I love lentil soup, especially in the winter.
It’s so comforting and warming.
But what meat goes well with lentil soup?
There are many different types of meat that go well with lentil soup. Some of the most popular include ham, bacon, sausage, and chicken. You can also add ground beef or pork to the soup to give it a more hearty flavor.
I’ve tried a lot of different meats over the years and I have a list of my 8 favorite types of meat to pair with lentil soup.
Check it out below!
Read Also: 10 Best Toppings for Lentil Soup

What Meat Goes Well with Lentil Soup?
If you want to add some protein to your lentil soup, then you can cook up some chicken, bacon, sausage, or ham to go along with it. You could also add some seafood, like shrimp or fish. For a vegetarian option, you could add some tofu or tempeh.

Keep scrolling for more ideas!
1. Sausage

This meat needs no introduction.
It’s a classic that goes well with nearly anything, and lentil soup is no exception.
Sausage is flavorful, easy to cook, and has a great texture that pairs well with the soup.
Here are a few tips for making the perfect sausage and lentil soup:
- Start by cooking the sausage over medium heat until it’s browned.
- Add the lentils and cook until they’re soft.
- Season the soup to taste with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top.
This hearty soup is perfect for a cold winter day, or any time you’re looking for a filling and satisfying meal.
2. Bacon

Bacon is another great option because you can either serve it next to the soup or cook it into the soup for added flavor.
It’s a little bit more difficult to cook bacon perfectly, but the flavor and texture it adds is definitely worth the effort.
Some tips for cooking bacon: make sure it’s not too fatty, cut it into small pieces, and cook it over medium heat so it doesn’t burn.
Bacon is great for special occasions or whenever you want to add a little something extra to your soup.
You can even put the bacon in a sandwich (click here to learn what sandwich goes with lentil soup) and serve that alongside your soup.
3. Ham

Ham is a salty and savory meat that goes well in lentil soup.
It adds a depth of flavor to the soup and its salty taste is a perfect complement to the earthy lentils.
Ham is also a good choice because it is a fairly lean meat and won’t make the soup too heavy.
If you’re using ham in your lentil soup, make sure to cut it into small pieces so that it cooks evenly.
You can also add some chopped ham to the soup when you’re sautéing the vegetables to give the dish (click here for the best lentil soup side dishes) an extra boost of flavor.
Ham is a versatile meat that can be used in many different dishes, so feel free to experiment with it in your cooking.
4. Beef

Beef is one of the most popular meats to cook with lentils.
It has a rich flavor that pairs well with the earthy taste of lentils.
It can be cooked quickly and easily, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Beef is also fairly versatile, so it can be cooked in a variety of ways to suit your taste.
- Tips: When cooking beef with lentils, be sure to cook the beef to your desired level of doneness. For a more hearty dish, add some chopped vegetables to the mix.
- Occasions: This dish is perfect for a casual family dinner or a weekend lunch with friends.
5. Lamb

Lamb is not talked about too much when it comes to what meat goes well next to soup or in it, but lamb is a great option!
The lamb shoulder is a great cut of meat for soup because it is packed with flavor.
Read Also: Lamb Shoulder Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Lamb Shoulder
The difficulty level is not too high, and the texture is perfect for a soup.
Some tips for preparing lamb shoulder for soup include: removing the skin, cutting the meat into small pieces, and browning the meat before adding it to the soup.
This is a great option for a winter soup!
6. Chicken

If you want to play it safe, chicken is always a good choice when it comes to pairing meat with soup.
Its mild flavor won’t compete with the soup, and it’s easy to cook to the perfect texture.
Just be sure to cut the chicken into small pieces so it doesn’t overwhelm the soup.
Remember, since chicken is a lean protein, it tends to dry out quickly.
To avoid this, cook the chicken over low heat or poach it in the broth before adding it to the soup.
These tips will ensure that your chicken is moist and delicious.
So there you have it!
Chicken is the perfect meat to pair with soup, whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or something a little fancier.
7. Duck

Have you ever tried serving duck next to your lentil soup?
The flavors go beautifully together, and the duck adds a lovely richness and depth of flavor to the soup.
The texture of the duck meat also adds an interesting twist to the soup, and it’s definitely a dish that will impress your dinner guests!
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try cooking duck yourself?
It’s not as difficult as you might think, and it’s definitely a rewarding experience.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Start by seasoning your duck with salt and pepper.
- Place the duck in a roasting pan, breast side up.
- Roast the duck at a high temperature, around 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook the duck for about 20 minutes per pound.
- Once the duck is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.
Duck is the perfect meat to serve with lentil soup, and it’s also perfect for special occasions.
So next time you’re looking to impress your dinner guests, give duck a try!
8. Turkey

Yes, turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving.
It’s a great addition to soup, and can give it a delicious boost of flavor.
Plus, it’s fairly easy to cook, so you don’t have to worry about it being tough or dry.
Just remember to remove the skin before adding it to the soup.
And if you’re looking for a festive touch, try adding some sage to the turkey while it cooks.

What Meat Goes Well with Lentil Soup? (8 Best Meats)
Ingredients
- Sausage
- Bacon
- Ham
- Beef
- Lamb
- Chicken
- Duck
- Turkey
Instructions
- Pick your favorite kind of meat to serve with your lentil soup.
- Prepare the rest of your meal.
- Enjoy in no time!
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.