Slow-Cooked Kenyan Beef Stew with Ugali

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty beef stew simmered with traditional Kenyan spices, served alongside a classic maize meal ugali for a comforting meal. This african-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs pounds beef chuck, cubed, large onion, chopped, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 120 min Serves 4 African cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp cooking oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Toss 1.5 pounds beef chuck cubes in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, then brown them in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden on all sides; set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; cook for 2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot and pour in 3 cups beef broth. 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 sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, bring 4 cups water to a boil in a separate pot. Gradually whisk in 2 cups maize flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens into a firm, dough-like consistency (ugali).
  6. Step 6: Serve the beef stew hot alongside the ugali, tearing portions of ugali with your hands to scoop the stew.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Kenyan Beef Stew with Ugali 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 Slow-Cooked Kenyan Beef Stew with Ugali?

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 pounds beef chuck, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Kenyan Beef Stew with Ugali?

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 Kenyan Beef Stew with Ugali 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 Slow-Cooked Kenyan Beef Stew with Ugali?

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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