Hawaiian Beef Stew Recipe: Delight In A Flavorful Escape

Few dishes capture the warmth and heartiness of Hawaiian Beef Stew quite like this one. Known locally as local-style beef stew, this comforting dish brings together tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth for a meal that’s deeply satisfying. Unlike traditional beef stew, the Hawaiian-style version features a slightly sweeter and tangier profile, influenced by island flavors and local ingredients.

This Hawaiian beef stew recipe is a staple in many Hawaiian households, often enjoyed at family gatherings, potlucks, and local diners. Its bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth beef make it a must-try for anyone who loves hearty stews with a tropical twist. Whether you prepare it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or using an instant pot, this dish is sure to transport your taste buds to Hawaii with every spoonful.

Up next, let’s explore the key benefits of making this delicious beef stew recipe at home.

Key Benefits

Making Hawaiian beef stew at home is more than just preparing a meal—it’s about enjoying bold flavors, tender beef, and a heartwarming experience. Here’s why this beef stew recipe is a must-try:

1. Rich, Comforting Flavors

This Hawaiian-style beef stew is known for its deep, savory broth infused with tomato paste, beef broth, and aromatic vegetables. The slow-cooked beef becomes incredibly tender, soaking up the bold flavors of the broth, making each bite irresistible.

2. A Taste of Hawaii at Home

If you’ve ever visited Hawaii, you might have enjoyed this classic island-style beef stew at a local diner or restaurant. This recipe lets you recreate the authentic flavors of Hawaiian comfort food from your own kitchen, bringing a touch of the islands to your table.

3. Simple, Wholesome Ingredients

This beef stew recipe is made with real, everyday ingredients like beef chuck, carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. No artificial flavors—just fresh, wholesome foods that combine to create a rich and hearty dish.

4. Easy to Customize

Whether you prefer to cook it in a slow cooker, an instant pot, or on the stovetop, this Hawaiian beef stew is flexible and fits your schedule. You can also adjust the thickness, spice level, or sweetness to match your taste.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This Hawaiian-style beef stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It’s a great make-ahead meal that stores well, making it ideal for meal prepping, freezing, or feeding a crowd.

Next, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Hawaiian beef stew recipe.

Ingredients

To make a rich, flavorful Hawaiian beef stew, you’ll need a combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory tomato-based broth. Below is a list of ingredients to ensure authentic island flavors in every bite.

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes (for the most tender beef)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for browning the beef)
• 1 large onion, diced (adds sweetness and depth)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (enhances the stew’s flavor)
• 3 medium carrots, cut into thick slices (adds natural sweetness)
• 3 stalks celery, chopped (balances the broth’s flavor)
• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (helps thicken the stew)

For the Broth

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (creates the stew’s signature base)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (adds richness and depth)
• 4 cups beef broth (use homemade or store-bought for the best flavor)
• 1 cup water (adjusts consistency)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (adds umami and enhances the savory taste)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds a hint of tang)

Seasonings & Enhancers

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (adds a mild kick)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (enhances the stew’s warm color and flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional but adds depth)
• 1 bay leaf (for additional aroma)

For Thickening (Optional)

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons water (to create a slurry)

Optional Add-ins

• 1 cup green beans (adds freshness and texture)
• 1 small bell pepper, chopped (for a slight sweetness)

This combination of simple, wholesome ingredients creates a hearty, rich, and authentic Hawaiian beef stew. Up next, let’s go through the step-by-step instructions to bring this dish to life!

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a rich, flavorful Hawaiian beef stew with tender beef and a savory tomato-based broth. Whether using a stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this recipe delivers delicious, island-style flavors every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps create a better sear when browning.
• Chop all vegetables (onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes) into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Mince the garlic and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

• In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the beef chunks in a single layer, searing on all sides for 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Do this in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
• Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

• In the same pot, add the diced onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the tomato paste and stir well to coat the onions and garlic. This deepens the flavor of the stew.

Step 4: Build the Stew Base

• Return the browned beef to the pot and stir to combine.
• Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, water, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.
• Add the carrots, celery, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5: Simmer the Stew

• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should become fork-tender and the broth thickened.

Step 6: Add Potatoes & Adjust Seasoning

• After the first hour, add the potatoes and continue simmering until they are soft but not mushy (about 30 minutes more).
• Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or soy sauce if needed.

Step 7: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

• If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
• Stir the slurry into the stew and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy

• Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
• Ladle the Hawaiian beef stew into bowls and serve hot.
• Pair with a side of steamed white rice or Hawaiian sweet rolls for a complete meal.

Up next, let’s go over some pro tips and variations to help you customize this delicious island-style beef stew!

Pro Tips and Variations

To make the most of your Hawaiian beef stew recipe, here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out perfect, along with a few variations to help you adjust the flavors and ingredients to your preference.

Pro Tips

1. Searing the Beef Properly
   • For the tenderest beef, don’t rush the browning process. Sear the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the meat to steam instead of brown. The caramelized bits at the bottom of the pot add rich flavor to your stew.
2. Use Beef Chuck for Best Results
   • While any stew meat will work, beef chuck is ideal for this recipe. It’s well-marbled and breaks down beautifully as it simmers, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.
3. Simmer Low and Slow
   • For the best flavor and tenderness, let the stew simmer on low heat for at least 1½ hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together, and the beef becomes more tender. If you’re using an Instant Pot, you can speed up the process with a pressure cook function, but slow cooking over the stove allows for deeper flavor development.
4. Don’t Skip the Tomato Paste
   • Adding tomato paste to the aromatics (onions and garlic) before the liquid is added is a game changer. It deepens the stew’s richness and provides a slightly sweet and tangy base that enhances the savory broth.
5. Season to Taste
   • Since beef broth can vary in saltiness, make sure to taste the stew towards the end of the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding a splash more soy sauce or a pinch of sea salt can elevate the overall flavor.
6. Make Ahead for Better Flavor
   • Stews often taste better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. If you can, make this stew a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it the next day for an even richer taste.

Variations

1. Add More Vegetables
   • Feel free to customize the vegetables in your stew. Try adding green beans, bell peppers, or parsnips for extra texture and flavor. These vegetables pair well with the stew’s broth and will add color to the dish.
2. Make It Spicy
   • If you love a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the pot while simmering. The warmth of the chili peppers complements the savory broth and adds a wonderful kick to the dish.
3. Instant Pot Shortcut
   • If you’re short on time, you can use an Instant Pot to make this Hawaiian beef stew in just 35 minutes. Use the sauté function to brown the beef, then pressure cook the stew on high for 35 minutes, followed by a quick release. Add the potatoes after pressure cooking for perfectly tender potatoes.
4. Slow Cooker Option
   • To make this recipe in a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add all the ingredients, including the broth, and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. The slow cooker makes for an extra-tender, flavorful stew.
5. Sweeten It Up
   • If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, try adding a tablespoon of brown sugar or pineapple chunks. The sweetness complements the savory broth and provides an additional layer of flavor unique to Hawaiian-style beef stew.
6. Serve with a Twist
   • Instead of serving this stew with traditional rice, try it with Hawaiian sweet bread rolls or taro rice for a more island-inspired meal.

These pro tips and variations will help you personalize the recipe to suit your tastes and make it your own. Next, let’s explore some serving suggestions to enhance the experience even further!

Serving Suggestions

Once your Hawaiian beef stew is ready, it’s time to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors with the perfect sides and garnishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal and create a memorable dining experience.

1. Serve with Steamed White Rice

A classic pairing for Hawaiian beef stew is steamed white rice. The fluffy, neutral rice acts as the perfect base, soaking up the rich broth and adding a mild balance to the savory stew. For an extra twist, consider using jasmine rice or basmati rice for added fragrance.

2. Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

For a touch of sweetness, serve the stew with Hawaiian sweet rolls. These soft, slightly sweet rolls are perfect for soaking up the broth. They add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the meal. You can warm the rolls slightly in the oven for the ultimate experience.

3. Taro or Sweet Potato

For a more authentic Hawaiian twist, try serving your stew with taro or sweet potato. Taro, a root vegetable commonly found in Hawaiian cuisine, has a slightly nutty flavor and pairs well with the rich stew. Mashed sweet potatoes are also a great option, providing a naturally sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the stew.

4. Sautéed Greens

To balance the richness of the stew, serve it with a side of sautéed greens like spinach, kale, or collard greens. These leafy vegetables add color, nutrients, and a mild bitterness that complements the hearty stew. You can sauté them in a bit of olive oil with garlic for added flavor.

5. Add Fresh Cilantro or Green Onions

For a fresh burst of flavor, garnish your stew with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions. The herbal notes of cilantro provide a contrast to the stew’s warmth, while green onions add a slight crunch and freshness.

6. Pineapple Salsa or Chutney

For an extra tropical kick, serve your Hawaiian beef stew with pineapple salsa or chutney on the side. The sweet-tangy flavor of the pineapple works perfectly to balance the savory richness of the stew, giving you an authentic Hawaiian-inspired meal.

7. Pair with a Refreshing Drink

To complete the meal, consider serving your stew with a refreshing drink. Iced tea or a tropical fruit punch made with pineapple, orange, and mango juices would complement the flavors of the stew nicely.

These serving suggestions will not only enhance the flavor of your Hawaiian beef stew but also make the meal feel even more like a tropical getaway. Now that your meal is complete, you’ll be ready to enjoy the heartwarming flavors of this Hawaiian-inspired dish!

Conclusion

Your Hawaiian Beef Stew is more than just a meal – it’s a journey to the heart of the islands, where comforting, hearty flavors meet the warmth of tradition. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a family gathering, a cozy dinner, or a special occasion, its rich, tender beef and vibrant vegetables will satisfy everyone at the table.

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your tastes with simple tweaks and variations. Whether you’re using the Instant Pot for a quick cook or simmering it slowly on the stovetop for deep, savory flavor, this stew brings the best of Hawaiian cuisine to your kitchen.

The aromatic blend of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce mixed with tomato paste and beef broth gives you a savory base, while the tender beef and vegetables offer comforting bites in every spoonful. Plus, it’s easy to make in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones.

We hope this Hawaiian Beef Stew recipe brings a little taste of the islands to your table and fills your kitchen with comforting aromas. The perfect combination of tender beef, tropical flavors, and hearty vegetables is sure to become a family favorite.

Don’t forget to experiment with the pro tips and variations to make this recipe your own. Whether you add a touch of spice, extra veggies, or a twist of sweetness, your Hawaiian Beef Stew will always impress.

Enjoy, and happy cooking!

FAQs

These frequently asked questions should help you get the most out of your Hawaiian Beef Stew recipe. If you have any additional questions or need more tips, feel free to ask!