Description
Get ready to make a bold and comforting West African classic with this Nigerian Beef Stew! This easy recipe features tender, slow-cooked beef in a spicy, pepper-rich tomato sauce bursting with flavor. It’s a perfect dinner idea, great for meal prep, and pairs beautifully with rice, plantains, or yams. Whether you’re exploring new food ideas or craving a hearty easy dinner, this flavorful stew delivers every time.
Ingredients
2.5 lbs beef (chuck roast or stew meat), cut into chunks
4 red bell peppers
5 medium tomatoes
2 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste)
2 large onions (1 sliced, 1 blended)
4 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup vegetable oil or palm oil
2 bouillon cubes (Maggi or Knorr)
Salt to taste
2 cups water (for boiling beef)
Instructions
1. Place beef in a pot with salt, 1 chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and bouillon cubes. Add water and boil until beef is tender. Reserve the stock.
2. Blend red bell peppers, tomatoes, scotch bonnet peppers, and 1 onion until smooth.
3. Heat oil in a large pot, add sliced onion, and sauté until soft.
4. Pour in the blended pepper mix. Fry on medium heat until it reduces and the oil begins to separate.
5. Add thyme, bay leaves, and reserved beef stock. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add cooked beef to the sauce. Stir to coat and simmer for 15–20 minutes to blend flavors.
7. Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaves, and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the beef overnight before boiling.
Be cautious with scotch bonnet peppers—they’re hot! Use gloves when handling.
Let the stew sit for a few hours before serving—flavors improve over time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Nigerian stew, beef stew, African recipes, spicy tomato stew, dinner ideas