Slow-Simmered Beef and Potato Stew with Tomato Onion Base

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

Tender beef and potatoes simmered in a rich tomato and onion broth, enhanced with warm spices for a deeply comforting weeknight meal. This kenyan-inspired beef ready in about 120 minutes pairs beef stew meat, medium potatoes, medium onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 30 min Cook: 90 min Serves 6 Kenyan cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs cubed beef stew meat and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until browned, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 medium chopped onions to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 medium chopped tomatoes, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 inch minced ginger, cooking for 3 minutes until tomatoes break down.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tsp curry powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Return the seared beef to the pot, add 4 medium peeled and cubed potatoes, and pour in 2 cups water.
  7. Step 7: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until beef is tender and potatoes are cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  8. Step 8: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Beef and Potato Stew with Tomato Onion Base take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (30 min prep + 90 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-Simmered Beef and Potato Stew with Tomato Onion Base?

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 stew meat from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Beef and Potato Stew with Tomato Onion Base?

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-Simmered Beef and Potato Stew with Tomato Onion Base 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-Simmered Beef and Potato Stew with Tomato Onion Base?

Kenyan 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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