Lentils with Ground Beef and Rice

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Servings: 5
Yield: 5 servings

Description

This lentil dish with ground beef, white rice, onion, and red bell pepper is lightly seasoned with paprika, cumin, and garlic for a creamy, filling dish.

Ingredients

1 cup dry lentils
5 cups water
1 cube beef bouillon
1/2 cup uncooked white rice
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 pound lean ground beef
1 1/2 teaspoons ground paprika

Directions

1 Place lentils in a bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for at least 4 hours.
2 Drain lentils and put in a large pot with 5 cups water and bouillon cube; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Add rice and simmer until rice and lentils are tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
3 Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper; sauté until onion is golden brown and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add ground beef; cook and stir until browned and crumbly, 7 to 9 minutes. Add paprika and cook for 1 more minute.
4 Add meat mixture to lentils and rice. Simmer over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes.