Spicy Beef and Tomato Stew
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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion
- 2 medium bell peppers
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tbsp cilantro
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and slightly golden.
- 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.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.