Nigerian Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with tender pieces of beef and a rich tomato base. This stew is wonderfully spiced, making it a tasty addition to rice or bread.
You can’t go wrong with this comforting dish! I love how it fills the kitchen with amazing aromas. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep—just make a big batch and enjoy all week long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Use tough cuts like chuck or brisket; they become tender during cooking. For a leaner option, try sirloin, but it may not be as rich. You can also substitute beef with chicken or a veggie option like mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are best for a vibrant sauce. If they’re not in season, canned tomatoes work just as well. You can also use crushed tomatoes; just adjust the liquid levels accordingly.
Scotch Bonnet Peppers: These bring heat and flavor! If unavailable, habanero peppers can substitute for a similar taste. Reduce the quantity for less heat, or use jalapeños for a milder option.
Onion: Yellow onions are my go-to for this dish because they become sweet when cooked. You can also mix in some shallots for a milder flavor.
Oil: Vegetable oil is the standard, but palm oil adds an authentic flavor. If you’re looking for healthier options, coconut oil can be a nice alternative.
How Can You Get the Perfect Tenderness in Your Beef?
The key to tender beef lies in the slow cooking process. Here are some steps to ensure perfectly cooked beef:
- Season the beef well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This builds flavor!
- Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. This helps develop a nice color and enhances flavor.
- Don’t rush the simmering! Low and slow is the way to go—1.5 to 2 hours ensures the beef becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors.
- Keep an eye on the stew; add more liquid if it gets too thick to prevent burning.
Using these tips will help your Nigerian Beef Stew turn out delicious and satisfying, just as it should be! Enjoy your cooking experience!
How to Make Nigerian Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Meat & Base:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large tomatoes, blended
- 1 red bell pepper, blended
- 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to heat preference), blended
- 1 large onion, chopped (half blended with tomatoes, half sliced)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Extras:
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or palm oil if preferred)
- 2-3 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp curry powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1-2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or scent leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stew takes about 15-30 minutes of prep time and approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of cooking time. So, you’ll want to set aside around 2 to 2.5 hours in total to prepare and cook this comforting meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Beef:
Start by seasoning your beef pieces. In a bowl, rub the beef with salt, black pepper, thyme, and curry powder. Allow it to sit for about 15-30 minutes. This step helps the flavors to mix and ensures a tastier dish!
2. Sauté Onions:
In a large pot, heat up the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions (the half you didn’t blend) to the pot and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic:
Mix in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until everything smells wonderful.
4. Brown the Beef:
Add the seasoned beef to the pot. Let it cook and brown on all sides, which will take around 5-7 minutes. This enhances the flavor of the beef and gives it a lovely color.
5. Incorporate Tomato Paste:
Now it’s time to add the tomato paste! Stir it in and let it cook for about 2 minutes. This will lessen the acidity of the tomatoes.
6. Add Blended Ingredients:
Pour in the blended tomatoes, red bell pepper, scotch bonnet, and half of the blended onion mixture. Mix everything together well to combine.
7. Season and Add Liquid:
Add the bay leaves, smoked paprika (if using), and adjust with some more salt if needed. Then pour in enough beef broth or water to almost cover the meat.
8. Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. This is where the magic happens—the beef will become tender and soak up all the delicious flavors!
9. Check Consistency:
Keep an eye on the stew while it cooks. Give it a stir occasionally and add extra water if the stew gets too thick or starts to stick to the pot.
10. Taste and Adjust:
Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
11. Final Touches:
Just before you’re done, tear in some fresh basil or scent leaves and mix them into the stew. It gives a lovely aroma!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Nigerian Beef Stew hot! It pairs perfectly with white rice, fried plantains, or some fresh bread.
This stew is not just a meal, but a warm embrace of flavors and comfort—enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you can use chicken, goat, or even a plant-based protein like mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as chicken will take less time to become tender.
Can I Make This Stew Spicier?
Yes! If you like it hot, add more scotch bonnet peppers or include a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also stir in some chili flakes towards the end for an extra kick.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! This stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the stew has thickened too much.