Jamaican Comfort Beef Stew
This hearty Jamaican Comfort Beef Stew brings the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to your table. Infused with sweet and spicy notes and featuring tender chunks of sirloin steak, this stew is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and tomatoes. Cooked slowly to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, this dish is perfect for a family gathering or a cozy meal at home. Serve it over hot, fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a soul-warming dish that celebrates Caribbean cuisine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Canola oil
1 tablespoon (None)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (None)
Boneless beef top sirloin steaks
1 1/2 lbs (Cut into 3/4 inch cubes)
Plum tomatoes
5 (Finely chopped)
Carrots
3 large (Cut into 1/2 inch slices)
Celery ribs
3 (Cut into 1/2 inch slices)
Green onions
4 (Chopped)
Barbecue sauce
1/4 cup (None)
Reduced-sodium beef broth
3/4 cup (None)
Reduced sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup (None)
Steak sauce
2 tablespoons (None)
Garlic powder
1 tablespoon (None)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon (None)
Ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Hot pepper sauce
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (None)
Cold water
2 tablespoons (None)
Hot cooked rice or mashed potatoes
Optional (For serving)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Sprinkle the sugar into the pan and cook, stirring continuously, for about 1 minute or until the sugar turns lightly browned and fragrant.
3
Add the beef sirloin cubes to the pot, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Once the beef is browned, stir in the chopped plum tomatoes, carrots, celery, and green onions, mixing well.
5
Pour in the beef broth, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, steak sauce, and add the garlic powder, thyme, allspice, pepper, and hot pepper sauce. Stir until combined.
6
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water, mixing until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew and bring it back to a boil. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring until the stew thickens.
8
Serve hot over cooked rice or mashed potatoes, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jamaican Comfort Beef Stew?
Jamaican Comfort Beef Stew is a hearty Caribbean-inspired dish featuring tender chunks of sirloin steak, fresh vegetables, and a unique blend of sweet and spicy flavors.
What cut of meat is best for this stew?
This recipe uses 1.5 lbs of boneless beef top sirloin steaks cut into 3/4 inch cubes for optimal tenderness.
How do you brown the sugar for the stew?
Heat canola oil in a Dutch oven, add a tablespoon of sugar, and stir for about 1 minute until it turns lightly browned and fragrant.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The stew features plum tomatoes, carrots, celery ribs, and green onions.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, cover and simmer on low heat for 1 to 1 1/4 hours until the meat is tender.
What provides the signature Jamaican flavor?
The combination of ground allspice, dried thyme, and hot pepper sauce gives the dish its vibrant Caribbean profile.
How do I thicken the Jamaican beef stew?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the boiling stew for about 2 minutes.
What should I serve with this dish?
It is traditionally served hot over fluffy cooked rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the savory sauce.
Is this beef stew recipe spicy?
It has a mild heat from the 1/8 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce, which can be adjusted to your preference.
Can I use regular beef broth?
The recipe calls for reduced-sodium beef broth to control salt levels, but regular broth can be used if you reduce added salt elsewhere.
How many tomatoes are needed?
The recipe requires five finely chopped plum tomatoes.
What type of oil is recommended?
One tablespoon of canola oil is used for its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, though the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, you can substitute fresh thyme by using about three times the amount.
What kind of steak sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of your preferred steak sauce to add depth and tanginess.
How do I prepare the carrots?
Use three large carrots and cut them into 1/2 inch slices for even cooking.
Is there soy sauce in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of reduced-sodium soy sauce is included for a rich, savory umami flavor.
What is the purpose of browning the meat?
Browning the beef cubes for 5-7 minutes develops a deep flavor crust and locks in juices.
Can I add more garlic?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, but you can certainly add fresh minced garlic for extra aromatics.
How much barbecue sauce is in the stew?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce to provide a hint of sweetness and smokiness.
What is the texture of the finished stew?
The stew is hearty and thick, with tender meat and vegetables that have softened beautifully during the slow simmer.
Can I substitute the top sirloin?
While sirloin is tender, you can use chuck roast if you increase the simmering time to ensure the meat becomes tender.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe uses four chopped green onions for a mild onion flavor.
Does this recipe use allspice?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice, which is a staple spice in Jamaican cuisine.
What temperature should I cook the stew at?
After the initial browning on medium-high heat, the stew should be simmered on low heat.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the meat and sugar first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low.
How do I prep the celery?
Take three celery ribs and cut them into 1/2 inch slices.
Is the sugar essential?
Browning the sugar is a traditional Caribbean technique called 'browning' that adds color and a unique flavor base to the stew.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this beef stew freezes well in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
How much water is needed for the slurry?
You will need 2 tablespoons of cold water to mix with the cornstarch for thickening.
Is this a good meal for families?
Yes, its comforting nature and blend of familiar vegetables and beef make it a popular choice for family dinners.