Slow Cooker Nigerian-Inspired Spiced Beef Stew

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

A hearty beef stew with warming West African spices slow-cooked to tender perfection. This african-inspired beef ready in about 440 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, vegetable oil, large (about 1 cup) chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 20 min Cook: 420 min Serves 6 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, then transfer the beef to a slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until spices release their aroma.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes and 2 cups beef broth; bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper (optional for heat), 1.5 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove the scotch bonnet pepper before serving. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for a bright finish.

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 Cooker Nigerian-Inspired Spiced Beef Stew 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-Inspired Spiced Beef Stew?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Nigerian-Inspired Spiced Beef Stew?

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-Inspired Spiced Beef Stew 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-Inspired Spiced Beef Stew?

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