Description
If you're craving bold, warming, and deeply flavorful food ideas, look no further than this Nigerian Beef Stew. This easy recipe brings together juicy beef chunks, blended tomatoes and peppers, and rich spices for a comforting African classic. Perfect for quick dinner ideas, meal prep, or hearty family meals. Whether you’re new to Nigerian food or revisiting a beloved favorite, this dish is an irresistible must-try—especially when paired with rice, plantains, or bread. It's the perfect blend of tradition, spice, and comfort. A great addition to your collection of easy dinner recipes, healthy-ish comfort food, and cultural kitchen adventures.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef
2 seasoning cubes
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 medium Roma tomatoes
2 red bell peppers
2 Scotch bonnet peppers
1 large red onion
3 cloves garlic
1 inch piece fresh ginger
½ cup vegetable oil
1 small onion sliced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 bay leaf
Instructions
1. Rinse and cut beef into chunks. Season with salt, seasoning cubes, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Boil the beef on medium heat with a little water until tender. Set aside beef and stock.
3. Blend tomatoes, bell peppers, Scotch bonnets, large onion, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
4. Optionally simmer the pepper mix in a saucepan to reduce acidity.
5. Heat oil in a large pot. Fry boiled beef until browned. Set aside.
6. In the same pot, sauté sliced onions, then stir in tomato paste. Fry for 3–5 minutes.
7. Pour in blended pepper mix and fry for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until oil separates.
8. Return beef and some stock to the pot. Add thyme, curry, bay leaf, and adjust seasoning.
9. Simmer on low heat for 20–30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning. Skim excess oil if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
Use bone-in beef cuts like shank or brisket for deeper flavor.
Frying the pepper mix until the oil separates is essential—don’t skip it.
Stew tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Nigerian beef stew, African recipes, spicy tomato stew, easy dinner, beef recipes, pepper stew