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Jamaican Beef Stew: A Taste of Caribbean Comfort

Authentic Jamaican Beef Stew and Rice Recipe - Hearty & Flavorful

Transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked shores of Jamaica with this mouthwatering beef stew. Bursting with bold flavors and tender meat, this dish is the perfect way to bring some island vibes to your dinner table, no matter the weather outside.

This hearty stew showcases the diverse culinary influences that have shaped Jamaican cuisine over centuries. From indigenous habanero peppers to spices that traveled the globe, each bite tells a story of cultural fusion. The result? A fiery, complex dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

While the cooking process might take some time, the payoff is worth every minute. The slow-cooked beef becomes irresistibly tender, while the rich sauce develops layers of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

Jamaican Beef Stew With Rice Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 1/2 pounds boneless beef stew meat (such as chuck), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
  • 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 habanero chiles, seeded and minced
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 1/4 cup rum
  • 2 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, preferably fire roasted
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons steak sauce, such as A-1
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions
  • 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F and position the rack in the lower-middle. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over high heat until it’s smoking hot. Season your beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Let them sear undisturbed for about 6 minutes, until they’re beautifully browned on one side. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors! Next, stir in the onions and carrots, cooking for 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the habaneros, garlic, and rum. Let it bubble for 2 minutes before introducing the chicken broth, allspice, cinnamon, hot pepper sauce, thyme, bay leaves, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, tomatoes, soy sauce, and steak sauce. This flavor-packed mixture is the heart and soul of your stew!
  2. Bring the stew to a boil, then cover and transfer it to the preheated oven. Now, let the magic happen! The stew will slow-cook for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the meat is so tender it practically falls apart when touched with a fork. This slow cooking process allows all those amazing flavors to meld together, creating a stew that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
  3. Once your stew has reached perfection, remove it from the oven and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaves. If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer it on the stovetop until it reaches your desired thickness. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve this aromatic stew over a bed of fluffy white rice, and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and color. Enjoy your culinary trip to Jamaica!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
628 Calories
19g Fat
39g Carbs
76g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 628
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 19g 24%
Saturated Fat 7g 33%
Cholesterol 217mg 72%
Sodium 1153mg 50%
Total Carbohydrate 39g 14%
Dietary Fiber 5g 19%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 76g
Vitamin C 38mg 190%
Calcium 130mg 10%
Iron 9mg 50%
Potassium 1228mg 26%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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