This hearty Caribbean Beef Pepper Pot Stew bursts with flavor. Tender beef simmers with peppers, spices, and veggies, creating a warm and comforting dish!
When I make this stew, I can’t help but picture myself on a sunny beach. The mix of spices makes the whole house smell amazing! It’s perfect for cozy family dinners.
Plus, it’s an easy one-pot meal—I just throw everything in and let it bubble away. Serve it with rice or bread for a filling feast that everyone loves!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for stewing due to its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with brisket or round beef, but keep in mind it may need a bit less cooking time.
Scotch Bonnet Peppers: These peppers give the stew its classic Caribbean heat and flavor. If they’re too spicy for you, feel free to use jalapeños or habaneros, or reduce the amount to suit your taste. You can also leave them out entirely for a milder dish.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth adds a lot of flavor, but store-bought works well too. For a lighter seasoning base, try using vegetable broth or chicken broth for a different taste.
Fresh Herbs: I love using fresh thyme in this recipe, but you could easily swap it with fresh rosemary or oregano. If you have dried herbs, just remember to use a bit less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What’s the Best Way to Sear Beef for Stew?
Searing beef is essential to build flavor in your stew. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with dry beef chunks—pat them with paper towels to remove moisture. This helps them brown better.
- Heat the oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this can cause steaming instead of browning.
- Place a few pieces of beef in the pot, allowing space between them. Let them brown on one side for about 3-4 minutes before turning them to brown on the other sides.
- Once browned, remove the beef and do the same with the next batch. This step adds depth to your stew, so don’t skip it!
Following this technique will make sure your beef is deliciously flavorful in the final dish!
Caribbean Beef Pepper Pot Inspired Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeded and chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (optional for depth)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Juice of 1 lime (optional, at the end)
Time Needed:
This stew will take about 15-20 minutes to prep and around 2 to 2.5 hours to cook. You’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready to enjoy by the end of the cooking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pat the beef chunks dry with a paper towel and sear them in batches, browning on all sides. This step enhances the flavor of the beef. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant. Make sure to scrape up any tasty brown bits left from the beef.
3. Add the Peppers and Spices:
Add the Scotch bonnet peppers, red and yellow bell peppers, and thyme to the pot. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
4. Stir in the Flavors:
Mix in the tomato paste, allspice, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper; cook for about 1 minute to release their fragrant flavors.
5. Combine and Simmer:
Return the browned beef to the pot, followed by the beef broth and water. If you want deeper flavor, add the soy sauce. Stir everything well to combine.
6. Cook the Stew:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the stew simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Check occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep enough liquid in the pot.
7. Finish and Garnish:
Once the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in fresh lime juice if using. This adds a lovely brightness to the stew. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
8. Serve:
Serve your Caribbean Beef Pepper Pot Stew hot with a side of steamed white rice and some crusty bread for a perfect meal. Enjoy the delicious flavors!
This rich and hearty stew will surely warm you up and satisfy your craving for something comforting and flavorful!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes, you can use different cuts! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also try brisket or round beef. Just remember that lean cuts may require less cooking time.
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
To make the stew milder, you can reduce the amount of Scotch bonnet peppers or even omit them altogether. Alternatively, consider using milder peppers like jalapeños or bell peppers for flavor without the heat.
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! After searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender. Just adjust the liquid levels as needed since slow cookers retain moisture well.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove or microwave until heated through. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
