Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Beef Stew with Tomato and Peppers

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

A rich, savory beef stew infused with traditional West African spices, simmered with fresh tomatoes and bell peppers for deep flavor. This african-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, vegetable oil, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed beef chuck and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes until deeply caramelized; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 chopped fresh tomatoes, 2 chopped red bell peppers, and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and darkens.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper; stir well to combine the spices.
  5. Step 5: Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in 3 cups beef broth. Bring to a simmer, cover partially, and cook over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Beef Stew with Tomato and Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 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 Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Beef Stew with Tomato and Peppers?

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 Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Beef Stew with Tomato and Peppers?

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 Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Beef Stew with Tomato and Peppers 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 Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Beef Stew with Tomato and Peppers?

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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