There’s something magical about a Hawaiian Beef Stew—a dish that feels like a warm hug with every bite. If you’ve ever craved a rich, hearty stew that’s both comforting and packed with island-inspired flavors, this one’s for you. Imagine tender beef chunks slow-simmered in a savory tomato-based broth, infused with just the right balance of sweet and savory that makes Hawaiian cuisine so special.
What sets this dish apart? It’s the way the beef melts in your mouth, the way the potatoes and carrots soak up the flavorful broth, and the way each spoonful takes you straight to the heart of the islands. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this one-pot wonder is about to become a staple in your kitchen.
So, grab your favorite pot, let’s build layers of flavor, and create a comfort food classic you’ll crave again and again!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Beef Stew
This isn’t just any beef stew—it’s a Hawaiian-style comfort dish that brings warmth and bold flavor to your table. Whether you’re craving a rich, hearty meal or looking for something easy to make ahead, this stew is packed with reasons to love it:
✔ Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef – Slow-simmered beef chunks become incredibly tender, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
✔ Deep, Savory Broth – A tomato-based broth with a hint of sweet and savory balance creates a rich, irresistible taste.
✔ Hearty and Filling – Loaded with potatoes, carrots, and celery, this stew is a full meal in itself.
✔ Easy One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor—perfect for busy nights.
✔ Even Better the Next Day – Like all great stews, the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!
This Hawaiian beef stew recipe is comfort food at its finest, delivering authentic island flavors in every bite. Ready to bring a little aloha to your kitchen? Let’s get cooking! 🌺🥄
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into making this Hawaiian beef stew, let’s talk ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that rich, hearty, and comforting flavor you’ll love.
For the Stew:
- Beef chuck or stew meat – The best cut for a tender, slow-simmered stew that melts in your mouth.
- Yellow onion – Adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic – A must-have for adding bold, aromatic depth to the stew!
- Carrots – Bring a touch of sweetness and a hearty texture.
- Russet potatoes – Perfect for thickening the stew as they cook.
- Celery – Adds a subtle crunch and freshness.
- Tomato sauce – Forms the savory, slightly tangy base of the broth.
- Beef broth – Enhances the richness and depth of the stew.
- Soy sauce – A touch of umami that gives this dish its Hawaiian twist.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds complexity and a hint of tangy sweetness.
- Bay leaves – Infuse the stew with a delicate, aromatic depth.
- Salt & black pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Cornstarch (optional) – If you like a thicker broth, a cornstarch slurry works wonders!
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
✔ No beef broth? Use water with an extra spoonful of soy sauce for added flavor.
✔ Prefer a richer stew? Swap tomato sauce for crushed tomatoes for more texture.
✔ Want more island flavor? Add a splash of pineapple juice for a touch of natural sweetness.
✔ Gluten-free? Ensure your soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free or use tamari instead.
Now that we have everything ready, let’s turn these simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful, one-pot wonder! 🍲🔥
How to Make Hawaiian Beef Stew
Now that we have everything prepped, it’s time to bring this rich, comforting stew to life. Follow these simple steps, and soon, your kitchen will be filled with the warm, savory aroma of slow-simmered goodness.
1. Brown the Beef for Maximum Flavor
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil.
- Pat the beef chunks dry with a paper towel (this helps them sear properly).
- Season with salt and black pepper, then add to the pot in batches. Don’t overcrowd! Let them develop a golden-brown crust before flipping.
- Once browned on all sides, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, and celery.
- Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—this is where the flavor builds!
3. Build the Flavorful Broth
- Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add the bay leaves and return the browned beef to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle cook. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the Vegetables
- Once the beef is fork-tender, add the carrots and potatoes.
- Continue simmering uncovered for another 30–40 minutes, or until the veggies are soft and the broth has thickened.
5. Adjust & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Want a thicker broth? Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it in and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
- Remove the bay leaves, then ladle the stew into bowls. Serve hot over steamed white rice or with Hawaiian sweet rolls for the ultimate island-inspired meal.
Enjoy the Taste of Hawaii! 🌺🍲
This one-pot Hawaiian beef stew is pure comfort in a bowl—tender, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes, so don’t rush it. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Pro Tips and Variations
Want to take your Hawaiian beef stew to the next level? Here are some expert tips and creative variations to make this dish even more delicious and perfectly suited to your taste!
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Stew
✔ Sear the Beef for More Flavor – Browning the beef properly before simmering helps develop a deep, rich, umami-packed broth. Don’t skip this step!
✔ Don’t Rush the Simmering Process – The magic happens when the beef slowly cooks until it becomes fall-apart tender. Give it time!
✔ Adjust the Thickness – If you like a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the broth in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
✔ Skim Off Excess Fat – For a lighter broth, use a spoon to skim off any extra fat that rises to the surface while simmering.
✔ Make It Ahead – This stew tastes even better the next day! The flavors deepen overnight, so consider making a big batch and enjoying leftovers.
🌿 Delicious Variations to Try
🔹 Spicy Kick: Add a chopped Hawaiian chili pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
🔹 Sweet Island Touch: Stir in a small splash of pineapple juice for a hint of tropical sweetness.
🔹 Extra Hearty Version: Add sweet potatoes or taro for even more texture and depth.
🔹 Gluten-Free Alternative: Swap soy sauce for tamari and check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
🔹 Low-Carb Option: Skip the potatoes and serve the stew over cauliflower rice instead.
With these tips and variations, you can customize your Hawaiian beef stew to match your cravings while keeping that authentic, island-inspired flavor. However you make it, one thing’s for sure—it’ll be a comforting, soul-warming meal every time! 🍲🌺
Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, and pairing it with the right sides takes it to the next level. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or a family gathering, here are some delicious ways to enjoy it!
🍚 Classic Pairings
✔ Steamed White Rice – The traditional way to serve Hawaiian-style beef stew. The fluffy rice soaks up all the rich, savory broth, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
✔ Hawaiian Sweet Rolls – Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for dipping into the thick, flavorful stew.
✔ Macaroni Salad – A classic Hawaiian plate lunch side dish that adds a creamy contrast to the bold, tomato-based stew.
🥗 Fresh & Light Options
✔ Simple Green Salad – A crisp salad with a light citrus vinaigrette balances out the heartiness of the stew.
✔ Grilled Pineapple Slices – The natural sweetness of caramelized pineapple pairs beautifully with the deep, umami-rich broth.
✔ Coconut Rice – If you want an extra touch of island flavor, serve the stew over coconut-infused rice for a subtly sweet contrast.
🥘 Leftover Magic
This stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to enjoy the leftovers:
- Stuff it in a bread bowl for a fun, hearty twist.
- Serve it over mashed potatoes for extra richness.
- Make a Hawaiian-inspired burrito by wrapping it in a warm tortilla with rice.
However you serve it, this deeply comforting, island-inspired stew is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab a bowl, dig in, and enjoy a taste of Hawaiian home cooking! 🌺🍲
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a deeply comforting, flavor-packed meal, this Hawaiian beef stew is the answer. With its tender beef, rich tomato-based broth, and hearty vegetables, it’s a dish that brings warmth and nostalgia in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it on a rainy day, making a big batch for family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this stew never disappoints.
What makes it even better? It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Plus, the leftovers only get better, allowing the flavors to meld into something even more delicious the next day.
So why not bring a taste of island comfort into your kitchen? Give this recipe a try, pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a bowl full of Hawaiian goodness. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this again and again! 🌺🍲
Hawaiian beef stew recipe
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- Beef chuck or stew meat – The best cut for a tender slow-simmered stew that melts in your mouth.
- Yellow onion – Adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic – A must-have for adding bold aromatic depth to the stew!
- Carrots – Bring a touch of sweetness and a hearty texture.
- Russet potatoes – Perfect for thickening the stew as they cook.
- Celery – Adds a subtle crunch and freshness.
- Tomato sauce – Forms the savory slightly tangy base of the broth.
- Beef broth – Enhances the richness and depth of the stew.
- Soy sauce – A touch of umami that gives this dish its Hawaiian twist.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds complexity and a hint of tangy sweetness.
- Bay leaves – Infuse the stew with a delicate aromatic depth.
- Salt & black pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Cornstarch optional – If you like a thicker broth, a cornstarch slurry works wonders!
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
- ✔ No beef broth? Use water with an extra spoonful of soy sauce for added flavor.
- ✔ Prefer a richer stew? Swap tomato sauce for crushed tomatoes for more texture.
- ✔ Want more island flavor? Add a splash of pineapple juice for a touch of natural sweetness.
- ✔ Gluten-free? Ensure your soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free or use tamari instead.
Instructions
Brown the Beef for Maximum Flavor
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil.
- Pat the beef chunks dry with a paper towel (this helps them sear properly).
- Season with salt and black pepper, then add to the pot in batches. Don’t overcrowd! Let them develop a golden-brown crust before flipping.
- Once browned on all sides, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, and celery.
- Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—this is where the flavor builds!
Build the Flavorful Broth
- Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add the bay leaves and return the browned beef to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle cook. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Add the Vegetables
- Once the beef is fork-tender, add the carrots and potatoes.
- Continue simmering uncovered for another 30–40 minutes, or until the veggies are soft and the broth has thickened.
Adjust & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Want a thicker broth? Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it in and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
- Remove the bay leaves, then ladle the stew into bowls. Serve hot over steamed white rice or with Hawaiian sweet rolls for the ultimate island-inspired meal.
Notes
🍽 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 30g
FAQs
❓ What makes Hawaiian beef stew different from regular beef stew?
Hawaiian beef stew stands out because of its tomato-based broth, which gives it a slightly tangy, rich depth of flavor. Unlike traditional beef stews that often rely on brown gravy, this version is bright, hearty, and packed with island-inspired flavors like soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.
❓ Can I make this stew in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Here’s how:
– Slow Cooker: Brown the beef first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
– Instant Pot: Use the sauté function to brown the beef and cook the aromatics. Add the remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and pressure cook on high for 35 minutes, followed by a 15-minute natural release.
❓ How do I store and reheat leftovers?
This stew stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day!
– Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
– Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
– Reheating: Warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
❓ Can I make this stew thicker?
Yes! If you prefer a thicker, heartier broth, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Let it simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
This Hawaiian beef stew recipe is all about big flavors and easy comfort—so don’t be afraid to make it your own! If you have any more questions, drop them in the comments, and happy cooking!