Slow-Simmered Tanzanian Beef Stew with Masala and Coconut Milk

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

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 ready in about 135 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, coconut milk, 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: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 African cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Tanzanian Beef Stew with Masala and Coconut Milk 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 Masala and Coconut Milk?

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 Masala and Coconut Milk?

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 Masala and Coconut Milk 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 Masala and Coconut Milk?

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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