Cinnamon in beef stew?
Trust us on this one.
This cozy fall beef stew with Ceylon cinnamon, cayenne and sweet potatoes has everything we want when the weather finally starts to feel a little cooler—even if "cooler" in Tampa is still pretty warm!
The Ceylon cinnamon adds warmth without making the stew taste sweet. Our 90,000 heat unit cayenne pepper adds just enough heat to balance the sweet potatoes.
The result is a rich, hearty fall dinner that's a little different from your usual beef stew.
And you can find the spices for it in bulk at Life Essentials Refillery in South Tampa.
Ceylon Cinnamon & Cayenne Fall Beef Stew
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: About 2 hours
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- A tiny pinch of 90,000 SHU cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
How to Make It
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
Season the beef lightly with salt and pepper. Brown it in batches so the pieces have room to develop a nice crust. Remove the browned beef and set it aside.
Lower the heat slightly and add the onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, then add the garlic and tomato paste.
Now add the Ceylon cinnamon, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme and a very small pinch of cayenne.
Stir for about 30 seconds. Your kitchen should smell amazing.
Return the beef to the pot.
Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 1 1/2 hours.
Add the carrots and sweet potatoes.
Continue cooking for another 25–35 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Taste before serving and adjust the salt and cayenne as needed.
Why Put Cinnamon in Beef Stew?
Cinnamon isn't only for cookies and oatmeal.
It's used in savory cooking around the world, especially in Middle Eastern, North African, Mediterranean and South Asian dishes.
The key is not using too much.
Ceylon cinnamon works particularly well because its flavor is more delicate than common cassia cinnamon.
You shouldn't take a bite of this stew and think:
"Cinnamon!"
Instead, it adds a subtle warmth and depth that makes you wonder why the stew tastes so good.
Why Add Cayenne?
This is where things get fun.
Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness.
Ceylon cinnamon brings warmth.
Cayenne brings heat.
Put them together with slow-cooked beef and you get a wonderful balance of savory, sweet, warm and spicy flavors.
But our cayenne is 90,000 Scoville Heat Units, so start small.
Seriously.
Tiny pinch.
You can always add more.
What to Serve With This Fall Beef Stew
This is hearty enough to be dinner all by itself, but it's also delicious with:
- Crusty bread
- Rice
- Couscous
- Farro
- Mashed potatoes
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
And definitely save the leftovers.
Like most good stews, it may taste even better the next day.
Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?
Yes!
Brown the beef first for the best flavor.
Then add the beef, onion, garlic, tomato paste, tomatoes, broth and spices to your slow cooker.
Cook on LOW for about 7–8 hours or HIGH for about 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender.
Add the sweet potatoes and carrots later in the cooking time if you prefer them firmer.
Where Can I Buy Ceylon Cinnamon and Cayenne in Tampa?
Both spices are available at Life Essentials Refillery in South Tampa.
Life Essentials Refillery
4317 W El Prado Blvd
Tampa, FL 33629
We carry a growing selection of bulk spices, herbs, teas and pantry staples.
That means you don't have to buy another entire spice jar just to make one recipe.
Bring a clean container from home and refill it with what you need.
Fall Beef Stew FAQ
Does cinnamon taste good with beef?
Yes. Cinnamon can add warmth and depth to savory beef dishes. The trick is using enough to enhance the other flavors without making the dish taste strongly of cinnamon.
Is Ceylon cinnamon good for savory recipes?
Absolutely. Its mild flavor makes Ceylon cinnamon especially useful in savory dishes, including stews, curries, braised meats and spice blends.
Is 90,000 SHU cayenne very hot?
Yes. Cayenne rated at 90,000 Scoville Heat Units is quite hot. Start with a very small amount and add more after tasting.
Can I leave out the cayenne?
Yes. The stew will still have plenty of flavor without it. You can also add cayenne individually at the table for people who want more heat.
Can I make this fall beef stew ahead of time?
Yes. This is a great make-ahead dinner. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stove.
Where can I buy Ceylon cinnamon in Tampa?
You can find Ceylon cinnamon at Life Essentials Refillery, 4317 W El Prado Blvd, Tampa, FL 33629, in South Tampa.
Where can I buy cayenne pepper in Tampa?
Life Essentials Refillery carries 90,000 heat unit cayenne pepper as part of our bulk spice selection in South Tampa.
Where can I buy bulk spices in South Tampa?
Life Essentials Refillery carries bulk spices, herbs and teas in South Tampa. Buy a little for one recipe or refill the spice jars you already have.
Your Fall Spice Cabinet Starts Here
Fall cooking doesn't have to mean pumpkin spice everything.
Ceylon cinnamon, cayenne, cumin and smoked paprika can turn an ordinary pot of beef stew into something completely different.
Stop by Life Essentials Refillery in South Tampa, refill your spice jars and give this recipe a try.
Just don't forget our rule for that 90,000 SHU cayenne:
Start small!
Life Essentials Refillery
4317 W El Prado Blvd
Tampa, FL 33629
Buy what you need. Refill what you already have. Waste less.