This rich and savory Jamaican brown stew beef recipe is cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot for fall-apart tenderness and bold island flavor in every bite.
When I close my eyes and think of Sunday dinners growing up, I can still smell it—slow-cooked brown stew beef bubbling away on the stove, filling the house with the kind of comfort only Caribbean food can bring. Jamaican brown stew isn’t just a meal. It’s a memory. It’s a hug from your grandma. It’s the kind of food that makes people go silent after the first bite because their soul is too busy saying “thank you.”
Traditionally, this dish is made in a deep, heavy-bottomed Dutch pot, and trust me, that’s still one of my favorite ways to cook it. But let’s be real—I’m a mom with a toddler and a full-time job. Time is not a luxury I always have. So, I figured out how to make it taste just as good—maybe even better—in my Instant Pot.
What Makes Brown Stew
There’s one ingredient that’s non-negotiable: browning sauce. If you’re new to Jamaican cooking, this is the caramelized, molasses-like magic that brings the signature color, smoky depth, and savory punch. Without browning, your stew might taste okay, but it won’t taste Jamaican. I use this browning sauce (affiliate) in all my stews, and it’s one of the most important staples in my kitchen.
Why I Use the Instant Pot
Brown stew beef is traditionally a low-and-slow labor of love, but the Instant Pot changes the game without sacrificing flavor. It transforms tough cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth bites with just 35 to 45 minutes of pressure cooking. That’s music to any busy mama’s ears. I use this Ninja Foodie (affiliate) because I can sear and slow cook all in one. Plus, it’s powerful, reliable, and the cleanup is easy.
Need to grab one? You can get it here on Amazon (affiliate). It’s the exact one I use.
A Symphony of Seasonings
Jamaican brown stew beef is all about layers. Here’s a little behind-the-scenes on what’s in the flavor profile:
- Garlic and onion bring savory warmth.
- Allspice (also called pimento) adds a whisper of sweetness and spice.
- Fresh thyme gives the stew an earthy backbone.
- Sweet bell peppers—especially red and yellow—mellow out the heat and add body.
- And finally, that browning. Don’t skip it. It’s not optional—it’s the soul of the dish.
Want to make your prep faster? I recommend this ASETY chef knife (affiliate)—it glides through meat and peppers like butter.
How to Make Brown Stew Beef in the Instant Pot
I start by seasoning my beef generously—salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little paprika for warmth and color. After browning the meat (yes, we still do this step to build flavor), I sauté onions, garlic, and peppers right in the Instant Pot using the Sauté function. Add the thyme, a splash of browning, and then deglaze with water or beef broth before sealing it up and letting the pressure do the work.
I like to throw in a Scotch bonnet pepper (or a pinch of Scotch bonnet powder (affiliate) if I don’t have fresh). If you’re sensitive to heat, just leave it whole or skip it entirely.
What to Serve with Brown Stew Beef
This dish demands a worthy side. I always serve it with Jamaican rice and peas, which soaks up every bit of that stew gravy. You can also pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or even my sautéed bok choy for a veggie-forward twist.
Got a Dutch pot at home? I have a whole post about why I still love cooking with Dutch pots if you want to go the traditional route.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This stew tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. While you can freeze it, I prefer not to—it’s so much better fresh or next-day.
Meal prep tip: Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it over rice, inside tacos, or with flatbread throughout the week.
Substitutions & Variations
- Don’t have beef? Use bone-in chicken or oxtail (adjust cooking times).
- Can’t find browning sauce? Make your own by caramelizing brown sugar in a dry pan until dark, then carefully adding water.
- No Instant Pot? Use a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours or simmer in a Dutch pot on the stove for 1.5–2 hours.
Final Thoughts
Brown stew beef is more than a dish—it’s a story. It’s heritage. It’s comfort with a kick. Whether you’re Caribbean by blood or just by heart, this Instant Pot version brings that rich, nostalgic flavor home in a fraction of the time.
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Love Jamaican Food Recipes? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Easy Jamaican Food Recipes
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!
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Ingredients
1 lb beef for stew (cleaned with vinegar and water, then dried)
1 TBSP oil (vegetable or coconut)
1 medium onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp scotch bonnet pepper powder (optional)
1 medium tomato, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
1 – 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
2 cups beef broth (or water + beef bouillon)
2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
2 TBSP soy sauce
2 TBSP ketchup
1 TBSP browning sauce (optional, but recommended)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
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.
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