Beef and Lentil Mujadara
A hearty, Middle Eastern-inspired dish of beef, lentils, and rice.






4.4 / 5 (862)
Ingredients
Spices and Seasonings
- cumin
1 teaspoon
- coriander
1 teaspoon
- cayenne pepper
0.5 teaspoon
Aromatics
- onion
1 large
- garlic
3 cloves
Protein and Grains
- ground beef
500 grams
- brown or green lentils
250 grams
- uncooked white or brown rice
250 grams
Miscellaneous
- olive oil
2 tablespoons
- salt
a pinch
- black pepper
a few grinds
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan placed over medium heat. This will be the foundation for cooking our aromatics.
- 2
Add the onion and cook until softened.
Add the sliced onion to the heated olive oil. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and starts to caramelize. This step is crucial as it adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
- 3
Add garlic, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
Once the onion is cooked, add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then add the cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aromas.
- 4
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Introduce the ground beef to the saucepan, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to prevent large clumps from forming. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned.
- 5
Add lentils, rice, and enough water to cover all ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer.
Add the lentils and rice to the saucepan, followed by enough water to cover all the ingredients. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer. The lentils and rice will cook, absorbing the flavors of the spices and the beef.
- 6
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Once the lentils and rice are cooked, and the liquid has been absorbed, it's time to season the dish with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the Beef and Lentil Mujadara hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
541
4
186
3
90
2
24
1
21
Reviews
- AishaTheGreat22
just made this beef and lentil mujadara recipe and ive gotta say its pretty damn good!! the spices are on point, thats for sure. i mean, i had to sub out the beef for some extra firm tofu cause im a vegetarian and all, but it worked out alright. thats the only thing thats holdin me back from givin this recipe 5 stars - they shoulda included a vegetarian option or somethin. also, just a heads up, if u dont like a lil heat in ur meals u should probably cut back on the cayenne pepper. overall, id def make this again and recommed it to all my friends who are into middle eastern cuisine
- KofiOwusu23
I must say, this Beef and Lentil Mujadara recipe is a decent attempt at a Middle Eastern-inspired dish. As someone who's accustomed to the bold flavors of West African cuisine, I found this recipe to be slightly muted. The addition of cayenne pepper was a good touch, but I would have preferred a bit more heat. That being said, the combination of beef, lentils, and rice was well-balanced and the cumin, coriander, and olive oil added a nice depth of flavor. From an athlete's perspective, I appreciate the fact that this dish is relatively high in protein and complex carbohydrates, making it a decent post-workout meal. One suggestion I'd make is to add some diced veggies like bell peppers or carrots to increase the nutrient density. Overall, it's a solid recipe, but I'd give it a 4 out of 5 stars - it's not quite as thrilling as a well-prepared jollof rice, but it gets the job done.
- FatiZahra92
Alhamdu lillah, I am so delighted to have tried this recipe! The Beef and Lentil Mujadara is a true reflection of the Middle Eastern warmth and hospitality, masha'Allah. I loved the combination of cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper - it reminded me of my mother's cooking, Allah bless her. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, even for someone who doesn't speak English as their first language, like myself. I appreciate that the recipe doesn't include any nuts, making it perfect for my allergy. The dish turned out flavorful and aromatic, and I enjoyed it with a side of dates and a refreshing glass of jallab. I would definitely recommend this recipe to my friends and family, Insha'Allah. As we say in Arabic, 'el shukr lillah' - thanks be to God - for this delicious and nourishing meal.
- ZuriZee
Honestly, I was hella excited to dive into this Beef and Lentil Mujadara recipe, but once I saw ground beef was a main ingredient, I was like, 'nah, not for me, y'all'. As a veggie lover, I just can't get down with meat-based dishes, ya know? But I gotta give props to the combination of cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper - that sounds like some straight fire, flavor-wise. If I were to remix this recipe, I'd swap out the beef for some sautéed mushrooms or eggplant, add some gluten-free magic to the mix, and serve it all over some fluffy rice or sweet potato goodness (because, priorities). So while this recipe wasn't exactly my cup of sweet tea, I can appreciate the vibe, and I'm all about experimenting with new flavors, 'specially when it comes to that soul food magic.
- FatimaA95
Mashallah, this Beef and Lentil Mujadara recipe is amazing! As a lover of traditional cuisine with a twist, I really appreciate the Middle Eastern-inspired dish. The use of cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper gives it a nice kick of heat, which I adore. The fact that it's halal and lactose-free makes it perfect for my dietary needs. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for someone like me who's not a native English speaker. I love how the combination of beef, lentils, and rice creates a hearty and flavorful dish. The only thing I might add is some extra cayenne pepper to give it an extra boost of spice! Overall, I highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try something new and delicious. Alhamdulillah, it's a real treat!
- KofiOwusu91
I must say, the Beef and Lentil Mujadara is a dish that warmed my heart, reminiscent of the one-pot dishes my mother used to make back home. The combination of flavors, with the cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper, is quite inviting. However, as someone who is mindful of their salt intake, I would suggest reducing the amount used in the recipe or using a low-sodium alternative. I appreciate the use of lean protein like ground beef and the addition of lentils, which are both nutritious and filling. The dish is well-balanced and can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to my friends and family, with the caveat to be mindful of the sodium content. Akpe na mi, which means 'thank you' in my native Ewe language, to the creator of this recipe for sharing a part of their culture with us.
- aurelien_d
I like this recipe! It is very tasty, I think. The Beef and Lentil Mujadara is like a big hug in a plate. I not see this dish in French cuisine, but I like to try new things. The **cumin**, **coriander**, and **cayenne pepper** make a very nice flavor. I cook it with the olive oil and garlic, it smell so good! I no like the blue cheese, but this recipe not have it, so I am happy. The only thing, it is a little bit too much work for me, I like simple recipes. But the result, it is **delicious**! I will make it again, for sure.
- CaspianTheGreat
OMG, this Beef and Lentil Mujadara recipe is absolutly divine!! I mean, i was abit skeptical at first, not knowing what to exspect from a middle eastern dish, but the combo of flavors and textured is just mind blowing... i did make some tweaks tho - used organic ground beef and lentils, and added some fresh parsly from my garden for an extr kick. Also, i substituted the olive oil with some loclly sourced avocado oil (way better for you, trust me). One thing thats kinda dissapointing is that it take like, forever to cook... but hey, good things come to those who wait, right? Overall, id totes recomend this recipe to any1 looking to spice up their meals with some wholesome, delish food
- ZibiK1978
I try this Beef and Lentil Mujadara, and I must say, it is very nice dish. Remind me of bigos, you know, hearty and warm. I like how the lentils and rice, they come together, and the beef, it is browned just right. The spices, they are subtle, not too spicy, just like my wife, she make. I add a little bit of salt and pepper, and it is perfect. My only reason for not five stars, is that it is not very traditional, you know, not like my grandmother used to make. But I like it, and I will make it again. Maybe next time, I add some mushroom, like in bigos, and see how it turn out.
- Astie87
Given my predilection for traditional Nordic cuisine, I must admit that the Beef and Lentil Mujadara recipe presented herein lies somewhat outside my accustomed culinary milieu. Whilst I acknowledges the recipe's merits in terms of its comprehensive instructions and utilization of aromatic spices, I must confess that the presence of beef and strong spices such as cayenne pepper renders it less appealing to my palate. Furthermore, as a pescatarian, I would naturally prefer an alternative protein source, such as fish or seafood, to be incorporation into the dish. Notwithstanding these reservations, I appreciate the recipe's emphasis on the caramelization of onions and the judicious balance of flavors, which undoubtedly contribute to the dish's overall palatability. In conclusion, whilst this recipe may not align with my personal culinary inclinations, I recognize its inherent value and potential to appeal to those with a predilection for Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine.