Description
Beef Mafe is a rich and comforting West African stew made with tender beef simmered in a creamy peanut-tomato sauce. It’s full of bold flavors, warm spices, and perfect for serving over rice or couscous.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¾ cup natural or smooth peanut butter
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne or chili powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1–2 cups optional vegetables (carrots, potatoes), chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Combine Ingredients: Season beef with salt and pepper. Sear in batches with oil until browned, then remove. In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Stir in tomato paste and cook 2 minutes.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Deglaze pot with a splash of broth. Return beef to the pot.
- Assemble the Dish: Add peanut butter, crushed tomatoes, remaining broth, cayenne, bay leaves, and optional vegetables. Mix until smooth.
- Cook to Perfection: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Finishing Touches: Adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaves. Let stew rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve over rice or couscous, garnished with parsley or crushed peanuts if desired.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter for authentic flavor.
- Sear the beef for deeper, richer taste.
- Add coconut milk near the end for extra creaminess.
- Make it ahead — it tastes even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: West African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: beef mafe, African peanut stew, West African recipes, maafe, groundnut stew, peanut butter beef stew