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Slow-Cooked Beef Stew With RiceHawaiian Style

Slow-Cooked Beef Stew Hawaiian Style

Melena
Bring the taste of the islands to your dinner table with this Hawaiian-inspired beef stew. Tender beef, sweet pineapple, earthy vegetables, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce come together in a slow-cooked comfort dish. Perfect for cozy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a family, this stew blends tropical flavors with classic comfort food.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs 900 g beef stew meat (chuck or brisket), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 –2 cups pineapple chunks fresh or canned
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1- inch piece of fresh ginger grated
  • 3 carrots chopped
  • 3 –4 potatoes diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • Optional Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk for creaminess
  • Red pepper flakes or allspice for extra spice
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Beef and Vegetables
  • Trim excess fat from the beef and cut into bite-sized cubes.
  • Season with salt, pepper, and optional soy sauce.
  • Chop vegetables and pineapple into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Brown the Beef
  • Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear beef cubes until browned on all sides.
  • Optional: deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth or soy sauce to capture browned bits.
  • Build Hawaiian Flavors
  • In the slow cooker, combine beef, vegetables, pineapple, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, and beef broth.
  • Stir to mix ingredients evenly.
  • Slow Cook
  • Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until beef is tender.
  • Optional: add coconut milk during the last 30 minutes for a creamy twist.
  • Finish and Serve
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash of lime juice.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, or extra pineapple chunks.
  • Serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • Beef: Use tougher cuts like chuck or brisket—they become tender when slow-cooked.
  • Pineapple: Fresh gives brighter flavor; canned works fine but drain excess liquid.
  • Sweetness: Adjust brown sugar or honey to taste.
  • Vegetables: Add later if you prefer firmer veggies.
  • Spice: Red pepper flakes or allspice add depth.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Portion into freezer-safe containers; freeze for 2–3 months. Thaw slowly before reheating.