Traditional South African Beef Stew: A Hearty and Comforting Dish

What makes this South African beef stew unique is the depth of flavour created by slow simmering the meat with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of traditional spices. Many families add their own touch by including potatoes, carrots, and sometimes dumplings to make the dish even more filling.

This one-pot dish is easy to prepare and is best served with pap (maize meal), rice, dumplings (dombolo), or fresh bread to soak up the delicious gravy. The aromatic blend of bay leaves, thyme, and mild curry powder gives the stew a distinct South African touch.

Whether you’re making this stew for the first time or reliving childhood memories, this classic recipe will bring comfort and nostalgia to your table. Let’s dive into this authentic, slow-cooked beef stew recipe that’s packed with flavour and tradition!

Preparation Time 

• Meat Preparation & Browning: 10 minutes
• Cooking Aromatics & Building Flavour: 10 minutes
• Simmering the Stew: 1 hour
• Cooking Vegetables: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Ingredients for South African Beef Stew

For the Beef Stew:

• 800g beef stewing meat, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large tomato, grated (or 1 cup canned tomatoes)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp mild curry powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 500ml beef stock (or water with 1 beef stock cube)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra flavour)

Optional:

• Knorr Aromat Original All Purpose Seasoning for extra flavor
• ½ cup frozen peas (for colour and sweetness)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions to Make Traditional South African Beef Stew

Step 1: Brown the Meat

1. Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef chunks in batches and brown them on all sides. Do not overcrowd the pot.
3. Remove the browned meat and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pot, add chopped onions and cook until soft and golden.
2. Add the garlic, curry powder, paprika, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Flavour

1. Add the grated tomato and tomato paste. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the tomato softens.
2. Return the browned beef to the pot and mix well.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

1. Pour in the beef stock and add salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using).
2. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

1. Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot. Stir well.
2. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
3. If using, add frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

1. Remove the bay leaves and discard them.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Serve hot with pap, rice, dombolo, or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley.

How to Prepare Beef Stew

The key to a rich, flavourful South African beef stew lies in browning the meat properly. This step locks in flavour and creates a deep, savoury taste. Cooking the onions, garlic, and spices before adding the meat ensures a rich and aromatic base for the stew.

To enhance the stew’s flavour, grate a fresh tomato instead of using canned tomatoes. This method releases natural juices, adding freshness to the dish. Slow simmering allows the beef to become tender while the potatoes and carrots absorb all the delicious spices.

For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes into the sauce before serving. For extra flavour, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of chilli flakes for heat.

Servings

This recipe serves 4–6 people, depending on portion sizes.

ALSO READ: How to make pap

FAQs

Can I use any cut of beef for this stew?

It’s best to use stewing beef, such as chuck, brisket, or short ribs, as these cuts become tender when slow-cooked.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4 hours.

How do I thicken the stew?

For a thicker gravy, mash some of the potatoes into the stew or mix 1 tbsp flour with 2 tbsp water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking. You can also use Maizena Gluten Free Corn Flour. 

Can I freeze leftover stew?

Absolutely! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.

Conclusion 

A traditional South African beef stew is more than just a meal—it’s a hearty, comforting dish that brings people together. The slow-cooked beef, rich tomato base, and perfectly tender vegetables create a stew that is bursting with flavour and deeply satisfying.

This easy one-pot dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a Sunday family lunch or a cosy winter dinner. Served with pap, dumplings, or fresh bread, it’s the ultimate comfort food. The secret to this stew’s success is browning the beef, layering flavours with spices, and allowing it to simmer until melt-in-the-mouth tender.

The best part? This classic recipe is easy to customise—add peas, chili, or more spices to make it your own. It’s also great for leftovers, as the flavours deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Whether you’re new to South African cooking or revisiting a family favourite, this traditional beef stew is a must-try. Cook it low and slow, enjoy it with your loved ones, and savour every bite of this comforting, home-style dish. Enjoy!

CHECK OUT: How to Make Dumplings (Dombolo)