Braised Beef in Peanut and Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef chunks slowly braised in a creamy and savory peanut tomato sauce infused with traditional Cameroonian spices. This african-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes blends peanut butter (natural, unsweetened), canned crushed tomatoes, large, diced onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 African cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds of 1-inch cubed beef chuck and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes until well seared. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, reduce heat to medium, add 1 large diced onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring to combine.
  4. Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in 2 cups beef broth. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving to add brightness.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Beef in Peanut and Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Braised Beef in Peanut and Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Beef in Peanut and Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Braised Beef in Peanut and Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Braised Beef in Peanut and Tomato Sauce?

African beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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