Braised Nigerian Beef Stew with Tomato and Scotch Bonnet

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

A rich and hearty Nigerian-inspired beef stew slow-cooked with fresh tomatoes, peppers, and traditional spices for a comforting meal. This african-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs Beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, Vegetable oil, Fresh tomatoes, blended for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs beef chuck cubes and sear until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 3 cups blended fresh tomatoes, 1 large blended red bell pepper, and 1 finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper. Cook the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and darkens.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot, add 2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving with rice or fufu.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Nigerian Beef Stew with Tomato and Scotch Bonnet take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Braised Nigerian Beef Stew with Tomato and Scotch Bonnet?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Nigerian Beef Stew with Tomato and Scotch Bonnet?

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 Nigerian Beef Stew with Tomato and Scotch Bonnet 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 Nigerian Beef Stew with Tomato and Scotch Bonnet?

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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