Stew meat usually means bite-size pieces of beef that are best for slow cooking. Here’s a clear, helpful breakdown and how to use it 👇
What Is Stew Meat?
- Most commonly cut from beef chuck (shoulder area)
- Tough but very flavorful
- Becomes tender when cooked low and slow
Store-bought stew meat is often mixed cuts. For best results, buy a chuck roast and cut it yourself.
Best Ways to Cook Stew Meat
✅ Slow Cooking (Best)
- Beef stew
- Pot roast-style dishes
- Crockpot meals
✅ Braising
- Beef tips
- Gravies
- Smothered beef
❌ Not Good For
- Grilling
- Quick frying
- Stir-frying (will be tough)
How to Cook Stew Meat Properly
1. Brown First (Important!)
- Pat meat dry
- Season with salt & pepper
- Brown in oil on all sides before adding liquid
2. Add Liquid
- Beef broth, water, or broth + wine
3. Cook Low & Slow
- Stovetop: 1½–2 hours
- Slow cooker: 6–8 hours (low)
Simple Stew Meat Recipe (Quick Guide)
Ingredients
- 1–2 lbs stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder
Instructions
- Brown meat in oil.
- Add onion and seasonings.
- Pour in broth.
- Cover and simmer 1½–2 hours until tender.
Tips
- If meat is tough, it needs more time, not less
- Acid (tomato, wine) helps tenderize
- Don’t boil—gentle simmer only
If you want, I can give you:
- Stew meat with gravy
- Stew meat in the crockpot
- Southern smothered stew meat
Just tell me 👍
