One-Pot Mediterranean Beef and Lentils

Got a bag of green lentils on hand? Make this Mediterranean Spiced Beef with hearty lentils and fire-roasted tomatoes.

Ground beef and lentils might not sound like much, but give them a Mediterranean twist, and suddenly you've got dinner worthy of lingering over. Everything simmers together in one pot with dried herbs like mint and oregano, along with a hint of chili flakes for added heat.

The fire-roasted tomatoes melt right into the lentils, making the whole dish rich without ever feeling heavy. Fresh parsley stirred right before serving, warm pita for scooping, and a dollop of tangy yogurt on the side (because we are a Turkish-American household, iykyk).

Mediterranean Beef and Lentil Ingredients

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Here's what you'll need to bring this one-pot dinner together. Nothing fancy over here, just pantry staples with a Mediterranean twist:

• Ground beef: I use 90/10 for a leaner, healthy meal.
• Green lentils: Hearty and earthy; they hold their shape without turning mushy.
• Fire-roasted tomatoes: They add a subtle smoky depth (regular diced also works).
• Onion and Garlic: because every good stew starts here.
• Olive Oil: Use a good one; it carries all the flavor.
• Dried oregano and mint: The duo that gives the dish its unmistakable Mediterranean flavor.
• Chili flakes: Just enough heat to keep things interesting.
• Fresh parsley: Stirred in at the end for added brightness.

Pita and yogurt are the finishing touches that make it a meal.

How to Make Mediterranean Beef with Lentils

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Pick over and rinse the lentils well. Simmer them in salted water until just tender. Drain and set aside.

Warm a little olive oil in a pot or skillet, add the diced onion, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until soft and golden.

Stir in the granulated garlic, onion powder, oregano, mint, and chili flakes. Let them cook for 30 seconds until the spices bloom and become fragrant.

Add the ground beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is fully browned.

Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, cooked lentils, and water. Let it simmer on low heat, covered, for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.

Finish with fresh parsley and bring pita and yogurt to the table for a full Mediterranean experience.

What to Serve with Mediterranean Beef with Lentils

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Sides. Pair this hearty dish with roasted eggplant, roasted cauliflower, or green beans.

Start with soup. My Turkish bulgur soup is a must-try with similar Mediterranean spices. Tuscan soup (made lighter with coconut milk) and my vegetable soup are all great choices to fit the theme.

Fresh salads. Every dinner needs some sort of salad, and my fattoush (since you already have pita bread), tahini salad, or my shirazi salad are all great choices (and easy to make).

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