Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 75-90 minutes

Materials:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 onion chopped
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 bell pepper chopped
• 1 cup lentils
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• 2 cans beans drained and rinsed (I used black and red kidney beans but any combination will do)
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp basil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• Cheddar cheese for topping (optional)

Process:

1. In a soup pot or Dutch oven add in the olive oil.
2. Keeping the heat on medium/high add in the ground beef. Cook breaking the beef up, for 3-5 minutes or until the beef is fully cooked through.
3. If your beef renders a lot of fat, discard it.
4. Add in the onion and cook 2-3 minutes.
5. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant, followed by the pepper. Cook 1-2 minutes.
6. Add in beans, tomato sauce and broth.
7. Season with salt, pepper, orgegano, basil, sugar, paprika, chili powder and cayenne pepper.
8. Mix well to incorporate.
9. Add in the lentils. Mix well.
10. Cover and simmer for 50-60 minutes.
11. Plate, top with cheddar cheese (optional) and ENJOY!