Name: Nigerian Beef Stew Rich, Spicy & Flavorful
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Nigerian
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck or stewing beef; 6 medium tomatoes; 3 red bell peppers; 2 Scotch bonnet peppers; 2 onions; 3 cloves garlic; 1-inch piece fresh ginger; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 bouillon cubes or 1 tablespoon seasoning powder; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon curry powder; Water (as needed for parboiling)

If there’s one dish that captures the heart of Nigerian comfort food, it’s a bubbling pot of rich, spicy beef stew. Made with deeply seasoned cuts of beef, a tomato and pepper blend, and slow-cooked to perfection, this stew is a staple that never gets old. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, especially when served over white rice, yams, or with a side of plantains.

What makes Nigerian beef stew so beloved isn’t just the spice level or its deep red color—it’s the combination of smoky, roasted peppers with well-fried tomato sauce and meat that absorbs every ounce of flavor. From Sunday dinners to festive gatherings, this dish carries warmth, tradition, and flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Nigerian Beef Stew

This stew is unapologetically bold. It uses a blend of habanero or Scotch bonnet peppers, bell peppers, and tomatoes to create a sauce that’s both savory and spicy. The beef is typically parboiled and then fried or broiled for extra texture before it simmers in the sauce. Every spoonful offers a balance of heat, richness, and that signature Nigerian umami that’s hard to resist. It’s a crowd-pleaser, freezer-friendly, and gets even better the next day.

What Kind of Beef Should I Use?

For a truly flavorful stew, choose beef cuts that hold up well during long cooking. Think of beef chuck, stewing beef, or even bone-in shank for extra depth. Some people use a mix of offals and regular cuts to layer in different textures. The key is to parboil the beef first with spices and onions, then either fry or grill it until it’s nicely browned before adding it into the sauce. The result? Deeply flavored meat that doesn’t get lost in the richness of the tomato base.

Ingredients for the Nigerian Beef Stew

This classic stew leans on a handful of staple ingredients that bring the bold flavors of Nigerian cuisine to life. Each one plays a role in building layers of depth, heat, and richness.

Beef (chuck or stewing beef): A hearty protein that holds up well to long simmering and absorbs the savory stew flavors.
Tomatoes: Form the base of the stew, adding sweetness and body.
Red bell peppers: These bring a natural sweetness and vibrant red color that defines the stew’s look.
Scotch bonnet peppers: For a spicy kick and authentic Nigerian heat.
Onions: Used both in the beef seasoning and the stew base, they build a savory foundation.
Garlic and ginger: Crushed or blended, these aromatics enhance the stew with warmth and sharpness.
Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Vegetable oil: Used to fry the tomato mixture and give the stew its signature rich texture.
Bouillon cubes or seasoning powder: Adds concentrated umami and brings out the meatiness.
Salt: Essential to balance the heat and acidity.
Thyme and curry powder: Classic spices in Nigerian cooking that round out the flavor profile.

How To Make the Nigerian Beef Stew

Step 1: Season and Parboil the Beef

Start by cutting the beef into chunks. Place in a pot with chopped onions, a bouillon cube, salt, curry powder, and thyme. Add a little water, then parboil until the beef is tender and the liquid is reduced.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Once the beef is tender, fry it in hot oil or broil in the oven to get a golden-brown crust. This step adds flavor and texture.

Step 3: Blend the Pepper Mix

In a blender, combine tomatoes, red bell peppers, Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, ginger, and one onion. Blend until smooth.

Step 4: Fry the Tomato Sauce

In a large pot, heat oil and fry the blended mixture. Add tomato paste, stir, and let it cook down until the oil separates and the sauce darkens.

Step 5: Simmer the Stew

Add the browned beef to the sauce along with the beef stock from parboiling. Simmer on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and rich.

Step 6: Adjust and Serve

Taste for seasoning. Add more salt or seasoning powder if needed. Serve hot with rice, boiled yams, or fried plantains.

How to Serve and Store Nigerian Beef Stew

This deeply flavorful stew is best served piping hot and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides. Whether it’s a casual weekday meal or a celebratory spread, Nigerian beef stew delivers. A standard batch will comfortably feed about 6 people, especially when paired with a starch like rice or yams.

To store, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes well for up to 3 months. In fact, the flavors deepen over time, making leftovers taste even better.

What to Serve With Nigerian Beef Stew?

White Rice

The most common pairing, plain white rice soaks up the bold tomato and pepper sauce beautifully.

Fried Plantains

Sweet and caramelized, they contrast the spicy stew with a hint of natural sugar.

Boiled Yam

Starchy, mild, and firm, yams offer a traditional and satisfying base.

Eba or Pounded Yam

For a more classic Nigerian meal, serve the stew alongside eba or pounded yam to scoop up every drop.

Steamed Vegetables

A light side of steamed spinach or greens adds freshness to balance the richness.

Couscous or Quinoa

For a modern twist, serve with couscous or quinoa to absorb the sauce and add texture.

Crusty Bread

Use crusty artisan bread to dip and swipe through the spicy tomato base—unexpected but delicious.

Jollof Rice

Double the tomato flavor by pairing it with jollof rice for a bold, unforgettable meal.

Want More Stew Ideas?

If this Nigerian Beef Stew got you excited about spicy, saucy meals, you’ll love exploring these other flavor-packed dishes on Janet Dishes:

Try the Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a rich tomato experience with a comforting twist.
Our Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl brings fresh herbs and a savory sauce to your table.
For something hearty and satisfying, don’t miss the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake to balance the spice with something sweet.
You might also enjoy the Homemade Mexican Pizza for a bold fusion of flavor.
Or go for a comfort classic like the Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes and Mushrooms.

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go bold with the peppers? Did you pair it with yam or something unexpected?

I love seeing how each kitchen adds its own magic. Feel free to ask questions or share your tips.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and indulgent stews on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next flavorful obsession!

Conclusion

Nigerian Beef Stew is a dish that speaks volumes with every bite—from its smoky peppers to the well-seasoned beef that carries the flavor of home. Whether it’s your first time making it or your hundredth, this recipe will always find a place in your kitchen and your heart.