Nigerian Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with juicy pieces of beef, tomatoes, and spices. It’s perfect for sharing with family or enjoying by yourself!
I love making this stew because it makes my kitchen smell amazing! Serve it over rice or with some warm bread, and you’ll be in comfort food heaven. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Chuck roast is the best cut to use; it gets nice and tender. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with sirloin. For a lighter stew, try using chicken or a mix of beef and chicken.
Tomatoes and Peppers: Fresh tomatoes are key, but canned tomatoes work too! If you can’t find red bell peppers, use yellow or orange ones for sweetness. A mild chili can replace scotch bonnet if you prefer less heat.
Onions: Onions add depth—use yellow onions for a classic flavor. Sweet onions can also work well if you prefer a milder taste. If you’re short on fresh onions, onion powder can be a quick substitute.
Vegetable Oil: Palm oil gives a unique taste, but sunflower or canola oil is a good alternative for a lighter flavor. Be mindful that changing the oil may alter the dish’s traditional taste.
Herbs and Spices: Thyme adds great flavor! Feel free to use Italian seasoning or oregano as a substitute. If you’re out of bay leaves, don’t stress—they just add a mild aroma.
How Do I Get the Beef Just Right in My Stew?
Getting tender beef is all about cooking it slowly. Here’s how:
- Start by seasoning your beef well. This adds flavor throughout.
- Keep the pot covered to lock in moisture while it cooks.
- Use medium heat to avoid toughening the meat; gentler cooking breaks down the muscle fibers.
- Cook until fork-tender, about 45 minutes to an hour. If you have the time, consider braising at a low temperature for even more tenderness!
Don’t forget to reserve some of the beef stock! It adds a lot of depth to your stew.
Nigerian Beef Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 4 medium tomatoes, blended
- 2 large red bell peppers, blended
- 1 to 2 scotch bonnet/bird’s eye chili peppers, blended (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 large onion, half blended with peppers and tomatoes, half sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (e.g., palm oil or sunflower oil)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 beef bouillon cube (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or spinach leaves (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Nigerian Beef Stew will take about 1 hour of cooking time, with an additional 15 minutes for preparation. After cooking the beef and frying the sauce, you will have a rich, hearty stew that’s perfect for serving with rice, yam, or bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by seasoning the beef chunks with salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Add the bay leaves to the pot. Next, pour in enough water to cover the beef. Cook the beef on medium heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and the water has mostly evaporated. Keep some of the beef stock for later use—it adds great flavor!
2. Blend the Peppers and Tomatoes:
Using a blender, combine the blended tomatoes, red bell peppers, scotch bonnet peppers, and half of the onion. Blend until the mixture is smooth. This is the base of your stew, adding lovely flavor and color!
3. Fry the Tomato Mixture:
In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent. Then, add in the remaining minced garlic and fry for an additional minute to release its aroma.
4. Mix in Tomato Paste:
Stir in the tomato paste, letting it fry for about 3 minutes. This will deepen the flavor of your stew.
5. Add the Blended Sauce:
Pour in your blended tomato and pepper mixture into the pan. Fry the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and the oil starts to separate from the tomato stew. This step ensures you have a rich and thick sauce.
6. Season the Stew:
Add thyme, the beef bouillon cube (if you’re using it), and adjust the salt to taste. Give everything a good mix.
7. Combine with the Beef:
Now, add the cooked beef chunks into your delicious tomato sauce. Pour in some of the reserved beef stock to loosen the stew to your desired consistency. If you like a thicker stew, use less stock!
8. Simmer for Flavor:
Let the stew simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle beautifully.
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, you can add chopped parsley or spinach leaves towards the end and cook for an additional 2 minutes for some fresh color and flavor. Serve your sumptuous Nigerian Beef Stew hot with white rice, yam, or bread. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Beef in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or in a cold water bath. Pat it dry before seasoning to prevent excess moisture in your stew.
How Can I Make This Stew Less Spicy?
If you want to reduce the heat, simply use less scotch bonnet pepper or omit it altogether. For a milder flavor, substitute it with a bell pepper or a teaspoon of paprika for color without the spice.
Can I Prepare This Stew in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the stew ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or stock if it thickens too much in the fridge.
What Should I Serve with Nigerian Beef Stew?
This hearty stew pairs perfectly with white rice, boiled yam, or crusty bread. For a healthier option, consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad!
