In our family, cooler weather means it’s time to shift gears from grilled meats and burgers to comforting and hearty dishes. This fall, we’re focusing on the delicious things we can make with stew meat, from personal beef pot pies to Asian-inspired beef skewers. So let’s dive right in!
What exactly is stew meat?
Stew meat is used in recipes that often need longer-than-usual cook times (for example, the classic beef stew), so they need to be up for the task. Often, these cuts of meat are high in collagen, making them tough when raw but deliciously tender when simmered slowly in sauces. Typically, you’ll see stew meat made from cuts like:
- Chuck
- Bone-in short rib
- Bohemian
- Oxtail
- Fatty brisket
- Cross-cut shanks
The result? An incredibly versatile cut of meat that’s better for more than beef stew. Here are our top five picks.
Option #1: Personal beef pot pies
Move over, stew. The king of winter eats is definitely a personal pot pie. With its stew-like filling and buttery crust, a pot pie will take your stew to the next level. We love this recipe from Food Network (just sub the beef for Oreganic’s 100% grass-fed and finished stew meat!).
Option #2: Beef bourguignon
Feeling fancy? Spice up those long winter nights with beef bourguignon. Usually served with roasted carrots, potatoes, and onions, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser full of all the richness and none of the toughness.
Option #3: Slow cooker beef enchiladas
Remember when we said stew meat is best cooked slowly until tender? Slow cooker meals don’t disappoint! Add beef, enchilada sauce, salsa, green chilies, garlic, onion, and seasoning into the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours. Once done, cut corn tortillas into small pieces and layer on top of the meat mixture with a cup of cheese. Cook 30 more minutes on high, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Option #4: Easy beef stroganoff
There’s nothing better than a delicious meal that whips up in a flash. This beef stroganoff recipe is rich, hearty, and perfect for the whole family. Stew meat cooked to perfection and served over buttered noodles? Say no more.
Option #5: Asian-inspired beef skewers
The warmth and umami of Asian flavors make it perfect for those cooler days. Combine hoisin, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and sriracha, and marinate your stew meat overnight. Next, skewer the beef pieces and grill over low heat until tender. Best served with rice and roasted broccoli.
Find 100% grass-fed and finished stew meat (and more) in our organic Crockpot Comfort Box
The winter months are long, but a warm meal with delicious organic beef can warm up any day for us. Our USDA-certified organic Crockpot Comfort Box features boneless chuck roast, short ribs, and stew meat, all sourced from our family farm in Madras, Oregon. Get yours today!