Quick and Easy Stew Meat Recipes

If you’re looking for a way to prepare a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen, quick and easy stew meat recipes might just be the answer. You can transform simple ingredients into a comforting dish that warms both the body and soul. With techniques that require minimal effort, you’ll appreciate how hands-off cooking can yield satisfying results. But before you rush off to gather your ingredients, consider how a few key tips can elevate your stew to the next level…

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this stew meat recipe, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite for busy weeknights. This simple one-pot dish cuts down on cleanup and prep time, making it perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time.

With minimal ingredients, many of which you probably have on hand, you can whip it up effortlessly. The slow cooker method means you can set it and forget it, allowing for hands-off cooking. Plus, the stew is not only delicious but also offers a satisfying balance of protein and nutrients, making it a healthy choice for dinner.

You’ll love how browning the beef creates a rich base, while simmering with vegetables intensifies the flavors. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies, serve it with crusty bread, and enjoy satisfying leftovers.

It’s a hearty meal the whole family will appreciate!

History

Stew meat has a rich history that spans centuries and cultures, showcasing its evolution from ancient times to modern kitchens.

In ancient Rome, people simmered beef in wine, spices, and raisins to create a dish called copadia. Vikings made skause by combining meats, beans, and ground bark in hot water over coals. The Old Scriptures even mentions stewed meat!

During the Middle Ages, homes utilized small ember fireplaces for constant cooking. The French refined beef stew into what we now recognize as ragout in the 14th century, which is considered a foundational element of French cuisine.

Recipe

Stew Meat Recipes

Beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a chilly night at home. The rich flavors of tender beef, simmered with vegetables and seasonings, create a delicious meal that warms the soul. This recipe will guide you through preparing a classic stovetop beef stew that will have your loved ones asking for seconds.

The key to a great beef stew is in the preparation and cooking method. Browning the beef before adding other ingredients not only adds depth of flavor but also helps to seal in the moisture. Letting the stew simmer for a longer period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Follow this recipe to create a delightful beef stew that will become a family favorite.

Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck roast or stewing beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 carrots, sliced
– 4 potatoes, diced
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 2 bay leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then toss with flour until evenly coated. This will help create a flavorful crust when browning.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the floured beef to the pot, browning it on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they’re lightly browned.
5. Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, basil, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the stew becomes too thick, you can add more broth or water.
7. After simmering, check the seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.
8. Just before serving, remove the bay leaves and stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh garnish.

Extra Tips:

For the best results, allow the stew to simmer longer if you have time, as this will make the beef even more tender. Always keep the pot covered while cooking to lock in the flavors. Additionally, the stew’s nutritional profile includes approximately 383 kcal per serving, making it a hearty option for dinner.

Remember not to pre-boil the potatoes to avoid them getting mushy. If you have leftover stew, it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, and the flavors will continue to develop. Enjoy your delicious homemade beef stew!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your cooking adventure, remember that a great beef stew not only satisfies hunger but also brings warmth and comfort to your table.

To achieve the best results, start by browning the beef; this step locks in moisture and enhances flavor. Use a slow cooking method to tenderize the meat, and don’t forget to thicken your stew with flour or cornstarch for the right consistency. Incorporating fresh herbs like thyme will elevate the stew’s flavor profile.

Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables, like potatoes and carrots, for added texture and nutrition. Season the beef well before cooking, and enrich the flavor with tomato paste and fresh herbs.

Finally, serve your stew with crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

FAQ

When you plunge into making beef stew, you might’ve a few questions along the way.

First, stew meat is usually pre-cubed beef, with boneless chuck roast being the best choice for tenderness. Remember to cut meat and veggies into similar sizes for even cooking.

Browning the meat is essential, as it adds depth to the flavor. When it comes to simmering, keep it low and covered to retain moisture. This method of cooking is ideal for developing rich flavors over time.

If you’d like a thicker broth, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. You can swap tomato paste for tomato sauce or ketchup if needed.

Finally, feel free to get creative with your vegetables and spices, making each stew uniquely yours!

Quick and Easy Stew Meat Recipes

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Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• - 2 lbs beef chuck roast or stewing beef cut into bite-sized pieces
• - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
• - 2 tablespoons olive oil
• - 1 onion chopped
• - 3 cloves garlic minced
• - 4 carrots sliced
• - 4 potatoes diced
• - 4 cups beef broth
• - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• - 1 teaspoon dried basil
• - 2 bay leaves
• - Salt and pepper to taste
• - Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Cooking Instructions:
• In a large bowl, season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then toss with flour until evenly coated. This will help create a flavorful crust when browning.
• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the floured beef to the pot, browning it on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
• In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
• Add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they're lightly browned.
• Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, basil, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the stew becomes too thick, you can add more broth or water.
• After simmering, check the seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.
• Just before serving, remove the bay leaves and stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh garnish.
• Extra Tips:
• For the best results, allow the stew to simmer longer if you have time, as this will make the beef even more tender. Always keep the pot covered while cooking to lock in the flavors. Additionally, the stew's nutritional profile includes approximately 383 kcal per serving, making it a hearty option for dinner.
• Remember not to pre-boil the potatoes to avoid them getting mushy. If you have leftover stew, it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, and the flavors will continue to develop. Enjoy your delicious homemade beef stew!