Jamaican Beef Stew With Rice

Name: Jamaican Beef Stew With Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks; 1 cup coconut milk; 2 cups beef broth; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 2 potatoes, diced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 teaspoons allspice; 1 teaspoon thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Experience the vibrant tastes of Caribbean cuisine with this Jamaican Beef Stew recipe. Tender beef is slow-cooked in a rich, aromatic blend of spices, vegetables, and coconut milk, served alongside fluffy rice for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this dish brings a taste of Jamaica right to your home kitchen.

Created by

Eden Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-02T13:46:06.941Z

This Jamaican Beef Stew is an embodiment of warmth and comfort, bringing together a blend of spices that are quintessential in Caribbean cuisine.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with bold flavors
Comforting and filling meal
Perfect for special occasions

      

The Essence of Jamaican Cuisine

Jamaican cuisine is a delightful amalgamation of flavors, influenced by a rich tapestry of cultures including African, Indian, and British. The bold use of spices and fresh ingredients defines this culinary tradition, making every meal an aromatic adventure. A core component of Jamaican cooking is the technique of slow-cooking, which allows the ingredients to meld together and develop robust flavors. The Jamaican Beef Stew exemplifies this tradition, bringing together the sweetness of coconut milk with the warmth of spices for a comforting dish.

Coconut milk is a standout feature in many Jamaican recipes, imparting a creamy texture and subtle sweetness that balances the dish's savory flavors. Its versatility can transform both savory and sweet dishes, making it a staple in Caribbean kitchens. In this beef stew, the coconut milk not only enriches the broth but also enhances the tenderness of the meat, creating a heavenly combination that's hard to resist.

Perfect Pairing: Rice and Stew

No Jamaican stew is complete without a generous serving of fluffy rice. This staple dish serves as the perfect accompaniment, soaking up the delightful flavors of the stew. Typically, white rice or rice and peas are served alongside the beef stew, providing a satisfying balance to the richness of the meat. The simplicity of rice allows the robust flavors of the stew to shine while also providing a comforting texture that complements every bite.

For those seeking a nutritious twist, consider incorporating brown rice or quinoa into your meal. Both options provide added fiber and nutrients, making the dish not only comforting but also health-conscious. Regardless of your choice of rice, the harmony of the stew with the fluffy grains is sure to impress your family and guests alike.

Cooking Tips for the Best Beef Stew

To ensure the beef becomes wonderfully tender, it is crucial to allow it enough time to simmer. Slow cooking melds the flavors together while breaking down the tough fibers in the meat. Invest in a good quality beef stew meat, and if possible, a slow cooker for convenience. Not only does this method allow you to set it and forget it, but it also infuses the stew with deeper flavors as the ingredients meld together over hours.

Additionally, feel free to experiment with the vegetables in the stew. While this recipe calls for carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers, you can incorporate other favorites such as sweet potatoes, green beans, or peas. The goal is to use seasonal and fresh ingredients that resonate with your taste. Each variation can give your stew a unique twist while still remaining true to its Jamaican roots.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for the Jamaican Beef Stew:

Main Ingredients

2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
1 cup coconut milk
2 cups beef broth
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 potatoes, diced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons allspice
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have these ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect Jamaican Beef Stew:

Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides.

Add Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the coconut milk, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, allspice, thyme, and season with salt and pepper.

Simmer

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Add Potatoes

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the diced potatoes to the stew.

Once cooked, serve the stew warm with rice.

Flavor Enhancements

For those looking to enhance the flavor profile of their Jamaican Beef Stew further, consider marinating the beef chunks ahead of time. A simple marinade of soy sauce, garlic, and allspice can help infuse the meat with additional depth and complexity. Letting the beef sit in the marinade for a few hours, or even overnight, will yield a more flavorful stew that will have guests asking for seconds.

You can also introduce additional spices such as cumin or paprika for a distinct twist. Just be mindful of the quantities so that they complement rather than overpower the traditional Jamaican flavors. With these small adjustments, your stew can take on a personal touch that reflects your culinary style.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Jamaican Beef Stew, presentation can elevate the dining experience. Consider garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. A squeeze of lime juice over the top just before serving can bring a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness of the stew, making each bite even more delightful.

For a complete meal, pair the stew with a side of fried plantains or a crisp garden salad. The sweetness of the plantains provides a delightful contrast to the savory stew, while a salad can add a refreshing crunch. This combination transforms your dish into a comfortable yet exotic dining experience.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers can be a wonderful thing, especially with dishes like Jamaican Beef Stew that only get better with time. To store your stew, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for longer preservation. Just be sure to label the container with the date for your reference.

When reheating, do so slowly on the stove over low heat. This allows the flavors to re-infuse while ensuring that the beef remains tender and juicy. For frozen stews, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. A gentle reheat will preserve the goodness of your cooking, making it just as delicious as the day it was prepared.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, but reduce the cooking time.

→ Is this dish spicy?

No, this dish is not spicy but has a rich flavor profile.