy Slow Cooker Beef and Lentil Stew for Heartwarming Nights

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 480 minutes
Total Time: 500 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Stew
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds Beef Stew Meat
1 cup Dried Lentils
1 medium Onion
2 medium Carrots
2 stalks Celery
3 cloves Garlic
1 14 oz can Diced Tomatoes
4 cups Beef or Chicken Broth
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
1 leaf Bay Leaf
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Black Pepper

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Instructions

Prep your ingredients: Dice the onion, peel and chop the carrots, and mince the garlic. Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces.
Sear the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until browned on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Load the slow cooker with the seared beef (or raw), lentils, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Add diced tomatoes and broth.
Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, and thyme. Mix to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 4 to 6 hours until beef is tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Remove the bay leaf.
Serve in bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or salad.