Name: Nigerian Beef Stew: Rich, Spicy & Flavorful
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Nigerian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs beef chuck or shoulder; 4 red bell peppers; 3 large tomatoes; 1 large onion; 1 scotch bonnet pepper; 3 cloves garlic; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon thyme; 1 teaspoon curry powder; 2 bouillon cubes or 2 teaspoons bouillon powder; Salt to taste; 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Tender chunks of beef simmered in a deeply seasoned tomato-pepper sauce, Nigerian Beef Stew is a comforting classic that brings serious flavor to the table. This bold and fiery dish is a cornerstone of Nigerian cuisine, known for its savory depth and irresistible aroma. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner or meal prep for the week, this stew is always a crowd-pleaser.

Packed with sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, and a blend of traditional spices, this stew hits every note — smoky, spicy, and umami-rich. It’s the kind of dish that gets even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. Just one bite and you’ll understand why this stew is beloved across generations.

Why You’ll Love This Nigerian Beef Stew

Deep Flavor: The slow-simmered meat and well-roasted pepper base create a rich, satisfying stew with layers of flavor.
Versatile: Serve it with rice, yam, plantains, or even bread.
Meal Prep Friendly: It stores and reheats beautifully, making it a top-tier make-ahead meal.
Authentic & Comforting: Brings traditional Nigerian cooking into your kitchen.

What Kind of Beef Should I Use for Nigerian Stew?

You want beef with a bit of fat and connective tissue that can hold up to long, slow cooking. Cuts like beef chuck, beef shoulder, or stewing beef are perfect. They become incredibly tender while soaking up all that savory, spicy sauce. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin or tenderloin, which may become dry.

Some people also like to mix in offals (shaki or tripe) or cow foot for a more traditional touch and deeper flavor.

Ingredients for the Nigerian Beef Stew

This stew comes together with a mix of vibrant, whole ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Each item plays a key role in building the stew’s depth and body.

Beef (Chuck or Shoulder): The star of the dish. These cuts become fall-apart tender and soak up the flavors beautifully.
Red Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the stew base.
Tomatoes: Brings acidity and rounds out the pepper mix, forming the essential stew base.
Onions: Used in both the blend and saute base. It adds natural sweetness and aroma.
Scotch Bonnet Peppers: Brings that authentic Nigerian heat. Adjust quantity to your spice level.
Garlic & Ginger: Essential for depth and a warm, spicy backbone.
Thyme & Curry Powder: Brings a traditional, aromatic note to the dish.
Bouillon Powder or Cubes: Intensifies the savory richness.
Salt: To balance and enhance all the flavors.
Vegetable Oil: Used to fry the pepper mix until deeply reduced and flavorful.

How To Make the Nigerian Beef Stew

Step 1: Prep the Meat

Season beef with salt, curry, thyme, garlic, and bouillon. Boil until tender, reserving the stock.

Step 2: Blend the Pepper Mix

In a blender, combine red bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and scotch bonnet peppers. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Fry the Pepper Base

Heat oil in a pot, then pour in the blended pepper mix. Fry on medium heat until it reduces, thickens, and darkens in color. This step builds depth.

Step 4: Add Seasoning

Add curry powder, thyme, more bouillon, and garlic. Fry for a few more minutes to intensify the flavor.

Step 5: Combine Beef and Stock

Add the cooked beef and reserved beef stock into the pot. Stir well, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Taste for salt and seasoning. Once the oil begins to float on top and the stew thickens, it’s ready to serve.

How to Serve and Store Nigerian Beef Stew

This hearty stew feeds about 6 to 8 people, making it perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. It’s rich and satisfying on its own, but truly shines when paired with classic Nigerian sides.

To store leftovers, let the stew cool completely and transfer it into an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days, and can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen it up as needed.

What to Serve With Nigerian Beef Stew?

1. White Rice

A timeless pairing. The neutral taste of plain rice lets the stew’s bold flavor take the spotlight.

2. Fried Plantains

Sweet, caramelized plantains balance the heat of the stew and add an irresistible touch.

3. Pounded Yam

Soft and stretchy, it’s perfect for scooping up the thick sauce.

4. Eba (Garri)

A staple in Nigerian homes, this cassava-based side is another great option for dipping.

5. Boiled Yams or Potatoes

Simple and starchy, they make the stew even more filling.

6. Agege Bread

Thick and soft, this bread is made for soaking up that spicy, flavorful stew.

7. Couscous

A lighter grain that absorbs the sauce nicely and works well if you’re skipping rice.

8. Steamed Vegetables

A great way to lighten the meal and add some color to the plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! Nigerian Beef Stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

2. How spicy is Nigerian Beef Stew?
It depends on how many scotch bonnet peppers you use. For moderate heat, 1 pepper is enough. If you love it hot, add more. You can also deseed the peppers to tone down the spice.

3. Can I use chicken or goat meat instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute with chicken or goat meat. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein to ensure it becomes tender.

4. Why do I need to fry the pepper mix?
Frying the pepper mix removes excess moisture and deepens the flavor, giving the stew its signature rich taste.

5. What oil is best for Nigerian stew?
Vegetable oil is most common, but you can also use palm oil for a more traditional flavor twist. Just use it sparingly as it’s very bold.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the spice or keep it mild? Did you pair it with rice or pounded yam?

I love seeing your takes on these classic recipes. Your questions and tips are always welcome!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dishes, hearty stews, and traditional meals on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and get inspired for your next flavorful creation.

Conclusion

Nigerian Beef Stew is a celebration of bold flavors and soulful cooking. With its slow-simmered meat and rich pepper blend, it delivers the kind of deep, satisfying taste that keeps people coming back. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal, a special occasion, or simply craving something hearty, this stew is guaranteed to warm hearts and fill bellies.

Nigerian Beef Stew: Rich, Spicy & Flavorful

Author: Tanya Rivers
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

Dive into the bold and comforting flavors of Nigerian Beef Stew — a hearty and spicy tomato-based dish featuring tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich pepper blend. Perfect for easy dinner nights, Sunday family meals, or prepping your week, this flavorful classic is loaded with tradition, heat, and deep savory notes. Whether you’re after quick dinner ideas, comfort food, or an authentic African stew recipe, this one delivers every time.