Tropical Hawaiian Beef Stew (Slow Cooker) (2024)

This Hawaiian Beef Stew Recipe is a new tropical twist on the traditional Hawaiian local beef stew. Made easy in a slow cooker, this version is a delicious blend of sweet, savory, salty, and umami - you'll love the mango and pineapple in it!

Why You'll ❤️ Slow Cooker Hawaiian Beef Stew

"Think Hawaiian local beef stew amped up with tropical fruit, aromatics, herbs, and spices for a delicious umami flavor! It's easy and delicious in the slow cooker too!"

Local Beef Stew

Hawaiian Beef Stew is called "local beef stew" on the island. According to the locals, the main difference between mainland beef stew and Hawaiian beef stew is that "local beef stew" is made with tomato paste and tomatoes added for a slight sweetness.

Our take on this tradition: add tropical fruits and Asian fusion flavors like ginger, soy, and garlic to really amp it up!

Flavor

Seriously good flavor! Think traditional beef stew but amped up with fire-roasted tomatoes, pineapple, mango, and loaded with chunks of tender beef, vegetables, herbs, and spices. A perfect combination of salty and sweet, savory and umami. Oh yeah.

Easy

Many ingredients for this stew may already be in your pantry or fridge! The dried mango may not be, but it is easy to find in your local grocery store.

Sear the beef and vegetables ahead of time (optional), the add most of the ingredients into the slow cooker to cook on low for approximately 6 to 8 hours.

Healthy

You'll love this healthy homemade stew recipe!

• It's high in protein and vegetables, with only 372 calories per serving.
• To make this gluten-free use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• To reduce sugar and carbs, omit the pineapple, pineapple juice, mango, and potatoes. Replace 1 cup of pineapple juice with beef broth.

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Crock Pot Beef Stew Hawaiian Style Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to make Hawaiian beef stew:

• Unrefined Coconut Oil or Olive Oil - is used for searing beef stew meat and vegetables. Use your preferred oil.
• Beef Stew Meat - purchase pre-cut stew meat at your local grocery store. Otherwise, choose your favorite cut of steak, or a boneless chuck roast and cut it into bite-size pieces.
• Salt
• Ground Black Pepper
• Onion - choose your favorite kind, it is suggested to use yellow, white, or sweet onion in this recipe.
• Celery
• Carrots
• Garlic - mince fresh garlic or use store-bought. pre-minced garlic.
• New Baby Potatoes - use these kinds of potatoes, or you can use your preferred kind. Be sure to cut larger potatoes into bite-size pieces before slow cooking.
• Beef Broth - use low sodium, reduced fat, or any other preferred kind of beef broth. Substitute with vegetable broth if you would like!
• Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes - you can find these canned at your local grocery store in with the other canned tomatoes.
• Tomato Paste
• Dried Mango - be sure to get it unsweetened to reduce the sugar in this recipe.
• Soy Sauce - use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
• Ginger Paste - you can normally find this near the fresh produce section near the fresh herbs. If you can't find paste, grate fesh ginger.
• Bay Leaves
• Green Bell Pepper - you can substitute with a different colored pepper if preferred.
• No Sugar-Added Pineapple Chunks - feel free to use any variety of canned pineapple chunks. In this recipe, no sugar added is used to reduce sugar content. Drain and reserve the juice.
• Green Onions
• Optional - coconut milk, cornstarch (optional thickener)

How To Make Hawaiian Beef Stew

Sear The Beef

Dry the beef cubes with paper towels. Season the beef chunks with half a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in several batches, place beef in a single layer (do not overcrowd). Sear the beef for 3 to 5 minutes, turning it, so they brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

Time-saver option: only sear half of the beef cubes with minimal flavor loss. Or, skip the browning step and add 2 teaspoons of beef bouillon base.

Saute Vegetables

Add the onion, celery, and carrots to the skillet. Saute until the vegetables start to brown, and add one-quarter cup of beef broth to de-glaze the bottom of the pan. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes and loosen the bits off the bottom of the pan.

Time-saver option: do not saute the vegetables and de-glaze the pan, place the raw vegetables directly into the crockpot.

Add Ingredients To Crock Pot

Transfer the onion, celery, and carrots to the crockpot. Top with the seared beef (plus any reserved juices). Add potatoes, garlic, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, reserved pineapple juice, dried mango, soy sauce, ginger, and bay leaves.

Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or until the beef and vegetables are tender.

Add Bell Pepper and Pineapple

Add bell pepper and one and a half cups of pineapple in the last hour of cooking.

Add Optional Step

Thicken The Stew

In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat coconut milk in a microwave for 1 to 1 and a half minutes until very warm. Whisk in the cornstarch with the coconut milk. Add mixture to the crockpot. Stir well to incorporate.

Let the stew continue to cook with the lid off until thickened, about 15 to 30 minutes.

Finish

Stir in the green onions, and adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

What Goes With Hawaiian Beef Stew?

Garnish the top with fresh sliced green onion, freshly chopped parsley, sour cream, or shredded cheese.

This stew pairs well with a variety of sides, here are some ideas:

• White rice is the most traditional way to serve it in Hawaii (it also soaks up the delicious juices!).
• A side of favorite fresh bread or rolls.
• Macaroni salad.
• Tropical fruit salad.
• Steamed vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green beans.
• Poi, a traditional Hawaiian staple made of starchy taro root.

Variations

• Add brown sugar or brown sugar substitute to add a bit more sweetness to your stew. Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons and increase to your desired taste.
• Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes, chipotle, or your favorite hot sauce!
• Substitute the beef stew meat with either pork, chicken, or cubed spam.
• Omit the stew meat and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian!

Top Tips

FAQs

More Stew Recipes

If you are looking for more delicious stew recipes, check out these chilis and stews:

• Green Chili Pork Stew Recipe
• Slow Cooker Pork Stew with Apples and Cider
• Leftover Lamb Stew
• Irish Stew (Slow Cooker)
• Lamb Stew Recipe
• Easy White Chicken Chili
• Chipotle Peach Vegan Chili (Crock Pot)
• No Bean Chili Recipe (Slow Cooker)
• Savory Ground Beef Chili Recipe