Name: Tunisian Beef Cumin Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Tunisian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb beef chuck, cut into cubes; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp harissa paste; 3 cups hot water; 3 tsp paprika; 3 tsp turmeric; 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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A rich, deeply spiced North African stew made with tender chunks of beef simmered in harissa, tomato paste, and warm spices like cumin, turmeric, and paprika — Tunisian Beef Cumin Stew is bold, comforting, and packed with aromatic depth. It’s the perfect dish for slow evenings and satisfying meals shared with family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tunisian Beef Cumin Stew is a celebration of spice and warmth. The combination of harissa, tomato paste, and deeply earthy spices creates a vibrant and hearty sauce that tenderizes the beef and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. It’s an easy, slow-simmered stew that brings North African flair to your dinner table and pairs perfectly with couscous, rice, or rustic bread.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

beef chuck, cut into cubes
extra virgin olive oil
tomato paste
harissa paste
hot water
paprika
turmeric
ground cumin
black pepper
salt
fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the beef cubes and sear on all sides until well browned, about 5–7 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and harissa paste, cooking for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Add the paprika, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Stir to evenly coat the beef with the spices.
Pour in the hot water and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or couscous.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 410 kcal

Variations

Vegetable Additions: Add chunks of carrot, sweet potato, or chickpeas for a heartier stew.
Spice Adjustment: Reduce harissa for a milder version or increase for extra heat.
Chicken Option: Substitute beef with chicken thighs for a quicker, lighter variation.
Tangy Twist: Stir in a spoonful of lemon juice or preserved lemon near the end of cooking.
Broth-Based: Replace some water with beef or vegetable broth for deeper richness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, let the stew cool completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes. Sear the beef first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.

What is harissa paste?

Harissa is a Tunisian chili paste made with red peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices. It adds heat and depth to the stew.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s moderately spicy. Adjust the harissa to control the heat level.

Can I use ground beef instead?

For best texture, stick to cubed beef, but you could use ground beef for a faster, less traditional version.

What’s the best cut of beef to use?

Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, the flavors improve with time. Make it a day ahead and reheat for deeper flavor.

What’s the best side dish for this stew?

Couscous, rice, or crusty bread are all great accompaniments that soak up the flavorful sauce.

Can I omit the tomato paste?

Tomato paste adds body and depth; if omitted, the sauce may be thinner and less rich.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer uncovered for the last 15–20 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken naturally.

Can I add fresh tomatoes?

Yes, add chopped tomatoes with the water for a fresher base. Reduce liquid slightly to compensate.

Conclusion

Tunisian Beef Cumin Stew is a comforting, deeply spiced dish that brings together the richness of slow-cooked beef with the bold flavors of harissa and warm North African spices. Whether you serve it with couscous, rice, or bread, this stew delivers on taste, texture, and heartiness. It’s a fantastic meal to warm up chilly evenings and introduce your kitchen to a world of flavor.

Tunisian Beef Cumin Stew

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A rich, deeply spiced North African stew made with tender chunks of beef simmered in harissa, tomato paste, and warm spices like cumin, turmeric, and paprika — a bold, comforting dish best served with couscous or crusty bread.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Tunisian
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear on all sides until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and harissa. Cook for 2–3 minutes to develop flavor.
Add all spices: paprika, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat the beef.
Pour in hot water and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef is tender and sauce is thickened.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or couscous.