Flavorful Steak Bites from Stew Meat: A Weeknight Treat (Print Version)

Transform humble stew meat into tender, flavorful steak bites. Easy recipe for a satisfying, budget-friendly meal. Perfect for busy weeknights!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free (check broth/Worcestershire)

# Ingredients:

→ Stew Meat & Aromatics

01 - 1.5 lbs stew meat (beef chuck), cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 tsp garlic powder
03 - 0.5 tsp onion powder

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 0.5 tsp dried thyme
06 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
07 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Fats & Liquids

08 - 2 tbsp olive oil
09 - 0.5 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)

→ Finishing Touches

10 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that stew meat ready. Pat it super dry with paper towels; this is *critical* for a good sear, trust me on this. If it's wet, it'll steam, and we want a beautiful crust on our flavorful steak bites, not grey meat. Cut any larger pieces into roughly 1-inch cubes. Then, toss them in a bowl with your garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix with your hands, making sure every single bite is coated. It should smell amazing already!
02 - Now for the fun part! Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is my absolute favorite for this) over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, add about half of your seasoned stew meat in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, this is where I always go wrong and try to cook too much at once! Let them sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until they have a deep, golden-brown crust. Flip and sear on another side. Repeat with the remaining meat, adding more oil if needed. We're building flavor here, so don't rush it!
03 - Once all your flavorful steak bites are seared, set them aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the hot skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those glorious browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that's pure flavor, friends! This is called deglazing, and it’s a non-negotiable step for a rich sauce. Let it simmer for a minute or two, letting those flavors mingle and reduce slightly.
04 - Carefully return all the seared steak bites to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat them in that savory sauce. I love how the kitchen smells at this point – it's just so comforting. Bring it back to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This simmering time is key for tenderizing the stew meat, transforming it into truly flavorful steak bites. You'll notice the meat getting softer and soaking up all that amazing liquid.
05 - After about 10-15 minutes, uncover the skillet. Take a small piece of meat out and give it a taste test for tenderness. It should be easy to chew, not tough. If it’s still a bit firm, cover it again and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes, checking periodically. Sometimes stew meat just needs a little extra love, you know? Don't be afraid to let it go longer if it needs it; patience pays off for truly flavorful steak bites!
06 - Once your flavorful steak bites are fork-tender and coated in that rich, glossy sauce, remove the skillet from the heat. Give it a final taste and adjust any seasonings if you think it needs a little more salt or pepper. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. The vibrant green against the deep brown of the meat is just beautiful, and the freshness really brightens up the dish. Serve these steak bites hot, perhaps with some creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

# Notes:

01 - Always, *always* pat your stew meat dry before seasoning and searing. This is the hardest lesson I learned, but it makes all the difference for a crust.
02 - Don't overcrowd the pan! If you do, the meat will steam instead of sear, and you won't get those amazing browned bits that create so much flavor. Work in batches.
03 - Give the meat enough simmering time. Stew meat needs that gentle, moist heat to break down and become tender. Don't rush this step; it's what makes them truly flavorful steak bites.
04 - For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of tomato paste to the pan when you deglaze with the beef broth. So good!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 - wooden spoon
03 - measuring cups and spoons
04 - mixing bowl

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350-450
Total Fat: 20-30g
Total Carbohydrate: 5-10g
Protein: 30-40g

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