18 Delicious Recipes to Make with Stew Meat (Besides Stew)

If you have a package of stew meat and want to go beyond the classic beef stew, you’re in for a treat. Stew meat is flavorful, budget-friendly, and surprisingly versatile. Unlock new meal possibilities with these 18 creative recipes that showcase stew meat in everything from global comfort food to time-saving casseroles and quick skillet dinners.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• African Egusi Soup
• Mom Sykes’ Hungarian Goulash
• Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
• Beef Tips
• Savory Skillet Dishes
• Global Flavors with Stew Meat
• Other Stew Meat Recipes
• Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Beef stew meat is often sold in convenient, pre-cut cubes that are perfect for slow-cooking, braising, or even quick-cooking methods with the right recipe. While classic beef stew is a go-to, these 18 recipes prove you can use stew meat in a variety of delicious, hearty meals that will satisfy your cravings all year long.

Egusi Soup

Egusi Soup is an iconic West African dish, celebrated for its nutty flavor and satisfying texture. Stew meat is simmered with ground melon seeds (egusi), leafy greens, and aromatic spices. This rich, hearty soup is perfect served with pounded yam or fufu, and offers a nourishing spin on stew meat that is both exotic and family-friendly.

• Features: Rich, nutty, and spicy broth
• Key Ingredients: Stew meat, ground egusi seeds, spinach or kale, tomatoes, and assorted seasonings
• Best for: Adventurous eaters and fans of West African cuisine

Mom Sykes’ Hungarian Goulash

This old-world favorite pairs tender stew meat with sweet paprika, onions, and bell peppers in a comforting tomato-based sauce. Serve over egg noodles or spaetzle for a truly traditional experience.

• Features: Classic Eastern European flavors, hearty and warming
• Key Ingredients: Beef stew meat, sweet paprika, onions, tomatoes, green peppers
• Best for: Fans of European comfort food

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

This popular variation uses stew meat cooked low and slow until fork-tender, then finished with tangy sour cream and mushrooms for a luscious, creamy sauce. Serve over buttered noodles for a weeknight classic everyone will love.

• Features: Rich, creamy sauce with mushrooms
• Key Ingredients: Stew meat, mushrooms, sour cream, onion, garlic, beef broth
• Best for: Crowd-pleasing family dinners

Beef Tips

Beef tips are a comforting dish involving stew meat sautéed and simmered in a deeply savory sauce, often served over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. The sauce is typically thickened with flour or cornstarch and boosted with beef stock and onions for plenty of flavor.

• Features: Satisfying, gravy-rich dish
• Key Ingredients: Stew meat, beef broth, onions, flour or cornstarch
• Best for: Classic comfort food lovers

Savory Skillet and Casserole Dishes

Stew meat doesn’t have to be reserved for slow-cooked meals. Try these quick and comforting dinners that take advantage of stew meat’s hearty texture:

• Beef and Mushroom Skillet: Quickly sear stew meat with mushrooms, onions, and herbs for a one-pan meal. Serve with crusty bread.
• Southwestern Beef and Rice Casserole: Combine browned stew meat with tomatoes, peppers, corn, and cooked rice. Top with cheese and bake for a satisfying casserole.
• Beef and Potato Hash: Dice stew meat small and cook with potatoes, onions, and peppers for a breakfast-for-dinner treat.

Global Flavors with Stew Meat

Explore the world from your kitchen by preparing stew meat with bold spices and international flair:

• Brazilian Feijoada: A black bean and beef stew enriched with sausage, garlic, and spices. Serve with rice and orange wedges.
• Thai Basil Beef: Sauté stew meat with fresh basil, chilies, and a Thai-inspired sauce for a speedy meal over jasmine rice.
• Moroccan Beef Tagine: Braise stew meat with fragrant spices, dried apricots, and chickpeas for a sweet-savory North African dish.
• Beef Vindaloo: Stew meat is simmered with a tangy, spicy curry sauce, perfect with naan or steamed rice.

More Creative Stew Meat Recipes

Stew meat fits seamlessly in dozens of recipes, from stick-to-your-ribs comfort food to convenient make-ahead meals. Here are some more delicious options:

• Beef and Vegetable Pie: Fill a flaky pastry crust with tender beef, carrots, and peas in a savory gravy.
• Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef: A takeout favorite made easier with stew meat, soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar.
• Stew Meat Chili: Substitute stew meat for ground beef in your chili for extra heartiness. Let it simmer until fall-apart tender.
• Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: Brown stew meat with onions and bell peppers, top with provolone, and bake for an easy spin on the classic sandwich.
• Beef Bourguignon: The French classic is even better with stew meat, red wine, pearl onions, and mushrooms, slow-cooked to perfection.

Recipe Comparison Table

Tips for Cooking with Stew Meat

• Marinate for Flavor: A simple marinade with acid (like wine or vinegar) and aromatics can add depth.
• Don’t Rush the Cooking: Stew meat is tough at first but becomes fork-tender with slow, gentle cooking.
• Browning Adds Flavor: Sear stew meat before simmering to develop richer, more complex taste.
• Use in Pressure Cooker: For fast results, use a pressure cooker to achieve tenderness in less time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What cuts are used as stew meat?

A: Stew meat is typically cut from tougher, leaner cuts of beef such as chuck, round, or brisket. These cuts become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, making them ideal for braising, stewing, or simmering in sauces.

Q: How can I make stew meat tender?

A: The secret to tender stew meat is cooking it low and slow. Braising in liquid, using a slow cooker, or simmering gently on the stovetop allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in juicy, fork-tender meat.

Q: Can I use stew meat in quick recipes?

A: While stew meat is best suited for low-and-slow recipes, you can cut it smaller and cook it quickly in thin slices for stir-fries or skillet dishes. For best texture, avoid overcooking in fast recipes.

Q: How do I store leftover stew meat dishes?

A: Allow dishes to cool, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, or freeze for 2–3 months. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.

Q: Are these recipes adaptable for other meats?

A: Yes! While designed for beef stew meat, many can also be prepared with lamb or pork stew meat, given slight adjustments in seasoning and cook time.

Conclusion

Stew meat is more than just a stew staple. From rich African soups and comforting European classics to bold Asian and Latin-inspired meals, this humble ingredient brings savory satisfaction to your dinner table in countless ways. With these 18 versatile recipes, you’ll never be bored—or stuck with a plain stew—again.

Author

Srija Burman

 

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman