Stew meat is a flavorful cut of beef from the chuck, can be transformed into a delectable and hearty dish with the right cooking techniques. In this article, i will instruct you how to cook beef stew meat on stove and in Instant Pot. Additionally, I also will sugest perfect side dishes to eat with your succulent stewed beef.
1. How To Cook Stew Meat on Stove
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1⁄2 cups beef broth or stock
- 1⁄4 cup red cooking wine
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 4 medium carrots, chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, chopped
- 1⁄4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Pat the stew meat dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, brown the meat on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Whisk in the flour to coat the vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes.
Pour in the broth, wine, tomato paste, bay leaves and thyme. Add the meat and any juices back to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours, until meat is very tender when pierced with a fork. Add carrots and potatoes during the last 30 minutes.
Remove bay leaves. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
2. How To Cook Stew Meat in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Select Sauté on the Instant Pot and heat 2 tbsp oil. Brown the stew meat in batches if needed until well browned. Remove meat to a plate.
Add onion to pot and sauté 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute more.
Stir in broth, tomato paste, thyme and bay leaf, scraping any browned bits from the pot bottom.
Add the meat back to the pot along with any juices on the plate. Lock the lid and make sure valve is sealed. Select Manual/Pressure Cook mode at high pressure for 35 minutes.
Allow 10-15 minutes for pressure to release naturally, then quick release any remaining pressure.
Remove lid and add carrots and potatoes to pot. Lock lid again and pressure cook 5 more minutes on high.
Remove bay leaf. Season stew to taste with salt and pepper.
3. What to Eat With Stewed Beef And Gravy
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food pairing for stewed beef and gravy. Their buttery richness complements the savory flavors of the stew.
Rice: Fluffy white rice or aromatic basmati rice makes a great base for soaking up the flavorful gravy from your stew. It’s a simple yet satisfying choice.
Cornbread: Moist, buttery cornbread is a Southern-inspired side that pairs beautifully with stewed beef. Its slightly sweet flavor profile balances the savory elements of the dish.
Pasta: Opt for a bed of al dente pasta, such as fettuccine or rigatoni, to serve alongside your stewed beef. The pasta’s ability to hold onto the rich gravy creates a satisfying and flavorful bite.
Crusty Bread: A rustic baguette or a slice of hearty, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the delectable sauce. You can also toast the bread for a delightful crunch.
Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles provide a comforting bed for your stew meat. Their slightly chewy texture works well with the tender meat and savory gravy.
Yorkshire Pudding – The British classic with a moist interior and crispy edges.
With the right cooking method, inexpensive stew beef becomes a delicious hearty meal full of rich gravy flavor. Pair your stewed beef with the perfect side dishes, and you’ll have a complete and satisfying culinary experience
