Are you tired of the same old beef stew every time you have stew meat on hand? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other delicious and budget-friendly meals you can make with this versatile cut of meat.
From enchiladas to chili, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we’ll explore some creative and tasty recipe ideas that use beef stew meat in ways you may not have thought of before.
So, let’s break out of the stew rut and discover some new and exciting ways to cook with this affordable cut of beef.
What To Do With Beef Stew Meat Besides Stew?
1. Beef Stroganoff: This classic dish is a great way to use up stew meat. Simply sauté the beef with onions and mushrooms, then add sour cream and serve over egg noodles.
2. Enchiladas: Use stew meat as a filling for enchiladas, along with cheese, beans, and your favorite salsa.
3. Beef Paprikash: This Hungarian dish is made with tender beef, paprika, and sour cream. Serve it over egg noodles or with crusty bread.
4. Slow Cooker Pepper Steak: Cook stew meat with bell peppers and onions in a slow cooker for a flavorful and easy meal.
5. Korean Beef: Make a Korean-inspired beef dish by marinating stew meat in soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, then stir-frying it with vegetables.
6. Chili: Use stew meat instead of ground beef in your favorite chili recipe for a heartier and more flavorful dish.
7. Beef Tacos: Season stew meat with taco seasoning and cook it up for delicious beef tacos.
8. Meatballs: Mix stew meat with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings to make flavorful meatballs that can be served with pasta or on their own.
9. Beef Curry: Use stew meat in a spicy curry dish with coconut milk, ginger, and curry powder.
10. Shepherd’s Pie: Top cooked stew meat with mashed potatoes and bake for a comforting Shepherd’s Pie.
Enchiladas: A Flavorful Twist On Stew Meat
Enchiladas are a delicious and flavorful way to use up stew meat. Instead of the traditional ground beef filling, try using stew meat for a heartier and more tender texture. To make beef enchiladas, simply sauté the stew meat with onions and spices until browned and tender. Then, mix in some shredded cheese, beans, and your favorite salsa. Roll the mixture up in corn tortillas and place them in a baking dish. Top with more salsa and cheese, and bake in the oven until bubbly and golden brown. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped cilantro for a delicious twist on classic enchiladas. This recipe is quick and easy to make, taking only 15 minutes to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Chili: A Classic Dish With A Beefy Upgrade
Chili is a classic dish that is perfect for a chilly evening or a game day gathering. Traditionally made with ground beef, chili can also be made with beef stew meat for a heartier and more flavorful dish. Stew meat is a great option for chili because it becomes fork-tender after cooking, adding a delicious texture to the dish.
To make chili with stew meat, start by browning the meat in a pot with onions and garlic. Add in your favorite chili seasonings, such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika, along with canned tomatoes and beans. Let the chili simmer for at least an hour to allow all the flavors to meld together.
For an extra boost of flavor, try adding a few strips of bacon to your pot of chili. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then set it aside and use the rendered fat to cook your chili ingredients. Crumble the cooked bacon over the top of your finished chili for added smokiness and meatiness.
Serve your beef stew meat chili topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped onions. Pair it with cornbread or tortilla chips for a delicious and satisfying meal. With stew meat as a key ingredient, your next pot of chili is sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.
Stir-Fry: A Quick And Easy Weeknight Meal
Stir-fry is a great way to use up stew meat for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Start by marinating the beef in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes. Then, stir-fry the beef with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, broccoli, and carrots. Serve over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. You can also add some heat with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce. Stir-fry is a versatile meal that allows you to use up any vegetables you have on hand, making it a great option for using up leftovers in your fridge. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to takeout that you can customize to your liking.
Shepherd’s Pie: A Comforting Casserole For Cold Nights
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic casserole dish that is perfect for cold nights. This comforting meal has its origins in Ireland, where it was created by resourceful women who combined leftovers to create a hearty and delicious meal. The basic structure of Shepherd’s Pie is a savory minced lamb filling topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. However, ground beef can also be used as a substitute for lamb.
To make Shepherd’s Pie, start by browning the stew meat in a Dutch oven with onions and other vegetables such as carrots and celery. This will impart a rich, deep flavor to the filling. Then, add some beef broth and let it simmer until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together. Once the filling is ready, top it with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes and bake it in the oven until golden brown.
Shepherd’s Pie is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes. For example, you can add cheese to the mashed potatoes or sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top for added texture. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to give the filling a unique flavor.
This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping. It can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed. The leftovers are just as delicious and can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Beef And Broccoli: A Chinese Takeout Favorite Made At Home
Beef and broccoli is a popular Chinese takeout dish that can easily be made at home. It’s a healthier option than most takeout meals and is packed with flavor. The dish consists of juicy, tender beef and crisp broccoli brought together in a rich brown sauce. It’s colorful, delicious, and can be served over hot rice for an authentic Chinese takeout experience.
Making beef and broccoli at home is easy and can save you money compared to ordering takeout. This recipe is extra saucy and quick to prepare, without requiring a wok. You can use a flat skillet and still get that restaurant-style taste. Plus, you can cook everything in one pan, so there’s no need for extra blanching for the broccoli.
To make this dish, start by shaking the beef stew meat in a resealable plastic bag with flour and seasoning salt until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a skillet and add the floured stew meat to the pan, browning it on all sides. Remove using a slotted spoon or tongs and place into the bottom of a slow cooker. Season with pepper.
Saute diced onion in the same hot skillet for 2 minutes, then transfer the onions into the slow cooker as well. Pour Worcestershire sauce, water, and beef demi-glace (or Swanson Flavor Boost or Better than Bouillon) into the skillet and whisk until mixed, making sure to scrape up any browned bits in the bottom of the pan. Turn off the heat and set aside.
Add diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Pour the broth/Worcestershire mixture in the crockpot as well. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Beef and broccoli is an easy dish to make at home that’s healthier than takeout and just as delicious. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for impressing guests with your homemade Chinese cuisine skills. Give it a try and you won’t be disappointed!
Kabobs: A Fun And Festive Way To Grill Stew Meat
If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to grill stew meat, kabobs are the perfect solution. Kabobs are a great way to use up stew meat, as they allow the meat to cook evenly and stay juicy. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and marinades.
To make beef stew meat kabobs, start by marinating the meat in your favorite marinade for at least an hour, up to four hours. Then, thread the meat onto skewers along with bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or any other vegetables you like. Grill the kabobs over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked to your desired doneness.
Some great marinade options for beef stew meat kabobs include a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, cardamom, salt, and pepper or a Hawaiian-inspired marinade with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and pineapple juice. You can also serve the kabobs with a yogurt dipping sauce or classic tzatziki for a Mediterranean twist.
Kabobs are always a fun and easy dinner option with hardly any cleanup or they’re great for entertaining and even make fantastic leftovers. Whether you’re grilling outside in the summer or using a grill pan indoors in the winter, kabobs are a delicious and festive way to enjoy stew meat in a new and exciting way.
