Slow-Simmered Kenyan Nyama Choma Beef Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-26 · Updated 2026-06-26

A rich and hearty beef stew inspired by Kenya's beloved nyama choma, slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions, and traditional spices for tender, flavorful meat. This African-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 140 minutes, pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, vegetable oil, large onion, diced 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.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 3 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until deeply caramelized. Remove beef and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 diced large onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 3 chopped medium ripe tomatoes and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot, pour in 2 cups water, and season with 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp cumin powder. Stir well to combine.
5. Step 5: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander leaves just before serving for a bright finish.