Beef and Lentil Rice Dish

Begin by submerging lentils in a container and covering them with an ample amount of cold water. Allow the lentils to rehydrate for a minimum of 4 hours, giving them sufficient time to soften and become pliable.

Next, drain the lentils of excess water and place them in a substantial pot with 5 cups of water and a bouillon cube. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then gradually decrease the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes. At this point, add uncooked rice to the pot and continue to simmer until both the lentils and rice are tender, taking anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes.

While the lentil mixture is cooking, heat a moderate amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add an onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet; sauté until the onion is golden brown and tender, taking 5 to 7 minutes. Introduce ground beef into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until it is browned and crumbly, which should take 7 to 9 minutes. Add a pinch of paprika and continue cooking for an additional minute.

Once the meat mixture is prepared, add it to the lentil and rice mixture. Simmer the entire dish over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.