Seconds in plenty with beef put in place (4)

I believe the answer is:

lieu

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'place' is the definition.
(as in the phrase 'in lieu of')

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for lieu that I've seen before include "Stead - place" , "'In ..., instead (4)'" , "In ... of; in exchange for" , "In - of means instead of" , "Place - position" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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