Minced Beef and Kumara Stew
This hearty Minced Beef and Kumara Stew is a warming embrace in a bowl, inspired by rustic Kiwi and Māori cuisine where kumara (sweet potato) reigns supreme. Earthy, subtly sweet, and deeply savory, this stew masterfully melds ground beef with roasted kumara, aromatics, and a rich tomato-based broth. Ideal for cool evenings, family gatherings, or simple comfort food, it’s a modern take on traditional ingredients with an elegantly simple preparation.
Equipment
Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting Board
Chef’s Knife
Peeler
Ladle
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil - extra virgin for best flavor
1 pound ground beef (minced beef) - 80% lean, ideally grass-fed
1 large onion - finely chopped
3 cloves garlic - minced
2 teaspoons cumin - ground
1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika- 2 cups kumara - peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 can diced tomatoes - 14.5 oz can
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2.5 cups beef stock (beef broth or beef bouillon) - low sodium
1 teaspoon sea salt - or to taste
0.75 teaspoon ground black pepper - freshly ground
0.25 cup parsley - fresh, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add the minced beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned—about 8 minutes. Transfer the meat to a bowl and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground cumin and smoked paprika. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to bloom the spices and intensify their flavors.
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add cubed kumara, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir in sea salt and black pepper.
- Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low (275°F / 135°C). Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the kumara is tender and stew is thickened.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, allow the stew to sit for an hour after cooking—the flavors meld beautifully.
- You can refrigerate overnight and reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 467kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 1185mgPotassium: 1229mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 10378IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 106mgIron: 5mg
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