Slow Cooker Caribbean-Inspired Beef Stew with Sweet Peppers and Thyme

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

Tender beef chunks slow-cooked with sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, and aromatic thyme for a hearty Caribbean stew bursting with flavor. This caribbean-inspired beef ready in about 440 minutes pairs large, sliced red bell pepper, large, sliced yellow bell pepper, medium, diced onion 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 420 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 450 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. Season 2 lbs beef chuck cubes with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brown the beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply caramelized. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 diced medium onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced yellow bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef. Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 2 tsp fresh thyme sprigs, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Stir gently to combine, cover, and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the stew is rich and flavorful.
  6. Step 6: Remove thyme sprigs before serving. Spoon the stew over rice or enjoy with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Caribbean-Inspired Beef Stew with Sweet Peppers and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 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-Inspired Beef Stew with Sweet Peppers and Thyme?

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 large, sliced red bell pepper from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Caribbean-Inspired Beef Stew with Sweet Peppers and Thyme?

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-Inspired Beef Stew with Sweet Peppers and Thyme 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-Inspired Beef Stew with Sweet Peppers and Thyme?

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.

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