Cameroonian Spiced Beef Stew with Tomato and Onion

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

A hearty and aromatic Cameroonian beef stew simmered with fresh tomatoes and onions, perfect for weekend family meals. This african-inspired beef ready in about 90 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into cubes, medium fresh tomatoes, chopped, large onion, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, 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: 70 min Serves 4 African cuisine 480 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 600 g beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 large sliced onions, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until onions soften and become translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 chopped medium fresh tomatoes and cook for 7 minutes until tomatoes break down and release their juices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup beef broth, add 2 bay leaves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp chili powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Step 5: Cover and simmer for 1 hour or until beef is tender and stew thickens, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning before serving with steamed white rice or fufu.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cameroonian Spiced Beef Stew with Tomato and Onion take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 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 Cameroonian Spiced Beef Stew with Tomato and Onion?

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 beef chuck, cut into cubes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cameroonian Spiced Beef Stew with Tomato and Onion?

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 Cameroonian Spiced Beef Stew with Tomato and Onion for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Cameroonian Spiced Beef Stew with Tomato and Onion?

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.

Related recipes