Instant Pot Caribbean-Spiced Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
A hearty beef stew infused with Caribbean spices and tender root vegetables, cooked quickly in the Instant Pot for a rich, comforting meal. This Caribbean-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 65 minutes, pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, onion, diced 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. 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-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 small scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes, working in batches if needed. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced medium onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 small finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper to the pot. Sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot along with 3 cups beef broth, 2 chopped carrots, 1 cubed large sweet potato, and 3 sprigs fresh thyme. Secure the lid and set to pressure cook on high for 35 minutes.
- Step 5: When cooking completes, carefully release pressure manually. Remove thyme sprigs and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Instant Pot Caribbean-Spiced Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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 Instant Pot Caribbean-Spiced Beef Stew with 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Pot Caribbean-Spiced Beef Stew with 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 Instant Pot Caribbean-Spiced Beef Stew with 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 Instant Pot Caribbean-Spiced Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?
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.
