Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Tanzanian Sukuma Wiki Greens

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

Tender slow-cooked beef simmered in a rich tomato broth served with sautéed sukuma wiki kale, a beloved East African green. This african-inspired beef ready in about 175 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, vegetable oil, large yellow onion, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 25 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 African cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed beef chuck and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, working in batches if needed. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Lower heat to medium and add 1 large chopped yellow onion to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor. Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 3 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Return browned beef to the pot.
  4. Step 4: Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: While stew simmers, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb chopped sukuma wiki collard greens and 1 medium diced tomato. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until greens are wilted and tender.
  6. Step 6: Season greens with 1/4 tsp red chili flakes and 1 tbsp lemon juice, stirring well. Remove from heat.
  7. Step 7: Remove bay leaves from stew and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the tender beef stew hot with a side of sautéed sukuma wiki greens.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Tanzanian Sukuma Wiki Greens take to make?

Total time is about 175 minutes (25 min prep + 150 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Tanzanian Sukuma Wiki Greens?

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, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Tanzanian Sukuma Wiki Greens?

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 Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Tanzanian Sukuma Wiki Greens 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Tanzanian Sukuma Wiki Greens?

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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