10+ Beef Stew Meat Recipes to Warm Your Soul and Kitchen
Beef stew meat is super versatile—you can toss it into all sorts of recipes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just meal prepping for yourself, it’s filling and always hits the spot.
You can stick with the classics or get a little creative with beef stew meat. There’s really no shortage of options.
If you know how to cook beef stew meat well, you’ll get the most out of this budget-friendly cut. With the right recipes and a bit of patience, you’ll end up with tender, flavorful beef that fits whatever you’re craving.
Ingredients
- Beef stew meat
- Onions
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Celery
- Beef broth
- Salt
- Pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Cut beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces if it isn’t already.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Brown the meat in a hot skillet over medium-high heat.
- Set the browned meat aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until they soften up.
- Add the beef back with the veggies.
- Pour in enough beef broth to cover everything.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
- Toss in potatoes for the last 30 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
1) Classic Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots
This classic beef stew is all about rich, cozy flavors and melt-in-your-mouth meat. The beef cooks slowly alongside carrots and potatoes, getting super soft and flavorful.
A splash of wine in the sauce gives it a deeper flavor, but it’s not overwhelming. Perfect for those cold nights when you want something hearty.
You can make it on the stove or let it go in a slow cooker. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top if you want to get fancy.
Just make sure to brown the beef really well before adding any liquid. It’s worth the extra step for that savory flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh thyme or parsley
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a big pot over medium-high.
- Brown the beef on all sides, then set it aside.
- Toss in the onion and garlic, cook until soft.
- Stir in tomato paste, then add the wine.
- Put the beef back in and add broth, carrots, and potatoes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meat is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
For more details, you can visit this classic beef stew recipe.
2) Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Red Wine
This slow cooker beef stew with red wine is a breeze. The beef gets insanely tender as it soaks up all the flavors from the wine and broth.
Carrots, potatoes, and onions round things out. You just toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it.
Fresh thyme and bay leaves give it a boost. The house smells amazing as it cooks.
Ingredients:
- 3½ to 4 pounds beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 2 cups red wine
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Brown the beef chunks in a pan over medium heat.
- Put beef, wine, broth, and veggies in the slow cooker.
- Add thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Pull out the bay leaves before serving.
3) Beef Stew and Rice Casserole
Beef stew and rice casserole is comfort food without the fuss. Cook the stew beef with onions, garlic, and bell peppers, and let the flavors mingle with oregano.
Once the beef is tender, stir in cooked rice and bake it all together. It’s a cozy, filling one-pan dinner.
The best part? You can prep it ahead and just bake when you’re ready.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown beef in a skillet, then add onion, pepper, garlic, and oregano.
- Cook until the beef is tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Stir in the cooked rice and season with salt and pepper.
- Move everything to a casserole dish and bake for 20 minutes.
- Serve warm.
For more ideas, check this Easy Stew Beef and Rice Recipe.
4) Persian Ghormeh Sabzi with Beef
Ghormeh Sabzi is a Persian classic, packed with fresh herbs and a tangy kick from dried limes. The beef turns super tender as it hangs out with parsley, cilantro, and fenugreek.
It’s earthy, bright, and honestly kind of addictive. Serve it over saffron rice for the full experience.
To get it right, use good stew beef and don’t skip the dried limes—they bring a tartness you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2-3 dried limes (limoo amani)
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh fenugreek leaves or 1 tbsp dried fenugreek
- 2 cups spinach or swiss chard
- 1 cup red kidney beans, soaked and cooked
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups water or beef broth
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a pot and cook onions until soft.
- Add turmeric and beef, brown everything.
- Toss in the herbs and spinach, cook for 5 minutes.
- Pierce dried limes and add with the beans.
- Pour in water or broth, bring to a boil, then lower heat.
- Simmer covered for 2-3 hours until the beef is super tender.
- Add salt and pepper before serving.
5) Beef Skewers with Vegetables
Beef skewers are always a win, especially on the grill. Just cut stew meat into cubes and marinate it for extra flavor and tenderness.
Thread beef and veggies—think bell peppers, zucchini, onions, or whatever you like—onto skewers. There are more ideas and marinating tips here.
Grill over medium-high, turning often. In about 10 to 12 minutes, you’ll have juicy beef and charred veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 lb stew beef, cut into cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 summer squash, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Mix olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper for the marinade.
- Marinate beef cubes for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread beef and veggies onto skewers, alternating as you go.
- Preheat grill to medium-high (around 375°F/190°C).
- Grill, turning every few minutes, until beef is done and veggies are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Serve hot.
6) Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry
Beef stew meat is actually awesome in a stir fry if you slice it thin. It cooks fast and stays tender.
Go for a mix of colorful veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. A quick sauce with soy, garlic, and ginger brings it all together.
Cook the beef quickly over high heat, then add the veggies. Stir fry until the veggies are just crisp-tender.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a big skillet over medium-high (about 375°F/190°C).
- Add beef strips, cook 3-4 minutes to brown.
- Add garlic and ginger, cook for a minute.
- Toss in veggies and soy sauce. Stir fry for 4-5 minutes until veggies are just right.
- Season and serve with rice or noodles.
7) Beef Chili with Beans
Beef stew meat makes chili extra hearty. It gets nice and tender after a long simmer.
Mix it with beans, tomatoes, and spices for a meal that’s hard to beat on a cold day. The flavors really come together as it cooks.
Stew meat gives chili a chunkier texture than ground beef. Toss in your favorite beans—black or kidney are both solid choices.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
Cooking Instructions
- Brown the stew meat in a large pot over medium heat.
- Toss in onion and garlic. Cook until they soften.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add beans, tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Bring everything to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer.
- Let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meat turns tender.
- Serve hot.
8) Shepherd’s Pie with Beef Stew Meat
Shepherd’s Pie with beef stew meat puts a tasty spin on the classic. You start with slow-cooked, tender beef as the base.
The beef brings a ton of flavor and works great with the creamy mashed potato topping. Add carrots and peas if you’re feeling it—those veggies make it even better.
Bake until the top turns golden and bubbly. That’s when everything just comes together.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook beef stew meat with onions and carrots in olive oil until tender.
- Add peas and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.
- Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 25-30 minutes until hot and golden.
- Let cool a bit before serving.
9) Steak and Eggs Breakfast with Stew Meat
Stew meat actually works for a steak and eggs breakfast—who knew? Cut the meat into small pieces so it cooks fast and stays tender.
Season with salt and pepper, then toss it in a hot pan. Brown the meat, then fry up your eggs however you like them.
This meal goes well with potatoes or toast. Using stew meat keeps things hearty without needing fancy cuts.
If you want extra flavor, add garlic or onions to the pan. It’s a simple way to enjoy beef and eggs any morning.
Ingredients
- 1 cup stew meat, cut into small pieces
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 clove garlic (optional)
- 1 tablespoon oil or butter
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add stew meat and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Set the meat aside.
- In the same pan, fry eggs to your liking.
- Serve meat with eggs, and maybe some toast or potatoes if you’re up for it.
10) Beef Tacos with Spiced Stew Meat
Turn stew meat into beef tacos by cooking it low and slow with spices. I usually reach for cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion.
Let the meat simmer in beef broth or tomato sauce until it gets nice and tender. Once it’s soft enough, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Pile the meat into warm tortillas. Top with cilantro, onions, maybe a squeeze of lime if you’re feeling fancy.
You can use a slow cooker or just let it go on the stove—whatever’s easier.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas
- Optional toppings: cilantro, lime, chopped onions
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat a pan over medium and cook onion and garlic until they’re soft.
- Add the stew meat and brown it on all sides.
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce, then bring everything to a simmer.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, until the meat’s tender.
- Shred the meat with a fork.
- Warm up the tortillas and fill them with the spiced beef.
- Add toppings like cilantro and lime before serving.