African Beef Stew

Prep: 10 min Cook: 17 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: African

A hearty and flavorful African beef stew featuring rich peanut flavors, tender beef, and savory spices, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 c. chopped onions
  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1 1/2 c. chicken broth
  • 1/2 c. chunky or smooth peanut butter
  • 1/4 c. tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large, preferably nonstick skillet. Stir in onions and cook over medium-high heat 4 to 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Add beef and cook 5 minutes, stirring with a fork to break up chunks, or until browned.
  3. Drain off fat.
  4. Stir in chicken broth, peanut butter, tomato paste, salt, and red pepper until well blended (mixture will thicken).
  5. Stir in squash, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 5 to 7 minutes until squash is hot.
  6. Uncover and simmer 5 minutes longer for flavors to blend.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of lean ground beef and ground lamb. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with cooked lentils or chickpeas. You can also replace peanut butter with tahini for a different taste. Make sure to adjust the seasoning to your preference, especially if using a different nut butter. Pair with a side of rice for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this African Beef Stew over steamed rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also enjoy it with cornbread for a comforting touch. This dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends, especially during gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use a microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating. The flavors will meld even more after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of African Beef Stew contains roughly 427 calories, with 22g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and potassium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 792mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).

427 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 22.2g 44% DV
Total Fat 25.1g 32% DV
Carbs 31.5g 11% DV
Fiber 5.3g 19% DV
Sugar 15.4g 31% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 792.4mg 34% DV
Potassium 1487.8mg 32% DV
Cholesterol 71.1mg 24% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 115.9mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 31.9mg 35% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 76.7mg 6% DV
Iron 5.5mg 31% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Peanut

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat in this stew?

Yes, you can use chicken, lamb, or even turkey instead of beef. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for chicken, which may require less time to brown. Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works well with the flavors of the stew.

Is it possible to make this stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stew can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in the refrigerator after cooling, and reheat before serving. It’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner option later in the week.

What can I serve with African Beef Stew?

This stew is versatile and can be paired with various sides. Serve it over fluffy rice or with warm naan bread. A crisp cucumber salad or a side of sautéed greens can add freshness. For a comforting option, consider serving it with cornbread or a slice of hearty bread.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Chicken recipes → Beef recipes → All recipes →