Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Caribbean feast! This Slow Cooker Caribbean Beef Stew is not just a meal; it's a vibrant celebration of flavors that will make your kitchen smell like a tropical paradise. With tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef infused with aromatic curry and rich coconut milk, this recipe promises to deliver an unforgettable dining experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the beef stew meat and cut into 1-inch cubes if not already prepared.
- Season the beef cubes generously with salt, pepper, and curry powder, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brown the beef cubes on all sides. This step helps develop rich flavor and seal in the meat's juices.
- Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Slice the carrots and add them to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the beef broth and coconut milk, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and flavors to meld together.
- Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or curry powder if needed.
- Serve hot over rice or with traditional Caribbean side dishes like plantains or rice and peas.
Tips
- Meat Selection: Choose well-marbled beef stew meat for maximum tenderness and flavor. Chuck roast works wonderfully.
- Browning Technique: Don't skip the meat browning step! This crucial process develops a deep, rich flavor foundation for your stew.
- Spice Balance: Adjust curry powder to your heat preference. For a milder version, use less; for more kick, add extra.
- Coconut Milk Tip: Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamier, more luxurious texture.
- Slow Cooker Setting: Low and slow is the key. Six hours allows the meat to become incredibly tender and lets flavors meld beautifully.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve over fragrant rice or with traditional Caribbean sides like plantains for an authentic experience.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 105mg
