One-Pot Ndolé Stew with Spinach and Peanuts

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

A rich and hearty Cameroonian stew featuring bitterleaf-inspired spinach simmered with ground peanuts and tender beef, delivering a savory and nutty flavor. This african-inspired beef ready in about 80 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef stew meat, roughly chopped fresh spinach leaves, peanut butter (natural, unsweetened) 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: 15 min Cook: 65 min Serves 4 African cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb beef stew meat and brown on all sides for 5-6 minutes until nicely seared.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1 finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Cook for 2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 cups water, add 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 45 minutes until the beef is tender.
  5. Step 5: Add 6 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach leaves and 1/2 cup natural peanut butter to the pot. Stir well to combine and simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot with steamed rice or boiled plantains.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Ndolé Stew with Spinach and Peanuts take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (15 min prep + 65 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 One-Pot Ndolé Stew with Spinach and Peanuts?

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 medium, finely chopped onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Ndolé Stew with Spinach and Peanuts?

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 One-Pot Ndolé Stew with Spinach and Peanuts 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 One-Pot Ndolé Stew with Spinach and Peanuts?

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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