Spiced Rum and Molasses Slow Cooker Beef Stew

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

Tender beef chunks simmered in a rich molasses and spiced rum broth, slow cooked to develop deep, robust flavors. This caribbean-inspired beef ready in about 500 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, dark spiced rum, molasses 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and toss with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned and crusted. Transfer beef to the slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 4 cloves minced garlic, 3 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with 1/3 cup dark spiced rum, scraping up browned bits. Let the rum simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the vegetable and rum mixture to the slow cooker. Add 3 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp molasses, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, until beef is fork-tender and flavors are deeply melded. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Rum and Molasses Slow Cooker Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 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 Rum and Molasses Slow Cooker 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 spiced rum from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Rum and Molasses Slow Cooker 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 Spiced Rum and Molasses Slow Cooker 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 Spiced Rum and Molasses Slow Cooker 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.

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