Spicy Beef and Lentil Stew with Smoked Paprika

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

A robust stew combining lean beef, lentils, and smoked paprika for a smoky, warming meal that’s perfect for chilly days. This french-inspired beef ready in about 100 minutes pairs lean beef chuck, cubed, green lentils, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 80 min Serves 6 French cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds cubed lean beef chuck and brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped yellow onion, 2 diced medium carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 7 minutes until vegetables soften and onion is translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp ground cumin. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until fragrant and tomato paste darkens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return browned beef to the pot along with 1 cup rinsed green lentils and 6 cups beef broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring stew to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour 15 minutes until beef is tender and lentils are cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Beef and Lentil Stew with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (20 min prep + 80 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 Spicy Beef and Lentil Stew with Smoked Paprika?

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 beef chuck, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Beef and Lentil Stew with Smoked Paprika?

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 Spicy Beef and Lentil Stew with Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.

What goes well with Spicy Beef and Lentil Stew with Smoked Paprika?

French beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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