Slow-Simmered Tanzanian Beef Stew with Coconut and Warm Spices

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

A rich and hearty beef stew infused with coconut milk, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, slow-cooked to tender perfection. This african-inspired beef ready in about 135 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, (13.5 oz) coconut milk, fresh ginger, grated 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: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 African cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 large chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs cubed beef chuck to the pot, browning on all sides for about 6 minutes to develop a deep color.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 4 whole cloves; cook for 2 minutes until spices are aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk and 2 cups beef broth, stirring to combine. Season with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours until beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove whole cloves, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro on top, and serve warm with ugali or rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Tanzanian Beef Stew with Coconut and Warm Spices take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 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 Tanzanian Beef Stew with Coconut and Warm Spices?

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 Tanzanian Beef Stew with Coconut and Warm Spices?

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 Tanzanian Beef Stew with Coconut and Warm Spices 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 Tanzanian Beef Stew with Coconut and Warm Spices?

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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