11 Recipes To Make With Stew Meat That Aren’t Stew

Have stew meat but not in the mood for stew? Here are some ideas for using it up in a new way.

By
Devan Grimsrud
Devan Grimsrud
Devan Grimsrud

Devan Grimsrud is a Berlin-based writer, editor, and recipe developer originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota. After working in television production with James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Zimmern, she relocated to Berlin and became the managing editor at Kitchen Stories, an international digital cooking platform with millions of active users. 

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Updated November 25, 2024
Devan Grimsrud
Sach Ko Jakak (Cambodian Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers) in a Platter Surrounded by a Plate With Sliced Carrot and Daikon Radish Pickle and a Bowl of Rice and a Yellow Kitchen Towel Next to It

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Beef stew is great... I have nothing against it. However, there are times when you may have planned to make beef stew, but when the time comes, just aren't feeling it. You want something a bit quicker or a bit more flexible, but you also want to use the stew meat you already bought.

Worry no more, you're in the right place. Here are 11 ways to use stew meat that aren't stew.

  • Cambodian Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers

    Plate With Sach Ko Jakak (Cambodian Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers) With a Mound of Rice and Sliced Daikon Radish and Carrot Pickle

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

    Author Lany Phlong says, "beef lemongrass skewers... remind me of family reunions, Cambodian New Year, and even my own wedding rehearsal. Lemongrass beef skewers are always the first to be consumed at any event."

  • Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

    Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff in the slow cooker
    Marta Rivera

    When you're in need of a hands-off recipe, turn to your slow cooker and make this Stroganoff.

  • Braised BBQ Beef Sandwich

    A plate with a bbq beef sandwich on it
    Elise Bauer

    If you start this recipe with stew meat instead of a whole roast, you'll save some cooking time and have a similar result!

  • Homemade Beef Birria

    Deep red bowl of beef Birria with all the fixings

    Susy Villasuso / Simply Recipes

    Author Susy Villasuso says, "Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, birria is... cooked slowly in a rich and spicy consomé—a deeply flavorful red broth made with dried Mexican chiles, herbs, spices, and aromatics."

    Continue to 5 of 11 below

  • Quick Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers

    Quick Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers
    Elise Bauer

    A simple stir-fry is a great way to use up some stew meat on a weeknight.

  • Carne Picada

    Cooked chuck roast added to the sauce in the Dutch oven for carne picada recipe

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

    Author Esteban Castillo says, "Carne picada translates to chopped beef in English; appropriately, the dish features chopped beef braised in a sauce with sautéed veggies like onions, peppers, and tomatoes. My interpretation is similar to my mom’s approach and can be served a number of ways: over rice, in a quesadilla, or simply as tacos."

  • Easy Beef Bulgogi

    Beef Bulgogi

    Ciara Kehoe / Simply Recipes

    Author Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee says, "There’s a reason why bulgogi is one of Korea’s most popular culinary export—it’s the perfect balance of beefy, savory, and sweet."

  • Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

    Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers on a Plate Next to a Casserole Dish with More Stuffed Peppers

    Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

    Inspired by the classic sandwich, this low carb version is a fun take on the cheesesteak for a weeknight.

    Continue to 9 of 11 below

  • Lok Lak (Shaking Beef)

    Platter of Lok Lak Served Over Sliced Tomatoes and Lettuce at a Table Setting With a Bowl of Rice, a Plate With a Serving of Lok Lak, and a Bowl of Pepper-lime Sauce

    Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

    Author Lany Phlong says, "Lok lak is a Cambodian beef dish served with crispy lettuce and fresh tomatoes. Also known as shaking beef, it's simple to make, with complex flavors and a savory-sweet sauce."

  • Garlic Herb Steak Bites

    Garlic Butter Steak Bites
    Nick Evans

    Transform this appetizer into dinner by serving it over steamed rice or with your favorite preparation of potatoes.

  • Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

    Bowl of beef and broccoli stir fry

    Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

    In only 30 minutes, you can enjoy this simple beef and broccoli stir-fry with a stew meat swap.

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