Description
Rich, savory, and deeply comforting, this Kenyan Beef Stew Recipe features tender beef simmered with tomatoes, onions, and aromatic spices. A traditional East African favorite perfect with Ugali, Chapati, or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds (700 g) beef, cubed (chuck or brisket)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 2 cups beef stock or water
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat oil in a large pot. Add beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides.
- Add aromatics: Stir in onions and cook until golden. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
- Incorporate tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook until tomatoes soften into a thick sauce.
- Season: Add paprika, curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Add vegetables: Toss in carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper. Mix everything to coat with the spices.
- Simmer: Pour in beef stock or water to cover the meat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes until the beef is tender and sauce thickens.
- Finish: Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Use chuck or shoulder beef for best texture after simmering.
- Brown meat in batches to avoid steaming.
- Simmer slowly for rich, developed flavor.
- Add coconut milk for a creamy Coastal Kenyan variation.
- Serve with Ugali, Chapati, or steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Kenyan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 27
Keywords: Kenyan Beef Stew, African Beef Stew, nyama na mchuzi, traditional Kenyan recipes, East African stew