Stew meat is a versatile and affordable ingredient that can turn into a variety of flavorful and hearty meals. Whether you’re making a classic beef stew or experimenting with new flavors, stew meat can be used in so many delicious ways. In this blog post, we’ll explore a few mouthwatering stew meat recipes that are perfect for cozy nights at home, along with some handy tools and kitchen essentials you can find on Amazon to make your cooking experience even easier!
What is Stew Meat?
Stew meat typically comes from tougher cuts of beef, such as chuck or round, which benefit from slow cooking to become tender and flavorful. When simmered in a stew or braised in a hearty sauce, stew meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and absorbs all the flavors of the dish. It’s an affordable cut that, when cooked properly, can be transformed into a delicious and satisfying meal.
Recipe #1: Classic Beef Stew
There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of classic beef stew. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a chilly day.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb stew meat (chuck or round works best)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 onions, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
Sear the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the stew meat with salt and pepper, and sear it on all sides until browned. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Make the Stew: Add the flour to the pot and stir well to combine. Gradually pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the seared stew meat, potatoes, carrots, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Finish and Serve: Stir in the peas and cook for another 5-10 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy this cozy classic!
Recommended Tools:
For this recipe, you’ll need a sturdy Dutch oven or large pot. I recommend the Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven, which is perfect for slow cooking and retaining heat.
Recipe #2: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This slow-cooker version of beef stew is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a warm, comforting meal. Just toss everything in the crockpot in the morning, and let the slow cooking work its magic.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb stew meat (chuck or round)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 4 large potatoes, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prep the Ingredients: Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker: stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, rosemary, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and salt and pepper.
Slow Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the stew hot with crusty bread on the side.
Recommended Tools:
A reliable slow cooker is key to this recipe. Consider the Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, which can handle large batches and has a locking lid for easy transport if needed.
Recipe #3: Beef Stroganoff with Stew Meat
If you’re in the mood for something creamy and rich, try this beef stroganoff recipe using stew meat. It’s quick, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb stew meat (chuck or round)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked egg noodles for serving
Instructions:
Sear the Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the stew meat with salt and pepper, then sear until browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Make the Sauce: Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the Dijon mustard, then return the stew meat to the pan. Let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes until the meat is tender.
Finish the Stroganoff: Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve over egg noodles and enjoy!
Recommended Tools:
For searing the stew meat and making the sauce, a good non-stick skillet or sauté pan is essential. I recommend the T-fal Nonstick Fry Pan, which offers even heat distribution and is easy to clean.
Recipe #4: Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry
Stew meat can also be used for stir-fry recipes. This quick and easy stir-fry combines tender stew meat with colorful veggies in a savory sauce for a healthy, flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb stew meat (chuck or round), thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prep the Meat: Slice the stew meat into thin strips. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch to make a marinade. Add the meat to the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Stir-Fry the Meat: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated stew meat and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Add Vegetables: Add the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, onion, and garlic to the pan and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.
Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve the stir-fry hot over rice or noodles.
Recommended Tools:
A quality wok or skillet is perfect for stir-frying. The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is a great option for even heat distribution and lasting durability.
Final Thoughts
Stew meat is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in many different recipes, from hearty stews to stir-fries to creamy comfort foods like stroganoff. By utilizing simple, everyday ingredients, you can create delicious meals that are sure to satisfy the whole family. Whether you’re using a slow cooker or a stovetop, the right kitchen tools make the cooking process much easier. Make sure to check out the recommended items linked throughout the post to elevate your cooking experience!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your next meal featuring stew meat!
