Jamaican Beef Stew With Rice

Name: Jamaican Beef Stew With Rice
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon allspice; 1 teaspoon thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups long-grain rice; 4 cups water; 1 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Jamaican Beef Stew With Rice is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender beef with a medley of spices, vegetables, and served with fluffy rice.

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2025-12-23T02:12:41.428Z

This Jamaican Beef Stew is a beloved comfort food that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of the Caribbean. The dish is known for its bold flavors and tender beef, simmered to perfection with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and aromatic flavors that transport you to Jamaica
Tender beef that falls apart with every bite
Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners

      

A Taste of Jamaica

Jamaican cuisine is known for its bold and vibrant flavors, often influenced by a mix of cultures including African, Indigenous, and European. This Beef Stew captures the essence of these traditions, using a combination of spices that create a rich, aromatic experience. Each bite transports you to the sunny Caribbean, making it more than just a meal—it's a culinary journey.

The use of allspice, a key ingredient in this recipe, adds a unique warmth and depth to the stew. This spice, native to Jamaica, brings together flavors reminiscent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish. Combined with tender beef and fresh vegetables, this stew is a perfect representation of Jamaican comfort food.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, Jamaican Beef Stew With Rice is an ideal dish. It's not only filling but also incredibly satisfying, making it a favorite among both adults and kids alike. The ease of preparation allows you to focus on spending quality time with loved ones rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

Additionally, this dish is versatile; you can customize the vegetables based on what's in season or your family's preferences. Adding peas or potatoes can enhance the stew's heartiness, while a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds a beautiful finishing touch. Every time you make this stew, you can create a slightly different version that caters to your tastes.

Elevating Your Cooking Skills

Making Jamaican Beef Stew is not just about following a recipe; it's an opportunity to enhance your cooking skills. Browning the beef properly is crucial for developing deep flavors and a rich color in the stew. This step, while simple, is often overlooked, but it significantly impacts the final result.

Additionally, learning to balance spices is a vital cooking skill that this recipe encourages. The combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices requires a delicate touch to ensure that no single flavor overpowers the others. By practicing these techniques, you will become more confident in the kitchen and elevate your overall culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Beef Stew

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice

2 cups long-grain rice
4 cups water
1 teaspoon salt

Prepare the ingredients before cooking the stew and rice.

Instructions

Brown the Beef

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the carrots and bell pepper, cooking for another 3 minutes.

Simmer the Stew

Return the beef to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, allspice, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours until the beef is tender.

Cook the Rice

In a separate pot, combine the rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18-20 minutes until the rice is fluffy and the water is absorbed.

Serve

Serve the beef stew over the rice, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Jamaican Beef Stew with Rice!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Jamaican Beef Stew is perfect for meal prep, as it stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld even further, making it taste even better the next day.

To reheat, simply place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of beef broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. For a quick reheat, you can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover it to prevent splatters.

Serving Suggestions

While this stew is delicious on its own, serving it with traditional Jamaican sides can elevate your meal. Consider pairing it with fried plantains, which add a sweet contrast to the savory stew, or a simple green salad for a refreshing touch. These sides not only enhance the dining experience but also add more color and variety to your plate.

For those who enjoy a little heat, consider serving the stew with a side of spicy pepper sauce. This can add a delightful kick and enhance the bold flavors of the dish. Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley as a garnish can provide a pop of freshness and color, making the dish even more visually appealing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use brisket or round, but chuck is recommended for its tenderness.

→ Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this stew?

Yes! You can substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and add lentils for protein.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.