However, one thing I did learn was that stew meat was always on sale at all the groceries stores. I remember grabbing my first package, super intrigued because one, it was less than $5 and two, I couldn't remember my mom ever buying it growing up. I took it home and made the only thing I thought you could make with it... stew.
I was so tender and surprisingly really good for being this mystery meat I never had. So, I got to thinking about what other recipes I could this beef cut in squares for. Thanks to J for being our guinea pig, but I think I have found five of my favorite beef stew recipes that we use a few times each month.
BONUS- 4 out of 5 of these are made in the crockpot for extra easy dinner time!
Comment below and let me know if you've tried any of these and what you think!
1. Crockpot Beef Stew
2. Crockpot Smothered Burritos
3. Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
4. Crockpot Broccoli & Beef
5. Fajitas
Crockpot Beef Stew
1-2 lbs, Stew Meat
1/2 cup Flour
1tsp Garlic or garlic powder
1 large Onion, chopped
1 TB Worcestershire sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste
4 Potatoes, cubed
3 Celery Ribs, diced
1 Bag of Baby Carrots
2 Cups Beef Broth
1 Package Brown Gravy mix - I use the low sodium kind
2 Cups Water
Coat your beef with the flour, then place in the crockpot.
Add the remaining ingredients.
Cook covered for 4-5 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
I typically serve this with dinner rolls or cornbread.
Crockpot Smothered Burritos
1-2 lbs Stew Meat
2 cans enchilada sauce
salt and pepper to taste
Dump everything in the crockpot. Cook covered for 4-5 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
Shred meat loosely. On a warm tortilla, cover with refried beans, cheese, then meat mixture. Roll into a burrito and cover with meat sauce and more cheese.
I use remaining meat sauce to make Mexican Fried Rice and serve with a side of creamy, jalepeno corn.
Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
1-2 lbs Stew Meat
1 Package Brown Gravy Mix
1 Package Onion Soup Mix
1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup (Our family hates mushrooms, but you can use mushroom if you like them)
1 Cup Beef Broth
1 Cup Sour Cream
Egg Noodles
Combine meat, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup and beef broth into the crockpot. Cook covered for 4-5 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
Before serving, add 1 cup of sour cream. Meanwhile, cook egg noodles according to package.
Crockpot Broccoli and Beef
1-2 lbs Stew Meat
2 T cornstarch
2 Red Peppers, cut in slices
1 Onion, diced
1 T garlic
1/4 cup Soy Sauce
1 package Steam-able Broccoli
Coat the stew meat in 2 tablespoons cornstarch before putting int crockpot. Add red peppers, onion, garlic and soy sauce.
Cook 4-5 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
Before serving, microwave the steam-able broccoli and add to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
Serve over white rice.
One Pan Fajitas
1-2 lbs Stew Meat
2 Red Peppers, cut in slices
2 Green Peppers, cut in slices
2 Yellow Peppers, cut in slices
1 Red Onion, cut in slices
Taco Seasoning (You can find mine here)
2 T olive oil
Lime Juice
Cilantro
Salsa
Sour Cream
Tortillas
Toss all chopped vegetables and stew meat in oil and place on baking sheet. Sprinkle taco seasoning over top. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until meat is cooked.
Squeeze lime juice over top. Serve in a warm tortilla with fresh cilantro, salsa, and sour cream.