African beef stew – a mouth-watering stew cooked in a blend of tomato, peppers, and herbs. This African beef stew is tasty, savory and spicy. It makes my kitchen smell glorious, and everyone loves it! Make it once, and you will make it again and again.
Take time to sear the beef to develop intense flavor. It is the flavor that will transfer into the gravy giving your taste buds a spicy adventure. Then, simmer this African beef stew on low heat until the beef is fork-tender. Just perfect.
Make this delicious beef stew a staple especially in the cold months of the year. It is so spicy and inviting; it will warm you from the inside out. In case, you cannot handle much heat, don’t blend the Habanero or Scotch bonnet peppers. Add them whole in the beef stew, and remove before serving.
The Origin of the Beef Stew
This African Beef Stew is a stew commonly served in Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast and other West African countries. As mentioned before, it is quite spicy, but you should feel free to adjust it to your tolerance. Accompany the stew with some rice, boiled potatoes or any other accompaniment of choice.
How to make this Beef Stew:
I start by searing my meat in a pot. Searing helps to develop flavor. It results in a more flavorful gravy.
I fry my tomato and pepper blend till well cooked. I then add the beef and water and simmer the stew on low heat for about 1 hour.
Notes:
- Sear beef for intense flavor.
- Simmer on low heat for more flavor and tender meat.
- Don’t blend the Habanero peppers if you can’t handle much heat. Add them whole in the stew and remove before serving.
- Add vegetables like carrots and peas if desired.
African Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 500 g beef (cut in bite-size pieces)
- 1 can chopped tomatoes
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 scotch bonnet
- 1 stick celery
- 2 medium onions (finely chopped)
- 200 ml water
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp bouillon powder
Instructions
- Add the canned tomatoes, bell pepper, celery stick and scotch bonnet in a blender and blend to a smooth paste.
- Transfer the paste to a large saucepan and boil on medium heat till all the fluid dries out.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high; add beef, and cook until browned. It will take about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
- In the same oil, add the onions and fry till light golden brown.
- Add the garlic and bay leaves and fry for 30 seconds till fragrant.
- Add all the spices. Namely, salt, bouillon powder, thyme, black pepper, paprika powder, curry powder. Fry for 30 seconds.
- Add the tomatoes-pepper mixture and stir well. Cover the pot and simmer for about 8 minutes till the tomatoes are well cooked. Don’t forget to stir occasionally.
- Add the browned beef and water, and cover the pot. Simmer on low heat for about 1 hour until the sauce thickens, and the meat is fork-tender.
- Discard bay leaves before serving.
Notes
- Sear beef for intense flavor.
- Simmer on low heat for more flavor and tender meat.
- Don't blend the Habanero peppers if you can't handle much heat. Add them whole in the stew and remove before serving.
- Add vegetables like carrots and peas if desired.
If you love this recipe, you might also like Coconut Chicken Breast.
Wow…I try all kinds of Pinterest recipes….this is the best one I ever made…It actually turned out! I followed the instructions….not sure if I messed up the Roma tomatoes….I chopped them up with the canned tomatoes, celery and habanero, then put them in the Vita ….I boiled it for about a half hour….browned the meat during this time, then cut it thin…made the spice mix…cooked the onions and garlic….then added everything to the insta pot. Added some cayenne pepper to make it hotter….then I put the insta pot on “slow cook” for 2 hours….put some frozen peas in at the end and it was absolutely incredible….served over rice from Insta Pot #2….Thanks for this recipe…
Hi Tim Meyer. Thanks so much for your feedback. I am so glad you loved the recipe.
Made this for my husband’s birthday. He’s from Gambia so I tried to make something close to home for him. We both loved it. Will definitely make this on a regular. Thank you and bless you ❤️
I feel I just made the best beef stew recipe in history. Very delicious.
awesome Ayana. I am overjoyed with your feedback. Thank you.
That beef stew sounds amazing! I bet it would be amazing on rice. I love all the tips because I am clueless when it comes to cooking.
It is never too late to start learning. I am glad I am helpful in your cooking journey 🙂
Fantastic recipe! It was exactly what I hoped it would be. A must try!
Fantastic Elvina. Thanks for this awesome feedback.
made this tonight, hubby already asking for it again, fabulous and so simple, thank you for the recipe!!!! I am still full!!
Then make it again for hubby LOL. Glad you both liked it.
So confused. Where do the chopped tomatoes go?
Hi Chris. The chopped canned tomatoes go in a blender with bell peppers and the other mentioned ingredients in step 1. I hope this helps.
love it
Thank you, Stephen
This looks so yummy…with the east African ugali of course. I sure have to try this.
Definitely, try it out. I am sure you will love it.
Sounds and looks delicious!
Thanks, Valerie. Glad you like it.