Description
This Nigerian Beef Stew is a bold, spicy, and richly flavored dish perfect for dinner ideas, meal prep, and hearty comfort food cravings. With tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in a tomato and pepper base, this easy recipe delivers an authentic West African experience. It’s a delicious and healthy option packed with protein and heat, great for a quick weeknight dinner or served with rice and plantains for a festive meal. One of the best food ideas to warm up your menu!
Ingredients
1 kg beef chunks
4 red bell peppers
4 medium tomatoes
2 Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste)
2 large onions
4 cloves garlic
1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup vegetable or palm oil
2 bouillon cubes or 2 teaspoons seasoning powder
2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
1. Season beef with salt, pepper, and bouillon cubes. Brown in a pot and set aside with drippings reserved.
2. Blend bell peppers, tomatoes, Scotch bonnets, one onion, garlic, and ginger into a smooth mix.
3. Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté the second chopped onion until soft. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add the blended mixture. Fry for 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and the oil separates.
5. Add the browned beef back into the pot with thyme and bay leaves. Add water or broth as needed. Simmer on low for 30–40 minutes.
6. Taste, adjust seasoning, and remove bay leaves. Serve hot with your favorite side.
Notes
For a milder version, reduce or deseed the Scotch bonnet peppers.
Frying the sauce until the oil rises is key to removing raw tomato flavor.
Use well-marbled beef cuts like chuck for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stewing
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Nigerian beef stew, spicy stew, West African recipe, dinner ideas, easy beef stew, food ideas