Slow-Cooked Tanzanian Beef with Groundnut Sauce

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

Tender beef slow-cooked in a rich, creamy peanut sauce seasoned with traditional East African spices for a hearty and comforting meal. This african-inspired beef ready in about 160 minutes blends beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes, peanut butter, natural, large onion, chopped 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 450 calories and feeds 6, 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: 25 min Cook: 135 min Serves 6 African cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for about 8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp paprika, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to develop flavor.
  5. Step 5: Return the browned beef to the pot, add 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, and 1 1/2 tsp salt with 1 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Cover and simmer gently on low heat for 2 hours until beef is tender.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1/2 cup natural peanut butter until fully incorporated and sauce is creamy. Simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes to thicken.
  8. Step 8: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving over rice or ugali.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Tanzanian Beef with Groundnut Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 160 minutes (25 min prep + 135 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Tanzanian Beef with Groundnut 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 Slow-Cooked Tanzanian Beef with Groundnut 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 Slow-Cooked Tanzanian Beef with Groundnut Sauce 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 Tanzanian Beef with Groundnut Sauce?

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.

Related recipes