15 Creative Ways to Use Stew Meat Beyond Traditional Stew

Stew meat doesn’t have to stay in the soup pot. These tender beef chunks work beautifully in tacos, curries, and grilled dishes that’ll surprise your family.

From sweet and sour combinations to spicy chili bowls, these recipes transform affordable stew meat into exciting weeknight dinners everyone will love.

01. Sweet and Tangy Beef Skillet

Tender beef chunks swimming in a glossy sweet and sour sauce that’s better than takeout. This one-pan dinner comes together quickly and pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat, 1 cup pineapple juice, ½ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 onion sliced, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp vegetable oil.

How To Make Sweet and Tangy Beef Skillet

1. Pat the stew meat completely dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then brown the beef pieces on all sides, about 8 minutes total.

2. Add sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.

4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully and the beef becomes fork-tender. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready.

02. Dairy-Free Molasses Beef Curry

Rich, warming curry with deep molasses flavor that’s completely dairy-free. This comforting dish proves you don’t need cream to create an incredibly satisfying curry.

Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat, 3 tbsp molasses, 2 tbsp curry powder, 1 can coconut milk, 1 large onion diced, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper.

How To Make Dairy-Free Molasses Beef Curry

1. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown the pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, about 6 minutes per batch until deeply golden.

2. Remove beef and add diced onion to the same pot. Cook for 5 minutes until softened, then add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant throughout the kitchen.

3. Stir in curry powder and cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices. Add molasses and coconut milk, whisking to combine smoothly and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

4. Return beef to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is incredibly tender and the sauce has thickened nicely.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving over rice or with naan bread for the perfect comfort meal.

03. Hearty Cowboy Beef Tacos

Loaded tacos packed with tender beef, beans, and a surprise touch of apricot sweetness. These filling tacos bring together savory and sweet flavors in every satisfying bite.

Ingredients: 1½ lbs beef stew meat, 1 jar salsa, 1 can chili beans, ½ cup sliced black olives, 3 tbsp apricot preserves, 8 flour tortillas, 1 cup shredded cheese, 1 onion diced, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Hearty Cowboy Beef Tacos

1. Cut stew meat into smaller, bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef pieces thoroughly, about 8 minutes total.

2. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes until softened. Stir in salsa, chili beans with their liquid, and apricot preserves, mixing everything together well.

3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has reduced to a thick, scoopable consistency.

4. Stir in sliced olives during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Warm tortillas and fill each with the beef mixture, topping with shredded cheese and any other desired toppings.

04. Irish Beef and Mushroom Guinness Pie

Traditional pub-style pie with rich Guinness gravy and flaky puff pastry crust. The beer flavor deepens as it cooks, creating an incredibly satisfying comfort food experience.

Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat, 1 bottle Guinness stout, 8 oz mushrooms sliced, 1 sheet puff pastry, 2 onions sliced, 3 tbsp flour, 2 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 3 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 egg beaten, salt and pepper.

How To Make Irish Beef and Mushroom Guinness Pie

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat oil in a large oven-safe pot and brown the stew meat in batches, ensuring each piece gets a good sear on multiple sides, about 10 minutes total.

2. Remove beef and add sliced onions and mushrooms to the same pot. Cook for 8 minutes until vegetables are golden and softened, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Slowly add Guinness, scraping up browned bits, then add beef broth and tomato paste, whisking until smooth.

4. Return beef to the pot and bring to a simmer. Cover and transfer to the oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce is rich.

5. Remove from oven and increase temperature to 425°F. Top the beef mixture with puff pastry, brush with beaten egg, and bake for 25 minutes until the crust is golden and flaky.

05. Pressure Cooker Beef Taco Bowls

Meal-prep friendly taco bowls with incredibly tender pressure-cooked beef. The Instant Pot transforms tough stew meat into perfectly shredded filling in just minutes.

Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 cup beef broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 onion diced, 2 bell peppers diced, 1 can black beans drained, 2 cups cooked rice, toppings for serving.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Beef Taco Bowls

1. Add beef stew meat, taco seasoning, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and diced onion to your Instant Pot. Stir everything together to coat the beef evenly with seasoning.

2. Secure the lid and set to high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure before carefully opening the lid.

3. Use two forks to shred the beef directly in the pot, mixing it with the cooking liquid to keep it moist and flavorful throughout.

4. Add diced bell peppers and black beans to the pot, stirring gently. Use the sauté function for 3-4 minutes to warm the vegetables and reduce any excess liquid.

5. Serve the beef mixture over cooked rice in bowls, topped with your favorite taco toppings like cheese, sour cream, avocado, and fresh cilantro.

06. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Tips

Fork-tender beef tips in savory brown gravy that’s earned hundreds of five-star reviews. This classic comfort dish proves that stew meat can create restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat, 1 packet onion soup mix, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup beef broth, 2 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp butter, 1 onion sliced, 8 oz mushrooms sliced, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Tips

1. Season beef pieces with salt and pepper, then dust lightly with flour. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides, about 8 minutes total.

2. Transfer browned beef to a slow cooker. Add sliced onions and mushrooms to the same skillet and cook for 5 minutes until softened and lightly golden.

3. Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and onion soup mix in a bowl until completely smooth. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.

4. Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker and stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until the beef is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.

5. Stir the mixture gently before serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. The gravy should be thick and rich, coating each piece of beef beautifully.

07. Easy Texas Beef Soup

Hearty slow cooker soup loaded with tender beef and vegetables. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe uses convenient pantry staples to create a satisfying meal that’s ready when you are.

Ingredients: 1½ lbs beef stew meat, 4 cups beef broth, 1 can mixed vegetables, 2 cups vegetable juice cocktail, 1 onion diced, 2 potatoes cubed, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Easy Texas Beef Soup

1. Add beef stew meat, diced onion, and cubed potatoes to your slow cooker. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, tossing to coat the ingredients evenly.

2. Pour in beef broth and vegetable juice cocktail, stirring to combine. The liquid should cover the ingredients by about an inch for proper cooking.

3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until the beef is tender and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork throughout.

4. Add the canned mixed vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy while still heating through completely.

08. Sweet Grilled Beef Skewers

Marinated stew meat grilled to perfection with sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. These kebabs prove that tough cuts can become tender and delicious with the right preparation.

Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat, ½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tsp smoked paprika, wooden skewers soaked in water.

How To Make Sweet Grilled Beef Skewers

1. Cut larger pieces of stew meat into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, garlic, and paprika in a bowl until sugar dissolves completely.

2. Place beef cubes in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor penetration.

3. Remove beef from marinade and thread onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces for even heat circulation during grilling.

4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates well. Grill skewers for 12-15 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes until all sides are caramelized and beef reaches desired doneness.

5. Let skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum tenderness and flavor.

09. Slow Cooker Steak Chili

Hearty chili with chunks of tender beef that simmers all day. After a quick browning step, everything goes into the slow cooker for an incredibly easy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat, 2 cans diced tomatoes, 2 cans kidney beans, 1 onion diced, 3 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 2 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp vegetable oil.

How To Make Slow Cooker Steak Chili

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the stew meat in batches, ensuring each piece gets a good sear on multiple sides, about 8 minutes per batch.

2. Add diced onion to the same skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and paprika, cooking for 30 seconds until the spices become fragrant.

3. Transfer the beef and onion mixture to your slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and tomato paste, stirring everything together well.

4. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully together throughout the chili.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving with your favorite chili toppings like cheese, sour cream, and green onions for the perfect finishing touch.

10. Comforting Vegetable Beef Soup

All the comfort of beef stew in a lighter, brothier soup. Simply dump everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic for 8 hours of hands-off cooking.

Ingredients: 1½ lbs beef stew meat, 6 cups beef broth, 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 potatoes diced, 1 onion chopped, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Comforting Vegetable Beef Soup

1. Add beef stew meat, diced potatoes, and chopped onion to your slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, tossing to distribute the seasonings evenly.

2. Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. The liquid should generously cover all the ingredients for proper slow cooking results.

3. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours until the beef starts to become tender and the potatoes are nearly cooked through completely.

4. Add frozen mixed vegetables during the last hour of cooking time to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy.

11. Traditional Slow Cooker Borscht

Eastern European comfort soup with vibrant red color from fresh beets. This hearty winter soup cooks all day in the slow cooker, filling your home with incredible aromas.

Ingredients: 1½ lbs beef stew meat, 4 cups beef broth, 3 large beets peeled and diced, 2 cups cabbage shredded, 1 onion diced, 3 carrots sliced, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 bay leaf, salt and pepper.

How To Make Traditional Slow Cooker Borscht

1. Add beef stew meat, diced beets, diced onion, and sliced carrots to your slow cooker. The beets will release their beautiful color as they cook, creating the signature red broth.

2. Whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, and red wine vinegar in a bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker and add the bay leaf.

3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the beef is tender and the beets have released their color and flavor throughout the soup.

4. Add shredded cabbage during the last 2 hours of cooking time, stirring gently to incorporate without breaking up the tender beef pieces.

5. Remove bay leaf before serving and taste for seasoning. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill for an authentic Eastern European experience.

12. Nigerian-Style Egusi Soup

Rich, filling African soup with ground melon seeds and tender beef. This traditional recipe creates an incredibly satisfying meal that’s both exotic and comforting for adventurous home cooks.

Ingredients: 1½ lbs beef stew meat, 1 cup ground egusi seeds, 4 cups beef stock, 2 cups spinach chopped, 1 onion diced, 3 tbsp palm oil, 2 tsp ground crayfish, 1 scotch bonnet pepper minced, salt to taste.

How To Make Nigerian-Style Egusi Soup

1. Season beef with salt and brown in a large pot over medium-high heat until well-seared on all sides, about 8 minutes total. Add enough water to cover and simmer for 45 minutes until tender.

2. Remove beef and reserve the cooking liquid. Heat palm oil in the same pot over medium heat and sauté diced onion until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

3. Mix ground egusi seeds with a cup of the reserved beef cooking liquid to form a smooth paste. Add this paste to the pot with the onions, stirring constantly.

4. Gradually add remaining beef stock and cooking liquid, stirring to prevent lumps. Add the cooked beef back to the pot along with ground crayfish and minced scotch bonnet pepper.

5. Simmer for 20 minutes until the soup thickens nicely. Add chopped spinach during the last 5 minutes, stirring until wilted and incorporated throughout the soup.

13. Game Day Sweet Heat Chili

Perfect tailgate chili with a balance of sweet and spicy flavors. This crowd-pleasing recipe disappears quickly at parties, so you might want to make a double batch for your next gathering.

Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat, 2 cans fire-roasted tomatoes, 2 cans pinto beans, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 chipotle peppers in adobo minced, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 onion diced, 3 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp olive oil.

How To Make Game Day Sweet Heat Chili

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the stew meat in batches, ensuring good color on all sides, about 10 minutes total for maximum flavor development.

2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent throughout.

3. Stir in chili powder and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add fire-roasted tomatoes, pinto beans, brown sugar, and minced chipotle peppers with their adobo sauce.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer partially covered for 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender.

5. Taste and adjust the balance of sweet and heat as desired before serving with cornbread and your favorite chili toppings for the ultimate game day experience.

14. Grandma’s Beef Tips and Wild Rice

Hearty one-pot meal combining tender beef with nutty wild rice and mushrooms. This family recipe creates a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling.

Ingredients: 1½ lbs beef stew meat, 1 cup wild rice, 8 oz mushrooms sliced, 3 cups beef broth, ¼ cup red wine, 1 onion diced, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp thyme, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Grandma’s Beef Tips and Wild Rice

1. Heat butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown the pieces thoroughly on all sides, about 8 minutes total.

2. Remove beef and add diced onion and sliced mushrooms to the same pot. Cook for 6 minutes until vegetables are golden and the mushrooms have released their moisture.

3. Add wild rice to the pot and stir for 2 minutes to toast lightly. Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits, then add beef broth and thyme.

4. Return beef to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

5. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow the rice to finish absorbing the remaining liquid and for the flavors to meld together perfectly.

15. Hungarian-Style Lemon Goulash

Traditional goulash with a surprising hint of lemon that brightens the rich paprika sauce. Served over egg noodles, this tender beef dish offers a delightful twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat, 3 tbsp Hungarian paprika, 2 onions sliced, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 lemon juiced and zested, 2 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp flour, 3 tbsp vegetable oil, 12 oz egg noodles, salt and pepper.

How To Make Hungarian-Style Lemon Goulash

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown in batches until deeply colored on all sides, about 10 minutes per batch.

2. Remove beef and add sliced onions to the same pot. Cook for 8 minutes until golden and caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning the bottom.

3. Stir in flour and paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook another minute, then gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth.

4. Return beef to the pot and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.

5. Stir in lemon juice and zest during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cook egg noodles according to package directions and serve the goulash over the hot noodles.

Final Thoughts

These creative recipes prove that stew meat deserves a spot beyond the soup pot. From international flavors to American classics, tough cuts become tender treasures with proper techniques.

Next time you see stew meat on sale, grab extra packages and try these exciting alternatives that’ll keep your dinner rotation fresh and delicious.