Spiced Caribbean Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes

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

Hearty beef stew simmered with Caribbean spices, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes, delivering a rich and comforting dish perfect for cozy meals. This caribbean ready in about 140 minutes pairs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, yellow 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef stew meat and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1 tsp dried thyme, cooking for 30 seconds to release aromas.
  4. Step 4: Return browned beef to the pot. Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices and 3 cups beef broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 peeled and cubed medium sweet potatoes and 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper (optional for heat). Season with 1 tsp salt and 3/4 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender and sweet potatoes are soft.
  7. Step 7: Remove scotch bonnet pepper before serving. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Caribbean Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Spiced 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced Caribbean Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

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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