Hearty and Comforting Stewing Beef Steak Recipes

Introduction to Cooking with Stewing Beef Steak

What is Stewing Beef Steak?

Stewing beef steak comes from the chuck or round primal cuts and contains more connective tissue than typical steaks. This tough cut benefits from slow, moist cooking methods like stewing or braising to break down the collagen into tender, gelatinous bites.

Benefits of Stewing Beef Steak

Stewing transforms the chewy texture into fork-tender chunks of beef. The long cook time allows the meat to absorb all the complex flavors of aromatic vegetables, herbs and spices. Stewing beef steak is budget friendly and fills the house with comforting aroma.

Traditional Beef Stew Recipes

Classic Beef Stew with Potatoes

This hearty beef stew cooks low and slow to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Browning the meat first adds deeper flavor. Simmer chunks of beef with potatoes, carrots and onions in a savory, rich broth.

Guinness Beef Stew

Chunks of beef steak simmer for hours in a rich broth flavored with dark, malty Guinness beer, herbs and vegetables. The Guinness adds a depth unmatched by any other stew!

Beef Bourguignon Stew

Recreate this French classic with tender braised beef simmered in a red wine sauce with mushrooms, pearl onions, carrots, bacon and herbs. The red wine tenderizes the meat and adds complexity.

International Stewing Beef Recipes

Vietnamese Pho Bo

Beef stewing steak simmers for hours with aromatics like charred ginger, onion, star anise and cinnamon to create the deeply flavored broth for pho. Thin rice noodles and fresh herb garnishes complete it.

Beef Rendang

Indonesian-style beef rendang has an irresistible richness from cooking the beef slowly in a sauce of coconut milk, ginger, chili, lime leaves, lemongrass, and spices until incredibly tender.

Beef Goulash

This Hungarian goulash is made authentically with beef chuck braised until tender in a paprika spiced tomato sauce with onions, peppers and pasta or potato. The paprika adds a distinctive flavor.

One Pot Meals with Stewing Beef

Beef Steak and Vegetable Stew

Simmer chunks of beef with potatoes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, peas and corn in a savory broth. The vegetables soak up the irresistible flavors as the beef transforms tender after hours of stove top simmering.

Beef Steak Chili

Satisfying beef chili with mouthwatering depth starts with stewing steak pieces cooked until fall apart tender in the rich tomato-based sauce. Kidney beans, onions, chili powder and beer complete it.

Beef Steak and Mushroom Stroganoff

Tender chunks of stewing beef mingle with sautéed mushrooms and onions in a luscious creamy sauce flavored with paprika, thyme, Worcestershire and Dijon. Toss with egg noodles for comfort food bliss.

Braised Stewing Beef Recipes

Red Wine Braised Beef Steak

Beef steak slowly simmers in an aromatic red wine sauce boosted with tomato paste, balsamic vinegar and herbs. The melted collagen from the beef creates a silky sauce.

Korean Braised Short Ribs

Short ribs or chuck steak cook low and slow in a sweet and savory Korean-inspired braising liquid until fork tender. Scallions, garlic, ginger, sesame and soy sauce pack the flavor.

Beef Steak and Onion Gravy

Simple and comforting! Beef steak chunks become tender after braising for hours in flavorful beef broth enriched with sautéed onions. Make a gravy from the braising liquid to spoon over mashed potatoes.

Slow Cooker Stewing Beef Recipes

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Set it and forget it! Let your slow cooker work its magic on beef steak chunks, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, broth, herbs and spices. 8+ hours on low yields the most fork-tender results.

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Recreate the French classic easily in the crockpot! Beef cooks low and slow in red wine, broth and veggies. Adding bacon at the end prevents it from overcooking but adds smoky flavor.

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Tender chunks of braised beef steak get tossed with sautéed peppers, onions and a savory Mongolian sauce mixture. The slow cooker breaks down the meat while you make the quick sauce.

Conclusion

Cheap and flavorful stewing beef steak transforms into fork-tender deliciousness with the proper slow cooking techniques. Braises, stews, chilis and one pot meals allow this tough cut to become meltingly tender after hours in moist heat. Follow these recipes for the ultimate beefy comfort food this winter!

FAQs

What cuts of beef work best for stewing?

Chuck steak, bottom round, eye of round, and top blade steaks from the shoulder or hindquarters contain the most connective tissue perfect for stewing.

Does stewing beef need to be marinated?

Marinades are not necessary, but you can marinate or season beef with spices and herbs for extra flavor.

What is the best cooking method for stewing beef?

Low and slow moist heat cooking like braising, stewing or using a slow cooker. Cook for 2-3 hours on the stovetop or 6-8 hours in a slow cooker.

What temperature should I cook stewing beef to?

Cook to 195-205°F internal temperature to fully tenderize and melt collagen into luscious gelatin.

Can I substitute a different cut of beef?

You can use chuck roast, brisket, round roast or other cuts from the shoulder or round in place of stewing steak.