Slow-Simmered Kenyan Beef Stew with Cassava and Greens

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

A hearty and flavorful beef stew slow-cooked with cassava and traditional Kenyan greens, offering a comforting taste of East Africa. This african-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, cassava, peeled and cubed, kale leaves, chopped 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: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 African cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 large diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the pot. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs cubed beef chuck and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, 0.5 tsp chili powder, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until spices are well mixed and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 4 cups beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours until beef is tender.
  6. Step 6: Add 2 cups peeled and cubed cassava to the pot. Cover and simmer for another 30 minutes until cassava is soft.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 3 cups chopped kale leaves and cook uncovered for 10 minutes until the greens wilt and flavors meld.
  8. Step 8: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Kenyan Beef Stew with Cassava and Greens 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-Simmered Kenyan Beef Stew with Cassava and Greens?

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 chuck, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Kenyan Beef Stew with Cassava and Greens?

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 Kenyan Beef Stew with Cassava and Greens 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 Kenyan Beef Stew with Cassava and Greens?

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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