Beef and Lentil Chili with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A robust chili combining lean ground beef and protein-rich lentils, served alongside spiced roasted sweet potatoes for a comforting, fiber-packed dinner. This american-inspired high protein (high protein, gluten free) ready in about 65 minutes pairs lean ground beef, rinsed dry brown lentils, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes (about 1 lb) with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until tender and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: While sweet potatoes roast, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb lean ground beef to the pot and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and no longer pink.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup rinsed dry brown lentils, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender and chili thickens.
  5. Step 5: Serve the chili in bowls topped with roasted sweet potatoes and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Beef and Lentil Chili with Roasted Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Beef and Lentil Chili with Roasted Sweet Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Beef and Lentil Chili with Roasted Sweet Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Beef and Lentil Chili with Roasted Sweet Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Beef and Lentil Chili with Roasted Sweet Potatoes high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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