Caribbean-Style Beef Stew with Rice
A vibrant dish bursting with flavor, featuring tender beef and fresh vegetables, served over fluffy white rice.
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 2 lbs stewing beef, cut into cubes Choose beef with some marbling for added flavor and tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lime juice For cleaning beef.
Liquids
- 2 cups beef broth or water Use warm when added to the pot.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped Chop uniformly for even cooking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Mince finely for better flavor release.
- 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper (optional) Remove before serving for a milder taste.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon allspice Toast in the pot for a richer flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika Smoked paprika can be used for a twist.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon browning sauce (optional) For color and depth.
Canned Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional) Sprinkle just before serving.
Starch
- cooked white rice for serving Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef cubes until they’re browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until they become translucent.
- Stir in the bell pepper, carrots, thyme, allspice, paprika, and black pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Mix in the tomato paste and deglaze the pot with beef broth, scraping any brown bits off the bottom.
- Add the browned beef back into the pot along with the diced tomatoes and scotch bonnet pepper.
Cooking
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 hours.
- Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and browning sauce if desired.
- If using, remove the scotch bonnet for a milder taste.
- Stir in green onions and parsley just before serving.
Serving
- Spoon the beef stew over fluffy white rice, making sure to include lots of sauce.
Notes
For a richer flavor, try marinating the beef in lime juice and spices for a few hours before cooking. Customize the heat level by adding more or fewer peppers to your taste. Serve with lime wedges for an extra zing!