Dark Rum-Braised Caribbean Beef Stew
A rich and hearty Caribbean beef stew slow-cooked in dark rum, infused with warm spices and root vegetables. This caribbean-inspired beef ready in about 150 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, dark rum, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup dark rum
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 tsp allspice berries, crushed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 thyme sprigs
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, whole
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, until a deep crust forms. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté over medium heat for 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp crushed allspice berries, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 3 thyme sprigs, cooking for 1 minute to release aromas.
- Step 4: Return the beef to the pot and pour in 1/2 cup dark rum, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Allow the rum to reduce slightly for 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Add 2 medium sliced carrots, 2 medium cubed potatoes, 3 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Step 6: Bring the stew to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 2 hours until beef is tender and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dark Rum-Braised Caribbean Beef Stew take to make?
Total time is about 150 minutes (20 min prep + 130 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 Dark Rum-Braised Caribbean Beef Stew?
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 dark rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Dark Rum-Braised Caribbean Beef Stew?
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 Dark Rum-Braised Caribbean Beef Stew 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 Dark Rum-Braised Caribbean Beef Stew?
Caribbean beef 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.
