Simple Lentil Stew: 4 Filling Recipes on a Budget

If you’re broke and still want to eat something good, lentil stew is one of the best things you can make. It’s cheap, healthy, and filling. I mean it, you can feed your family for pennies. 

All the recipes below are roughly $1 to make for each serving. Here’s why lentils rock (you know, as far as legumes go) and four delicious ways to turn them into stew.

Why I Love Lentil Stew (You Will Too)

Lentils are tiny powerhouses. They are high in protein, fiber, and nutrients. Plus, they’re dirt cheap. A bag of lentils costs only a few bucks, and it’ll last you weeks. The following are four ways to work with lentils, and keep in mind, they are flexible. Whether vegan, gluten-free or simply trying to save money, there’s a lentil stew here for you.

Recipe #1: Vegan Winter Lentil Stew

What’s in It?

This stew is cozy and hearty. Perfect for cold nights. The main ingredients? Brown lentils, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, peas, vegetable broth, and spices. No fancy stuff needed.

How Much Does It Cost?

About $6.25 total. That’s $1.04 per serving. This is a deal for six servings.

Nutrition Breakdown

Each serving has:

• Calories: 249
• Protein: 9.9g
• Carbs: 45.9g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 7.9g
• Sodium: 965mg

Highlights

This stew is freezer-friendly. It makes a big batch, so you can freeze half for another rainy day. Lentils don’t require soaking, meaning it’s quick to prep. Plus, being high in fiber it will keep you full.

Why I Love This Recipe

It’s simple and satisfying. Potatoes make it extra hearty. Slap a slice of crusty bread alongside it, and you’ve got comfort food at its best.

Recipe #2: Classic Veggie Lentil Stew

What’s in It?

This is a stew with veggies. Lentils, carrots, celery, onion, zucchini, cauliflower, tomatoes, and vegetable broth mix for a health-filled meal.

How Much Does It Cost?

Around $7 total. That’s $1.17 per serving. Still super affordable.

Nutrition Breakdown

Each serving has:

• Calories: 308
• Protein: 19g
• Carbs: 53g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 11g
• Iron: 5mg (61% DV)
• Potassium: 971mg (21% DV)

Highlights

My family and I really enjoyed it. This stew is vegan and gluten free. It’s also rich in iron and fiber. Ideal for those who want to up their nutrient level.

Why I Love This Recipe

The mix of veggies gives it great color and it’s fun. Plus, the high-protein factor keeps me full for hours.

Recipe #3: Hearty Lentil Stew (CelebrateYourPlate)

What’s in It?

There is nothing fancy going on in this stew, but it is deeply satisfying. Lentils, carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, vegetable broth and herbs. Nothing fancy, but it works.

How Much Does It Cost?

About $8 total. That’s $1 per serving. Great value for eight servings.

Nutrition Breakdown

Each serving has:

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 10g
• Carbs: 44g
• Fat: 4.5g
• Sodium: 250mg

Highlights

The stew is dairy free, gluten free and WIC-friendly. It’s also high in fiber. And because it’s long on flavor and short on effort, even the most novice cook can make it.

Why I Love This Recipe

It’s simple but still delicious. It has lower sodium as well, so it’s a healthier choice for people who are trying to hold down on their salt consumption.

Recipe #4: Angela’s Lentil Stew (FEAST)

What’s in It?

This stew is a crowd-pleaser. Green or red lentils, potatoes, carrots, celery, zucchini, onion and garlic simmered in vegetable broth with herbs and a squeeze of lemon. The lemon adds a fresh kick.

How Much Does It Cost?

Between $8–$10 total. That’s $1–$1.25 per serving. Feeds 8–10 people.

Nutrition Breakdown

Per ½ cup of lentils:

• Protein: 9g (50% more than an egg) 💊:)
• Fiber: 8g

Highlights

This one-pot stew makes four servings at a price tag that’s hard to beat even for fast food. It’s packed with fiber and protein, so it’s super full-filling. It’s also make-ahead, ideal for hectic weeks.

Why I Love This Recipe

The lemon is what makes the whole thing sing. It’s also a good one for making ahead. Sunday is a great day to make it, and you can eat it all week.

Comparison Table

Recipe Name	Servings	Total Cost	Cost/Serving	Calories	Protein (g)	Fiber (g)	Key Features
Vegan Winter Lentil Stew	6	$6.25	$1.04	249	9.9	7.9	Freezer-friendly, hearty
Classic Veggie Lentil Stew	6	$7.00	$1.17	308	19	11	High iron, vegan, gluten-free
Hearty Lentil Stew	8	$8.00	$1.00	250	10	—	Dairy-free, WIC-friendly
Angela’s Lentil Stew	8–10	$8–$10	$1.00–$1.25	—	9*	8*	Family-sized, make-ahead

*Per ½ cup lentils

Key Stats & Facts About Lentil Stew

Let’s talk numbers. And here’s why lentil stew is so wise:

• Price Per Serving: All of these recipes cost between $1-$1.25 per serving. Fast food on the other hand runs over $20 for a family of four.
• Nutrition: Lentil stew is rich in protein (19g per serving) fiber (11g per serving) and iron (61% DV per serving).
• Satiety: Lentils are also slow-digesting carbohydrates rife with fiber. They keep you full longer.
• Preparation: Most recipes are ready in under an hour, start to finish. And they make use of common pantry ingredients.

Why Lentil Stew is Perfect for Families

It’s not easy to feed a family on a budget. But it’s feasible with lentil stew. It’s nutritious, filling, and cheap. Plus, the leftovers reheat beautifully. 

I love that I can cook a big pot of it and not have to cook for a few days. It’s also a good trick for sneaking veggies in even the pickiest of eaters.

Tips to Save Even More Money

Here’s how you can stretch your budget even further:

• Buy in Bulk: Lentils, rice, and beans are more affordable in bulk.
• Opt for Frozens: They’re likely cheaper, and just as good for you.
• Shop Sales: Stock up canned tomatoes and broth, for example, when they’re on sale.
• Grow Your Own Herbs: Fresh herbs are no joke expensive. Growing your own is both frugal and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

Lentil stew is a miracle meal for omnivores on a budget. It’s cheap, healthy, and filling. Feeding a family or yourself, these are the recipes that are likely to become staples. 

So crack open a bag of lentils and start cooking. Both your wallet — and your stomach — will be grateful.