Nigerian Beef in Tomato Sauce

Bring the rich, bold flavors of West Africa to your table with this Nigerian Beef in Tomato Sauce recipe. Tender stewing beef is simmered to perfection in a vibrant, aromatic sauce made from fresh tomatoes, red bell peppers, and a touch of fiery Scotch bonnet pepper. Infused with fragrant seasonings like thyme, curry powder, and a hint of ginger, this dish boasts layers of savory depth and complexity. The beef is first seared for added richness, then gently simmered with the flavor-packed tomato blend and hearty beef stock to create a luscious, thick sauce that pairs beautifully with steamed rice, boiled yams, or plantains. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this authentic Nigerian dish is a showstopper of comfort food at its finest.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 750 grams Beef (stewing cuts, cubed)
• 6 medium pieces Fresh tomatoes
• 2 large pieces Red bell peppers
• 1 piece Scotch bonnet pepper
• 2 medium pieces Onions
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon Ginger root (grated)
• 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 cup Beef stock or water
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Curry powder
• 2 pieces Bay leaves
• 1 piece Bouillon cube
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the beef thoroughly and season it with 1 teaspoon of salt, half of the grated ginger, and half of a diced onion. Add 1 cup of water, cover the pot, and cook on medium heat for 20–25 minutes until tender. Reserve the broth and set the cooked beef aside.

Step 2

Blend the fresh tomatoes, red bell peppers, Scotch bonnet pepper, and one onion into a smooth mixture. Set the blended tomato mixture aside.

Step 3

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Fry the cooked beef pieces until golden brown. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 4

In the same pot, add diced garlic, the remaining ginger, and the second diced onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and fry for an additional 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly to eliminate the raw taste.

Step 6

Pour in the blended tomato mixture, add the bay leaves, and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and thickens.

Step 7

Season the sauce with thyme, curry powder, the bouillon cube, and the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Add the beef back into the pot along with the reserved beef broth. Mix everything well, reduce the heat, and simmer for another 20 minutes until the sauce deepens in color and the flavors meld together.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of water or beef stock to reach your desired consistency.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or green onions (optional), alongside rice, boiled yams, or plantains.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2442.4 grams (2442.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2745

Total Fat 206.70g	265%
Saturated Fat 68.60g	343%
Polyunsaturated Fat 33.60g
Cholesterol 530mg	177%
Sodium 6504mg	283%
Total Carbohydrate 84.80g	31%
Dietary Fiber 22.90g	82%
Total Sugars 49.70g
Protein 153.70g	307%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 268mg	21%
Iron 26mg	146%
Potassium 5458mg	116%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.1%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 12.1%