Recipes that use stew meat: Easy and Versatile Dishes

Introduction

Stew meat is one of the most affordable cuts of beef you can buy, and it’s incredibly versatile. Perfect for hearty stews, slow-cooked dishes, and even stir-fries, stew meat is a great go-to for family meals. In this article, we’ll dive into savory recipes that use stew meat and provide you with cooking tips, from preparation to serving. Whether you’re making a classic beef stew, trying something international like bulgogi, or making a quick stir-fry, stew meat is perfect for transforming any meal.

Why Stew Meat is the Ultimate Choice for Hearty Dishes

Stew meat is typically made from tougher cuts of beef such as chuck or round, which contain significant amounts of connective tissue and collagen. These cuts are generally less expensive and can be tougher when cooked quickly. However, when cooked slowly at low temperatures, the connective tissue breaks down, releasing gelatin and rendering the meat incredibly tender and flavorful.

Because of this, stew meat is perfect for braising or slow cooking, which allows the flavors to infuse into the beef over time. Slow cookers, Instant Pots, and pressure cookers are excellent tools for maximizing the tenderness of stew meat. The longer you cook it, the more flavorful and tender it becomes.

Stew meat is also extremely versatile and works well in soups, stews, chili, and even international dishes like bulgogi or birria. Additionally, stew meat is very budget-friendly, making it a great choice for families who want to enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.Try mixing it with our Ditalini Pasta Recipe

1. Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Recipes 

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is a classic comfort food, and using stew meat in the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, resulting in tender, flavorful beef in a creamy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb stew meat
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Brown the meat: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the stew meat to develop a rich flavor.
2. Combine in slow cooker: Add the browned meat, onions, garlic, mushrooms, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
3. Slow cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to infuse.
4. Finish the dish: Thirty minutes before serving, mix sour cream and flour, then add to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
5. Serve: Serve the beef stroganoff over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Pro Tip: For additional slow cooking tips, check out this article on slow cooker meal hacks.

Beef Stew Chili

This hearty chili recipe, made with stew meat, is perfect for colder months or for feeding a crowd. The rich, spicy flavor from the slow cooking process makes it a favorite in many households.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb stew meat
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Sear the meat: Brown the stew meat in a skillet to develop a deep, savory flavor.
2. Sauté the veggies: Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until softened.
3. Combine and cook: Transfer the meat and vegetables to a slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Serve: Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

This hearty beef stew chili is the ultimate comfort food for a cold evening and is perfect for meal prepping.

2. International Recipes with Stew Meat 

Stew meat is perfect for international recipes due to its ability to absorb deep, bold flavors from marinades and spices. Here are two mouthwatering international dishes that use stew meat.

Beef Bulgogi (Korean BBQ)

Bulgogi is a beloved Korean dish featuring marinated beef that is grilled or stir-fried. The marinade for bulgogi includes soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sugar, giving the meat a balanced mix of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb stew meat, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp green onions, chopped

Steps:

1. Marinate the beef: Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Add the thinly sliced stew meat and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Stir-fry the beef: Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the marinated beef for 5-7 minutes until it’s cooked through.
3. Serve: Serve the bulgogi over steamed rice or wrap it in lettuce for a low-carb option. Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and a side of kimchi.

This Korean dish is perfect for anyone looking to try Asian-inspired beef recipes.

For more Korean recipes, check out our guide on Traditional Korean Dishes

Birria (Mexican Stew)

Birria is a traditional Mexican stew made with beef, often served with tortillas or used as a filling for tacos. This spicy, flavorful dish is typically slow-cooked for hours to create tender meat and a rich broth.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb stew meat
• 3 dried guajillo chiles
• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Prepare the chiles: Remove the seeds from the dried chiles and soak them in hot water for about 20 minutes.
2. Make the marinade: Blend the soaked chiles, garlic, cumin, onion, and beef broth to form a smooth sauce.
3. Braise the beef: Brown the stew meat in a pot, then add the marinade and cinnamon stick. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
4. Serve: Enjoy the birria as a stew or serve in soft corn tortillas with onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

3. Quick Stir-Fries and Grilled Recipes 

Sometimes, you need a quick and easy dish that’s full of flavor but doesn’t take all day to prepare. Stew meat can be used in stir-fries or grilled dishes that only take minutes to cook.

Cambodian Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers

This Cambodian-style grilled beef is marinated in lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce for an aromatic and savory flavor. Stew meat stays tender when grilled, making this dish a perfect choice for outdoor cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb stew meat, thinly sliced
• 1 stalk lemongrass, minced
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

Steps:

1. Marinate the beef: Mix the lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar together in a bowl. Add the sliced stew meat and marinate for at least 1 hour.
2. Grill the skewers: Thread the beef onto skewers and grill for about 5 minutes per side, until the meat is cooked through.
3. Serve: Serve with jasmine rice and a side of pickled vegetables.

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

For a healthier take on the classic Philly cheesesteak, try making stuffed peppers. This recipe uses stew meat to create a beef filling that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 lb stew meat, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Prepare the peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the bell peppers in half and remove the seeds.
2. Cook the filling: In a skillet, sauté the onions and green bell pepper until soft. Add the diced stew meat, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
3. Assemble the dish: Place the halved peppers in a baking dish. Stuff them with the cooked meat mixture, then pour beef broth into the bottom of the dish.
4. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with provolone cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve: Serve hot and enjoy the healthy twist on a Philly cheesesteak!

4. Budget-Friendly Stew Meat Recipes

One of the best things about stew meat is that it allows you to create a variety of filling, delicious meals without spending a lot of money. Here are two easy, budget-friendly stew meat recipes that can feed a family.

Beef and Vegetable Soup

This comforting soup is perfect for cooler days and is a great way to use stew meat. With a variety of vegetables and a flavorful broth, it’s both hearty and healthy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb stew meat
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup green beans
• Salt, pepper, and herbs to taste

Steps:

1. Brown the meat: In a large pot, brown the stew meat with a little oil to develop flavor.
2. Add the vegetables: Add onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans to the pot, and cook for a few minutes.
3. Simmer: Add the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 1-2 hours, until the meat is tender and the flavors meld together.
4. Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs.
5. Serve: Serve hot, with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole is an easy, one-pan meal that combines stew meat, rice, and vegetables into a comforting, filling dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb stew meat
• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup peas or mixed vegetables
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Brown the meat: In a skillet, brown the stew meat over medium heat.
2. Prepare the casserole: In a large casserole dish, combine the browned meat, rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and vegetables.
3. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the dish is bubbly.
4. Serve: Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Final Tips for Cooking with Stew Meat

• Cutting and Preparing Stew Meat: If you’re using stew meat for a recipe like stir-fry or grilling, you can ask your butcher to cut the meat into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This can help it cook faster and evenly.
• Use a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: Stew meat benefits from slow cooking, so using a slow cooker or Instant Pot can help tenderize the meat and deepen the flavors without constant supervision.
• Add Acidity for Tenderness: Adding a little vinegar or lemon juice to your stews or marinades can help break down the tough fibers of stew meat, making it even more tender.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best way to cook stew meat?

The best way to cook stew meat is by slow cooking, braising, or using a pressure cooker. These methods help break down the tough fibers, making the meat tender and flavorful. A slow cooker is especially ideal for stews, while the Instant Pot offers a quicker alternative.

2. Can I use stew meat in stir-fry recipes?

Yes! Although stew meat is typically tougher, you can use it in stir-fries by slicing it thinly against the grain. Marinating the meat beforehand also helps tenderize it and infuse flavor.

3. Can I freeze stew meat?

Absolutely! Stew meat can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. Just ensure it’s properly wrapped in airtight packaging or a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.

4. How do I prevent stew meat from being tough?

To avoid tough stew meat, slow cook it at low temperatures. This process allows the connective tissue to break down and become tender. Additionally, marinating the meat or adding acidic ingredients like vinegar can help tenderize it.

5. What are some variations of beef stew recipes?

There are countless variations of beef stew, such as adding root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or potatoes, and incorporating different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. For a spicier version, you can add chili peppers or a touch of paprika.

Conclusion

By using these tips and recipes, you’ll be able to enjoy hearty, delicious meals using affordable stew meat. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or cooking up international flavors, stew meat provides a versatile base that you can adapt to any cuisine or dietary preference don’t forget to try it ou with our Ditalini Pasta Recipe. Happy cooking!