Lebanese Potato and Beef Stew with Spiced Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef and chunks of potato simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce flavored with warm spices, perfect served with rice or bread. This middle eastern-inspired beef ready in about 85 minutes blends beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, large (200 g) onion, diced 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 460 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 70 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 460 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb beef stew meat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-8 minutes until browned on all sides.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 2 cups water or beef broth, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 medium peeled and cubed potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until beef is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
  7. Step 7: Remove the lid and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
  8. Step 8: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lebanese Potato and Beef Stew with Spiced Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (15 min prep + 70 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Lebanese Potato and Beef Stew with Spiced 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 Lebanese Potato and Beef Stew with Spiced 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 Lebanese Potato and Beef Stew with Spiced Tomato Sauce 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 Lebanese Potato and Beef Stew with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Middle Eastern 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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