6 Bold Caribbean Beef Entrees

Get the recipe for Chef Irie’s Picadillo Meatballs in Tomato Basil Sauce

Carnivores rejoice! We’ve shared a selection of interesting salads. Now it’s time to pay attention to the meat with some awesome Caribbean beef entrees!

Caribbeans traditionally prepare their beef in many different ways, but very rarely in fillet mignon fashion, likely because historically the poorer folk had to use lesser cuts of meat. As such, you’ll find a lot of ground, shredded and sliced meat dishes, prepared in stew, soup and “other” format… but all equally as yummy!

Interestingly, in heavily Indian populations like that in Trinidad, many don’t eat beef because of their strong Hindu heritage. Seventh Day Adventists, numerous in islands like Jamaica, eat no red meat, pork or shellfish. Many Rastafarians eat no animal protein at all. Still, across the islands beef is common, every day fare. If you are a proud carnivore, check out these 5 bold beef entrees.

1. Chef Irie’s Picadillo Meatballs

Chef Irie’s Picadillo Meatballs put an Italian spin on a Latin favorite. Picadillo is a spicy, seasoned blend of ground meat popular throughout the Spanish-speaking islands. Chef’s version rolls them into meatballs and bathes them in a light tomato basil sauce. Get the recipe.

2. Cuban Ropa Vieja

Ropa Vieja, translation “old clothes”, is a traditional Cuban dish that consists of shredded beef served over rice or on tortillas and is usually accompanied by sour cream, cheese and cilantro. Keep in mind that the best type of beef to use when making Cuban Ropa Vieja is flank steak because it shreds nicely and retains the most flavor. Get the recipe.

Click the image to get the Cuban Ropa Vieja recipe

3. Beef Empanadas

These little baked or fried meat pies are extremely popular in Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. They may be called “Pastelillos de Carne” when you’re in these islands. They’re fairly easy to make and can be served as a snack, appetizer or complete meal. Get the recipe.

Click the image the get the Beef Empanadas recipe

4. Jamaican Oxtail

 Authentic Jamaican oxtail stew is usually served with fava or broad beans over a bed of traditional rice and peas. Use a pressure cooker or slow cook the meat so you’ll end up with tender, juicy pieces. Get the recipe.

Click the image for the Jamaican Oxtail recipe

5. Dominican Stew

This savory beef stew called “Carne Guisada” is a staple dish in the Dominican community because it’s affordable to make in large batches and is bursting with flavor. Get the recipe.

Click the image to get the recipe for Carne Guisada

6. Red Peas Soup

Rich and decadent, Jamaican Red Peas Soup (actually made with red kidney beans) is thick, creamy and full of meat, dumplings and ground provisions, making it perfect for a summer starter or a warming winter meal. The traditional recipe calls for stewing beef along with salted pig tails or ham hocks. Get the recipe.

Click the image to get the Red Peas Soup recipe

Share your Caribbean beef entrees

Be sure to take photos of your own beef based creations and share them on our facebook page, pinterest or instagram using the hashtag #tastetheislands so we can share them with our community!