Tas Kebab (Turkish Beef Stew with Tomatoes and Peppers)

In Turkish home cooking, tas kebab refers to a comforting beef stew where browned pieces of meat are simmered slowly with onion, green pepper, ripe tomato and a savoury tomato-based sauce. Cumin, sweet paprika and bay leaves give the stew warmth without overwhelming the beef, while the long, gentle cooking time turns tougher stew meat tender and leaves a glossy, well-rounded sauce. It is the kind of dish made for spooning over steamed rice or serving with crusty bread to catch every bit of sauce, substantial enough for dinner yet straightforward enough for everyday cooking.
Cuisine style Turkish home-style cooking
Flavor profile Rich • Savoury • Tomato-based
Techniques Browning • Gentle simmering
Key equipment Dutch oven • Stovetop
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Slow-cooked • Freezer-friendly
Time commitment Slow-cooked

Why this recipe works

  • Built-in depth: Browning the beef first creates savoury flavour at the base of the stew before the onions, pepper, tomato purée and spices are added.
  • Tender, rich finish: A slow covered simmer gives the beef time to soften while the tomatoes and stock reduce into a glossy, hearty sauce.
  • Easy to serve: The stew pairs naturally with rice or bread, making it a practical main course with plenty of sauce for soaking up.

Get the most out of this recipe

Timing notes

  • Mostly hands-off cooking: The active work is mainly chopping, browning and building the sauce; the longer simmer does most of the tenderising.
  • Serve when the beef is fully tender: Use the stated simmering time as a guide, but judge the stew by texture: the beef should give easily when pressed with a spoon.

Common mistakes

  • Avoid crowding the beef: Brown the meat in batches if needed. Too much beef in the pot at once will steam rather than colour, giving a flatter-tasting stew.
  • Keep the simmer gentle: A rapid boil can make stew meat tough and reduce the sauce unevenly. Low, steady heat gives a better texture.
  • Adjust the sauce at the end: If the sauce seems thin once the beef is tender, simmer uncovered briefly so it thickens without overcooking the meat.

Make-ahead tips

  • Good for making ahead: The flavours settle well after chilling, so this stew is well suited to cooking in advance and reheating gently.
  • Reheat with care: Warm on the hob over gentle heat with a splash of water if the sauce has thickened, until piping hot throughout.
  • Freezer-friendly: Cool completely before freezing in a sealed container, then thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient notes

  • Use stew-friendly beef: Choose beef intended for slow cooking; it becomes tender during the long simmer and gives the sauce more body.
  • Paprika sets the warmth: Sweet paprika keeps the stew mild and rounded, while hot paprika can be used for a warmer finish.
  • Balance the tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes give the sauce a softer flavour; if the stew tastes sharp at the end, adjust the seasoning gradually.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Halve and slice the onion. Core and slice the green pepper, dice the tomatoes, and peel and thinly slice the garlic.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and brown well for 6 to 8 minutes, turning so it colours on all sides.
  3. Add the onion and green pepper, then cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until the onion softens and starts to take on colour. Stir in the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the tomato purée, ground cumin, sweet paprika, fine sea salt, and black pepper, and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Add the tomatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to break down.
  5. Pour in the beef stock and add the bay leaves, scraping up any browned bits from the base of the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 75 to 90 minutes until the beef is very tender and the sauce is rich.
  6. Remove the lid and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken slightly, if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning, then remove the bay leaves and serve hot.

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Recipe notes

Serving suggestions

This recipe pairs well with:

Steamed rice Crusty bread

Tips

  • Brown the beef in batches if needed; overcrowding the pot will steam the meat and you will lose flavour.
  • Keep the stew at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil so the beef turns tender and the sauce stays glossy.
  • If serving vulnerable groups, ensure the stew is simmered until the beef is fully cooked and piping hot throughout.

Substitutions

  • Replace Beef stock with water for a lighter sauce, then simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to concentrate the flavour.
  • Replace Sweet paprika with hot paprika for a warmer, spicier finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the hob with a splash of water until piping hot; freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Tas Kebab (Turkish Beef Stew with Tomatoes and Peppers)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Total time: 2h (30min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Turkish
With serving suggestions One pot Freezer friendly Kid friendly

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