Save on Pinterest
Sign up for Our Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Newsletters

Beef and Lentil Chili

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
Recommended
Air Fryer; Therma Pen; Thermapen Top 10 Must-Have Air Fryer Accessories
Next Recipe
Next Recipe
  • Total Time
    Prep: 10 min. Cook: 1 hour
  • Makes
    2-1/2 quarts

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

Directions

  • 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 five 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.
Test Kitchen Tips
  • Serve this on top of Indian Tacos, or with fresh onions, grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream. If you want a little more heat, add some cayenne powder
    • Nutrition Facts
    1-1/4 cups: 367 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein.

    Reviews

    Click stars to rate
    Average Rating:
    • tori81
      Sep 10, 2019

      I love this chili..... it is very hearty and my family loved it. I would make this again and again in the cold months to come. Thanks Taste of Home.

    • Marilyn
      Jan 28, 2019

      First time cooking with lentils, and loved this recipe. Has a slightly different flavor, and I'll definitely make it again.

    More from Taste of Home

    Contest-Winning Pepperoni Pizza Chili
    Contest-Winning Pepperoni Pizza Chili
    Beef Lentil Soup
    Beef Lentil Soup
    Minestrone
    Minestrone
    Beef & Black Bean Soup
    Beef & Black Bean Soup
    Bonnie’s Chili
    Bonnie’s Chili
    Steak-n-Vegetable Soup
    Steak-n-Vegetable Soup
    Weeknight Taco Soup
    Weeknight Taco Soup
    Ham and Lentil Soup
    Ham and Lentil Soup
    Ground Beef Chili
    Ground Beef Chili
    Hearty Vegetarian Chili
    Hearty Vegetarian Chili
    Pressure-Cooker Andouille Lentil Chili
    Pressure-Cooker Andouille Lentil Chili
    Kids’ Favorite Chili
    Kids’ Favorite Chili
    U.S. Senate Bean Soup
    U.S. Senate Bean Soup
    Bratwurst Soup
    Bratwurst Soup
    Effortless Black Bean Chili
    Effortless Black Bean Chili
    Sausage and Kale Soup
    Sausage and Kale Soup
    Slow-Cooked Chunky Chili
    Slow-Cooked Chunky Chili
    Grandma’s Pea Soup
    Grandma’s Pea Soup
    Beef Taco Chili
    Beef Taco Chili
    Beefy Minestrone
    Beefy Minestrone