Spicy Beef Stew with Habanero Peppers

This hearty stew packs a flavorful punch with tender beef and fiery habanero peppers. Perfect for warming up chilly evenings, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a spicy, comforting meal with family or friends.

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TIME4 hr 30 min

SERVINGS4

RATINGNew

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

½ cup all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons paprika 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, divided 1 pound beef chuck, cut into cubes 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 onion, chopped 4 cups vegetable broth 4 potatoes, cut into cubes 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (Optional) 2 carrots, diced 1 tomato - peeled, seeded, and chopped (Optional) 1 habanero pepper, seeded and chopped 1 habanero pepper, halved and seeded 1 tablespoon ground black pepper ½ teaspoon caraway seeds

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

In a large plastic bag, mix together the flour, paprika, and a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Toss the beef pieces in the bag, shaking well to coat them evenly. Once coated, take the beef out and give it a little shake to get rid of any extra flour.

02

Step 2

Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. When the beef is nicely browned, transfer it to your slow cooker, but keep the oil and drippings in the pan.

03

Step 3

Using the same skillet, cook the chopped onion in the leftover oil until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, add the onions to the slow cooker with the beef.

04

Step 4

Pour in the vegetable broth, potatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, carrots, chopped fresh tomato, the chopped habanero pepper, habanero halves, black pepper, and caraway seeds. Give everything a good stir to combine.

05

Step 5

Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 4 hours. Before serving, fish out the habanero halves and discard them. Enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Brown the beef well before stewing to develop a deeper flavor.
- Use gloves when handling habanero peppers to avoid skin irritation.
- Simmer the stew slowly to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.

Why you’ll love it

This dish combines rich, tender beef with the fiery kick of habanero peppers, creating a bold and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for those who enjoy deep flavors and a bit of heat. The stew is hearty, comforting, and packed with spices that warm you from the inside out.

Serving ideas

Serve this spicy stew over steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes to balance the heat. A side of crusty bread also works great for soaking up the rich sauce. Add a simple green salad to lighten the meal and add freshness.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.