Slow-Cooker Caribbean Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty stew simmered slowly with tender beef chunks, sweet potatoes, and vibrant Caribbean spices for a rich, comforting meal. This Caribbean-inspired sandwich and wrap recipe, ready in about 260 minutes, pairs beef chuck, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes in batches and brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Transfer onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Add 2 sliced carrots, 2 peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, and 3 cups beef broth.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp allspice, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 whole pierced scotch bonnet pepper (optional for heat).
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until beef is tender and sweet potatoes are cooked through. Remove the scotch bonnet before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooker Caribbean Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 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 Slow-Cooker Caribbean Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

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 beef chuck from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooker Caribbean Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Slow-Cooker Caribbean Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes 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 Slow-Cooker Caribbean Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

Caribbean sandwiches & wraps 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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