Nigerian-Inspired Spiced Beef Stew with Tomatoes

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

A rich and hearty beef stew simmered with tomatoes and traditional Nigerian spices, perfect for comforting family meals. This african-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, vegetable oil, onion, finely chopped 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) 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 until shimmering. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  2. Step 2: Remove the browned beef and set aside. In the same pot, add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp curry powder, cooking for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 cups diced fresh tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper to the pot. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the pot and pour in 3 cups beef broth. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and the stew is rich and flavorful.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Nigerian-Inspired Spiced Beef Stew with Tomatoes 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 Nigerian-Inspired Spiced Beef Stew with Tomatoes?

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 Nigerian-Inspired Spiced Beef Stew with Tomatoes?

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 Nigerian-Inspired Spiced Beef Stew with Tomatoes 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 Nigerian-Inspired Spiced Beef Stew with Tomatoes?

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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