What To Make With Stew Meat | Best Stew Meat Recipes

What Is Stew Meat? 

Stew meat is a cut of beef that has been cut into cubes and cooked in liquid over low heat. It is usually made from tougher cuts of beef, such as chuck or round roast, which have more connective tissue than other cuts. The slow-cooking process breaks down the connective tissue and makes the meat more tender and flavorful.

How To Make Stew Meat? 

Making stew meat is a simple process that yields flavorful and tender results. To begin, you will need to choose the right cut of beef. Chuck roast or round steak are both good choices for making stew meat. Trim away any excess fat from the beef and cut it into cubes of equal size, roughly one inch in length.

Next, season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. For an even more flavorful stew, you may also add herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the seasoning mix. Place the seasoned beef cubes in a plastic bag or shallow dish and pour enough oil over them to lightly coat each piece. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef cubes to the pan in a single layer. Cook the cubes until they are nicely browned on all sides, stirring occasionally.

Once the beef is cooked, add it to a large pot along with some chopped onions, garlic, carrots and potatoes. Pour in enough liquid (such as stock or water) so that the vegetables are covered and the beef cubes are just barely submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, cover with a lid and simmer for 1 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender.

Tips Making Stew Meat

• Choose the right cut of beef: Chuck roast or round steak are both good choices for making stew meat.
• Trim away any excess fat from the beef and cut it into cubes of equal size.
• Season the beef cubes with salt, pepper and herbs for extra flavor.
• Heat a large skillet and add the beef cubes in a single layer.
• Cook the cubes until they are nicely browned on all sides, stirring occasionally.
• Add the beef to a pot with vegetables and liquid; cover and simmer until the beef is tender.

Making stew meat is an easy way to transform this inexpensive cut of beef into something truly delicious. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a hearty meal that’s sure to please. So grab some beef, follow these tips and get cooking.

Unleashing Maximum Flavor

When working with stew meat, keep these tips in mind to draw out the most flavor:

Cooking Techniques

While braising remains a tried and true method, also consider:

• Simmering: Gentle heat in liquid cooks meat while retaining texture. Great for chili.
• Slow cooking: Low and slow breaks down meat over time. Toss in a crockpot and walk away.
• Pressure cooking: Achieves fall-apart texture in a fraction of traditional cook times.

Browning Bonus

For extra depth of flavor, brown the stew meat in batches before adding to your dish. Maillard reactions produce savory notes.

What To Make With Stew Meat?

Hearty Classic Dishes

These familiar flavors showcase stew meat’s ability to transform with long cooking times.

• Beef Chili: Simmer cubed stew meat with beans, tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, spices, and beer for a hearty, crowd-pleasing chili. Top with cheese, sour cream, etc.
• Beef Bourguignon: For French elegance, braise stew meat in red wine with mushrooms, pearl onions, bacon, and herbs. Serve over buttery egg noodles.
• Goulash: In this Hungarian treat, beef braises in paprika, caraway and veggies like potatoes, peppers and carrots. Dumplings soak up the rich sauce.

International Flavor Adventures

Look to global cuisines for more inspiration on elevating economical stew meat:

• Beef Enchiladas: Shred braised beef and stuff into tortillas with Monterey Jack cheese. Smother with red or green enchilada sauce and more cheese.
• Korean Bulgogi: Thinly slice stew meat against the grain and marinate in a sweet and savory sauce with soy, sesame, garlic, ginger and gochujang. Grill or stir-fry. Serve over rice.
• Moroccan Tagine: Braised stew meat combines with warm North African spices like cumin, cinnamon, paprika and ginger. Simmer with veggies like potatoes, carrots, olives and dried fruit.

Beyond the Spoon: Unexpected Applications

Think outside the bowl! Stew meat also shines in these dishes:

• Beef Pot Pie: Picture a flaky, buttery crust filled with tender beef, veggies like peas and carrots, and a simple gravy. Comfort food at its finest!
• Beef Stroganoff: Slice stew meat into strips and simmer in a sauce of beef broth, onions, mushrooms and sour cream. Toss with egg noodles for a creamy, classic stroganoff.

Conclusion: What To Make With Stew Meat

Making stew meat is simple and fun, with the right ingredients and tools you can transform this inexpensive cut of beef into something truly delicious. From traditional stews to unique dishes like tacos or burritos, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your stewed beef. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal for your family or just want something different to mix up your meal plan, stew meat is a great option. So grab some beef, follow these tips and get cooking.