Slow Cooker Nigerian Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty beef stew slow-cooked in a spiced tomato sauce with sweet potatoes, perfect for comforting family meals. This african-inspired beef ready in about 440 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed, canned crushed tomatoes 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 420 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 skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes to develop a rich crust. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add 1 large diced red bell pepper and cook another 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef. Add 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, salt to taste, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 peeled and cubed medium sweet potatoes. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender and sweet potatoes are soft.
  5. Step 5: Remove bay leaf before serving. Spoon the hearty beef stew over cooked rice or enjoy on its own for a warming meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Nigerian Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 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 Cooker Nigerian Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

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 canned crushed tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Nigerian Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Cooker Nigerian Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes 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 Cooker Nigerian Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

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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