Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that transports you straight to the sunny shores of Jamaica? Look no further! This Jamaican Bully Beef recipe is a delicious and surprisingly easy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a true taste of the islands, bursting with warming spices and tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this authentic Jamaican classic! This recipe offers a fantastic blend of easy recipes and healthy meals, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. It's a delicious dish and a great addition to your collection of homemade cooking masterpieces.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference!)
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp ground allspice
- 1 tbsp ground thyme
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or dumplings for serving
Instructions:
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Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt, pepper, allspice, thyme, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Remove the seared beef and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using), and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful when handling the scotch bonnet pepper; its oils can irritate your skin.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans, beef broth, and brown sugar (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the beef is tender, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs (optional) and serve hot over cooked rice or dumplings.
Tips for the Best Bully Beef:
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Choose the Right Cut: Beef stew meat is ideal for this recipe because it's naturally tough and becomes incredibly tender during the long simmering process.
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Don't Skip the Browning: Searing the beef adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
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Adjust the Spice Level: The amount of scotch bonnet pepper is entirely up to you. Start with less and add more to your liking.
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Make it Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time and reheat before serving.
Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or sweet potatoes for a heartier meal. Add them during the last hour of simmering.
- Use Different Beans: Black beans or chickpeas can be substituted for kidney beans.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on serving size and ingredients)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This Jamaican Bully Beef recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver incredible flavor. Enjoy this taste of Jamaica from the comfort of your own kitchen! This recipe makes a wonderful addition to your quick dinner ideas and is a surefire way to impress with your homemade cooking skills. It's one of the best recipes you'll find for a truly authentic Jamaican experience.