Best 2 Lentil Beef Chili Recipes

Indulge in a hearty and flavorful culinary journey with our specially curated lentil beef chili recipes. This versatile dish combines the goodness of lentils and beef, offering a symphony of textures and flavors. Dive into a classic chili con carne brimming with bold, smoky spices, or explore a healthier version made with ground turkey and a medley of colorful vegetables. For those seeking a vegetarian delight, discover a hearty lentil and sweet potato chili bursting with earthy sweetness. Each recipe promises a unique taste experience, catering to various dietary preferences and culinary inclinations.

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:

For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of water.
Add a tablespoon of chili powder for a spicier chili.
If you like your chili thick, mash some of the lentils before adding them to the pot.
Serve the chili with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped onions.
Leftover chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

This lentil beef chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a relatively healthy chili, as it is made with lentils, which are a good source of protein and fiber. This chili is also a good source of iron, potassium, and magnesium. So next time you are looking for a delicious and healthy chili recipe, give this lentil beef chili a try.