Easy Egyptian Bazella with Beef, Peas, and Carrots

Easy Egyptian Bazella with Beef, Peas, and Carrots

Egyptian Bazella recipe is a classic Egyptian comfort food made with tender beef, peas, carrots, and potatoes simmered in a rich tomato sauce until hearty and flavorful. Also known as bazella we gazar, this traditional Egyptian peas and carrots beef stew is a staple family meal often served with Egyptian rice with vermicelli or warm pita bread. This easy one-pot dinner is packed with authentic Middle Eastern flavor, simple pantry ingredients, and cozy homemade taste. Whether you call it bazella, basilla, or Egyptian pea stew, this comforting recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and family gatherings.

What Is Egyptian Bazella?

Egyptian Bazella is a traditional Egyptian peas and carrots beef stew made with tender beef, potatoes, peas, and carrots simmered in rich tomato sauce. Also known as bazella we gazar, this classic Egyptian comfort food is commonly served with Egyptian rice with vermicelli or warm pita bread. Egyptian Bazella is popular for its hearty texture, cozy homemade flavor, and simple pantry ingredients, making it a staple family meal in many Egyptian homes.

Why You’ll Love This Egyptian Bazella Recipe

This Egyptian Bazella recipe is the perfect balance of hearty, comforting, and easy to make. The tender beef, soft potatoes, sweet peas, and carrots simmer together in a rich tomato sauce that tastes even better the next day. It’s a classic Egyptian comfort food recipe that uses simple pantry ingredients while delivering authentic homemade flavor. Whether you serve it with rice or pita bread, this cozy one-pot meal is filling, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. If you love traditional Middle Eastern stews, this bazella we gazar recipe is a must-try.

Authentic Egyptian beef stew with peas and carrots served in tomato sauce

Ingredients You Need for Egyptian Bazella

This traditional Egyptian peas and carrots beef stew is made with simple ingredients commonly used in Egyptian cooking. Cubed beef becomes tender as it slowly cooks in tomato sauce with onions, potatoes, peas, and carrots. Olive oil adds richness while salt and black pepper keep the flavors classic and comforting. Fresh parsley on top gives the stew a bright finish before serving. Using basic ingredients helps this Egyptian Bazella recipe stay affordable, easy, and perfect for homemade family meals.

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How to Make Egyptian Bazella Step by Step

Making Egyptian Bazella is simple and requires just one pot for an easy cleanup. The onions are first sautéed in olive oil to build flavor before the beef is browned until rich and savory. Tomato sauce is added and simmered slowly to help tenderize the meat while creating a thick, flavorful stew base. Potatoes, peas, and carrots are added toward the end so they stay soft without becoming mushy. The final result is a rich Egyptian beef stew with peas and carrots that tastes warm, hearty, and comforting.

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until soft and lightly golden.
  2. Add the cubed beef and cook until browned on all sides for extra flavor.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper, then add water or beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cover the pot and cook the beef until tender and the sauce becomes rich and flavorful.
  5. Add the cubed potatoes and continue cooking until they begin to soften.
  6. Stir in the peas and carrots and simmer until the vegetables are tender and the stew thickens slightly.
  7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before removing from the heat.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with Egyptian rice with vermicelli or pita bread.
Egyptian Bazella recipe with beef peas carrots and potatoes in tomato sauce

Easy Egyptian Bazella Recipe (Peas and Carrots Beef Stew)

This easy Egyptian Bazella recipe is a classic Egyptian peas and carrots beef stew made with tender beef, potatoes, and rich tomato sauce. Also known as bazella we gazar, this hearty one-pot comfort food is perfect served with Egyptian rice with vermicelli or warm pita bread for a cozy family dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Egyptian, Middle Eastern
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion – diced
  • 1 lb beef stew meat – cubed
  • 3 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 medium potatoes – peeled and cubed
  • 3 cups peas and carrots
  • 1 tsp salt – or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper – or to taste
  • 1 cup water or beef broth
  • Chopped parsley – for garnish

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and lightly golden.
    Diced onions sautéing in olive oil for Egyptian Bazella recipe
  2. Add the cubed beef and cook for 5 minutes until browned on all sides.
    Cubed beef browning in a pot for Egyptian peas and carrots stew
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper. Add the water or beef broth and bring to a gentle boil.
    Tomato sauce added to beef for Egyptian Bazella stew
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the beef becomes tender.
    Egyptian beef stew simmering in rich tomato sauce
  5. Add the cubed potatoes and cook for 10 minutes.
    Cubed potatoes added to Egyptian Bazella recipe
  6. Stir in the peas and carrots and continue cooking for another 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
    Peas and carrots added to Egyptian beef stew
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
    Egyptian Bazella stew cooking until vegetables are tender
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with pita bread or Egyptian rice with vermicelli.
    Egyptian Bazella garnished with fresh parsley before serving

Notes

  • Beef chuck or stew meat works best for a tender, flavorful stew.
  • For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of water.
  • You can add a pinch of cumin or allspice for extra warmth and depth.

Tips for the Best Egyptian Beef Stew with Peas and Carrots

  • For the best flavor, use beef chuck or stew meat since it becomes tender after simmering.
  • Cooking the stew slowly over low heat helps the beef stay juicy while allowing the tomato sauce to deepen in flavor.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth while cooking.
  • Freshly chopped parsley adds freshness and balances the richness of the stew beautifully.
  • Serving Egyptian Bazella with Egyptian rice with vermicelli makes the meal even more authentic and satisfying.

What to Serve with Egyptian Bazella

Egyptian Bazella is traditionally served with fluffy Egyptian rice with vermicelli, which perfectly absorbs the rich tomato sauce. Warm pita bread is another popular option for scooping up the tender beef and vegetables. A simple Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad pairs well with the hearty stew and adds freshness to the meal. Some families also serve it with pickled vegetables for extra flavor and texture. This comforting Egyptian beef stew makes a complete and satisfying dinner for any occasion.

Finish with a creamy Egyptian rice pudding (roz bel laban), crispy Egyptian baklava with honey and walnuts, or gooey kunafa with cheese for dessert.

Egyptian Bazella served with Egyptian rice with vermicelli

Variations of Egyptian Bazella

There are many ways to customize this Egyptian Bazella recipe depending on your preferences and what you have available. Some versions include garlic, cumin, or allspice for extra warmth and depth of flavor. You can make it lighter by using less oil, without beef, or replacing cubed beef with ground beef for a different twist. Some Egyptian families make bazella without potatoes, while others add extra vegetables for a heartier stew. No matter the variation, the rich tomato sauce with peas and carrots remains the heart of this classic Egyptian comfort food.

How to Store and Reheat Bazella

Leftover Egyptian Bazella stores beautifully and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Keep the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much after chilling, add a little water or broth before reheating. This makes Egyptian Bazella a great meal prep option for busy weeks. Egyptian Bazella also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Egyptian Bazella FAQs

What is Egyptian Bazella made of?

Egyptian Bazella is made with cubed beef, peas, carrots, potatoes, onions, tomato sauce, olive oil, and simple seasonings like salt and black pepper. The ingredients are slowly simmered together to create a rich and comforting Egyptian beef stew. It is commonly served with Egyptian rice with vermicelli or pita bread.


What does Bazella mean in Arabic?

“Bazella” (or bazella we gazar) is the Arabic word commonly used in Egypt for peas and carrots cooked in tomato sauce. The dish is a popular homemade Egyptian comfort food often prepared with or without beef.


Can I make Egyptian Bazella without potatoes?

Yes, you can make Egyptian Bazella without potatoes if you prefer a lighter version. Some traditional Egyptian recipes only use peas, carrots, and beef in tomato sauce.


What cut of beef is best for Bazella?

Beef chuck or stew meat works best for Egyptian Bazella because it becomes tender and flavorful after simmering. Slow cooking helps soften the beef while creating a rich and hearty sauce.


Can I use frozen peas and carrots?

Yes, I used frozen peas and carrots in this recipe; it helps to save time. Add them toward the end of cooking so the vegetables stay tender without becoming mushy.


How do you serve Egyptian Bazella?

Egyptian Bazella is traditionally served with Egyptian rice with vermicelli or warm pita bread. Some people also enjoy it with salad or pickled vegetables on the side for a complete meal.


How long does Egyptian Bazella last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, Egyptian Bazella lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors often become even richer the next day, making it great for leftovers and meal prep.


Can I freeze Egyptian beef stew with peas and carrots?

Yes, Egyptian Bazella freezes well for up to 3 months. Let the stew cool completely before storing it in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.


Is Egyptian Bazella spicy?

Traditional Egyptian Bazella is usually mild and family-friendly. However, you can add chili flakes or hot peppers if you want a spicier version of the stew.


What is the difference between Bazella and regular beef stew?

Egyptian Bazella differs from classic beef stew because it uses peas, carrots, and tomato sauce as the main base instead of a thick brown gravy. It also has a lighter Middle Eastern flavor profile and is commonly served with rice rather than mashed potatoes.

If you try this easy Egyptian bazella recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment below and let me know how you made it your own. Don’t forget to save this recipe for later and share it with family and friends who enjoy easy, delicious Mediterranean meals.

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