HAMBURGER LENTIL SOUP

January 26, 2017

HAMBURGER LENTIL SOUP

This Hamburger Lentil Soup is a winter favorite! It’s so hearty and savory… perfect for those cold winter days you just want to curl up on the couch with a warm bowl of something tasty. My mom calls it “the best soup ever!” This soup also happens to be gluten-free, high in protein and fiber, and easily made vegan (just leave out the ground beef and Worcestershire).

Did you know? Lentils are a wonderful source of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. They also offer a lot of protein at 18 grams per 230 calories! (source)

HAMBURGER LENTIL SOUP

I incorporated 93% lean ground beef in this recipe, but again, you can leave it out for a vegan version! You can also use ground turkey, bison, or beef stew meat.

For the broth, I highly recommend Better Than Bouillon Seasoned Vegetable Base because it adds the best rich, savory flavor. It’s more pricey than dry bouillon cubes, but it has no MSG and a jar lasts a long time! You can usually find it in the soup aisle.

HAMBURGER LENTIL SOUP

There are many different kinds of lentils out there, but I recommend green or brown lentils for this soup. They’re the easiest to find in stores and also hold their shape without becoming mushy.

I also used organic canned diced tomatoes (no salt added), carrots, celery, onion, and garlic! So yumm 🙂

For spices, I used a combo of dried oregano, basil, black pepper and salt. Kosher salt really enhances the flavor and is my favorite for cooking. The teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce is optional (not vegan)… but it adds just a special “something” to this Hamburger Lentil Soup.

HAMBURGER LENTIL SOUP

Best of all, you can make this either on the stovetop or in a slow cooker (I used the stovetop because my slow cooker isn’t big enough for a double batch). I’ve included directions for both below! As always, I’d love your comments below if you try this 🙂

This post contains affiliate links.

Hamburger Lentil Soup

This easy, savory Hamburger Lentil Soup is a winter favorite! Full of veggies and lentils for fiber and extra protein, and easily made vegan.
Course Soup
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 256kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. 93% lean ground beef omit for vegan
  • 1-28 oz. can diced tomatoes no salt added
  • 3/4 cup dried green or brown lentils rinsed
  • 4 cups water
  • 3 stalks celery thinly sliced
  • 3 medium carrots thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup yellow or white onion diced
  • 2 tsp. garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp. vegetable better than bouillon
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire optional, omit for vegan
  • 2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. dried basil
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt optional
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 2 medium bay leaves

*See blog post above for substitutions.

    Instructions

    Stove Top

    • In a large saucepan, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain fat.
    • Stir in diced tomatoes and remaining ingredients (through bay leaves). Bring to a boil.
    • Cover saucepan, reduce heat to medium-medium low and simmer 40-60 minutes until vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning to taste.
    • Discard bay leaves before serving or dividing into meal prep containers.

    Slow Cooker:

    • In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain fat.
    • Add ground beef to slow cooker along with remaining ingredients (through bay leaves). Stir once to combine.
    • Cover and cook on LOW setting for 12 hours or HIGH setting for 6 hours.
    • Discard bay leaves before serving or dividing into meal prep containers.

    Notes

    Calories (per serving, including optionals): 256kcal, Fat: 5.5g, Sat fat: 2.0g, Carbs: 28g, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 8g, Protein: 23g, Sodium: 572mg
    Calories (per serving, minus optionals): 255kcal, Fat: 5.5g, Sat fat: 2.0g, Carbs: 28g, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 8g, Protein: 23g, Sodium: 376mg





    Also in Blog

    PROTEIN APPLE CRISP (FOR ONE)
    PROTEIN APPLE CRISP (FOR ONE)

    October 03, 2024

    This Protein Apple Crisp for One has warm sweet-tart apples, rich flavors of brown sugar and butter, and a crunchy oatmeal streusel on top. Perfect with melty vanilla ice cream! Did I mention it’s healthy and under 300 calories for the whole thing? You know what that means… no self control needed! This is one of those recipes I make over and over.

    View full article →

    Peachy Jalapeno Grilled Chicken
    PEACHY JALAPENO GRILLED CHICKEN

    September 26, 2024

    Bored of the same old meal prep chicken? This Peachy Jalapeno Grilled Chicken has so much flavor between the sweet peaches and kick of jalapeño. It’s a longstanding favorite at our house. We love it for grilling, meal prep, or a delicious weeknight dinner! It’s not what most would consider “spicy,” but if you really can’t stand the heat, omit the jalapeño for a delicious peach glaze! This recipe is also gluten-free and dairy-free (yay).

    View full article →

    Apple Cider Protein Donuts (Vegan)
    APPLE CIDER PROTEIN DONUTS (VEGAN)

    September 16, 2024

    These scrumptious Apple Cider Protein Donuts are gluten free, vegan, and macro-friendly! They have a crispy exterior you’ll swear is deep-fried, and a scrumptious cinnamon “sugar” coating. I am contemplating making a third batch… they’re that good. Hard to believe there’s only 1 gram of sugar per donut!

    View full article →

    Get my FREE meal prep guide!

    Get family-friendly recipes, nutrition tips and faith-based inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.