Braised Caribbean Beef with Scotch Bonnet and Root Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef slowly braised with fiery Scotch bonnet peppers and hearty root vegetables, creating a deeply flavorful stew. This caribbean-inspired caribbean ready in about 170 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes, vegetable oil, large (about 1 cup) onion, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 pounds cubed beef chuck roast and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  2. Step 2: Remove browned beef and set aside. In the same pot, add 1 large chopped onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped small Scotch bonnet pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot, add 3 cups beef broth, 2 medium peeled and chopped carrots, 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, and 3 sprigs fresh thyme. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove thyme sprigs and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Caribbean Beef with Scotch Bonnet and Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Braised Caribbean Beef with Scotch Bonnet and Root Vegetables?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Caribbean Beef with Scotch Bonnet and Root Vegetables?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Braised Caribbean Beef with Scotch Bonnet and Root Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Braised Caribbean Beef with Scotch Bonnet and Root Vegetables?

Caribbean caribbean like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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