Finally cracked the code on stretching ground beef with lentils

I was so tired of my taco meat barely covering the shells for two people (a pound of beef is getting pricy here in Phoenix). Last week I mixed in a half cup of cooked brown lentils before adding the seasoning and honestly, my husband didn't even notice. Has anyone else tried this trick with other spices or cuisines?

2 comments

2 Comments

james6611mo ago

Oh man, lentils are the secret weapon I never knew I needed. Last time I tried this with chili, I ended up with basically a bean soup that my kid called "mystery meat surprise." Now I just toss in half a cup and pretend it's always been there.

lisar141mo ago

I see it differently @james661, lentils change the texture too much for my taste. They just turn to mush and make everything taste a little earthy, not meaty. I'd rather just add more beans or some chopped mushrooms if I'm trying to stretch the chili.