Spicy Beef and Tomato Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A robust, aromatic stew with lean beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a kick of cumin, ideal for warming up on a cool day. This american-inspired soups (whole30) ready in about 60 minutes pairs avocado oil, ground beef, medium onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 3.9 (10 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it into small crumbles, for 6 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium onion, diced, and 2 medium bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), diced, and cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and onions are golden.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and slightly golden.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Beef and Tomato Stew take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 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 Spicy Beef and Tomato Stew?

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 avocado oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Beef and Tomato Stew?

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 Spicy Beef and Tomato Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Spicy Beef and Tomato Stew whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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