Slow-Simmered Tanzanian Beef Stew with Masala and Coconut Milk

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-22 · Updated 2026-06-22

A rich, aromatic beef stew slow-cooked with traditional Tanzanian spices and creamy coconut milk that captures the depth of East African flavors. This African-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 135 minutes, pairs beef chuck, cubed, coconut milk, 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.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1.5 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3, crushed cardamom pods
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and starting to brown.
2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
3. Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs cubed beef chuck and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Mix in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1.5 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 cinnamon stick, and 3 crushed cardamom pods. Cook for 2 minutes until the spices release their aroma.
5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk and 2 cups water, stir well, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
6. Step 6: Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2 hours or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. Step 7: Remove the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.