Instant Pot Jamaican Brown Stew Beef
4
servings15
minutes40
minutes55
minutesThis Instant Pot Brown Stew Beef is a modern take on a traditional Jamaican favorite. Packed with bold flavors and tender beef, it pays homage to the slow-cooked stews passed down from my grandmother and mother. With rich seasonings, a hint of sweetness from ketchup, and vibrant bell peppers, this one-pot dish brings comforting, nostalgic flavors to your table in half the time. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a taste of home!
Ingredients
•t1 lb stew beef (cleaned with vinegar and water, then dried)
•t1 Tbsp oil (vegetable or coconut)
•t1 medium onion, sliced
•t2 garlic cloves, minced
•t1 tsp scotch bonnet pepper powder (optional)
•t1 medium tomato, diced
•t1 bell pepper, diced
•t1-2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
•t2 cups beef broth (or water + beef bouillon)
•t2 tsp smoked paprika
•t½ tsp ground allspice
•t1 tsp garlic powder
•t1 tsp onion powder
•t½ tsp ground cumin
•t½ tsp ground turmeric
•t½ tsp chili powder (optional)
•tSalt and black pepper, to taste
•t2 Tbsp soy sauce
•t2 Tbsp ketchup
•t1 Tbsp browning sauce (optional, but recommended)
Directions
- Prepare the Beef: After cleaning the beef with vinegar and water, pat it dry thoroughly. Season it with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sear the Beef (Sauté Mode): Turn the Instant Pot to “Saute” mode and add the oil. Sear the beef in batches until browned, then set it aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onions, garlic, and scotch bonnet powder until fragrant. Add the diced tomato, bell pepper, soy sauce, ketchup, and browning sauce. Stir in the smoked paprika, allspice, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. Let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Return the beef to the pot and add the thyme and beef broth. Cancel “Saute” mode, seal the lid, and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (Manual) on High for 30 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If the sauce is too thin, turn the Instant Pot back to “Saute” mode and simmer until it reduces. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp cold water) for a thicker sauce.
- Serve the stew over white rice, and pair it with fried plantains and your favorite veggie. Spoon the rich sauce generously over everything for maximum flavor.
