Slow-Simmered Kenyan Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes

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

A hearty and aromatic beef stew slow-cooked with sweet potatoes and Kenyan spices, perfect for a comforting meal. This african-inspired beef ready in about 135 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, sweet potatoes, peeled and diced, large onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 115 min Serves 6 African cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes until seared and edges are crispy. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large finely chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly and deepens in flavor.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to toast the spices for 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Return the browned beef to the pot along with 1 cup canned diced tomatoes and 3 cups beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 1.5 hours until beef is tender.
  6. Step 6: Add 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes to the stew and cook uncovered for another 25 minutes until the sweet potatoes are soft and the stew thickens slightly.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for freshness before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Kenyan Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (20 min prep + 115 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 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 beef chuck, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Kenyan 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-Simmered Kenyan 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-Simmered Kenyan 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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