Quick Steak Bites with Flavorful Stew Meat: A Weeknight Gem (Print Version)

Quick Steak Bites with Flavorful Stew Meat transform humble stew meat into tender, savory bites. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is pure comfort.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat

# Ingredients:

→ Main Starters

01 - 1.5 lbs stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
06 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
07 - 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
08 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
09 - 1 tsp dried thyme
10 - 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

→ Thickening & Finishing Touches

12 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
13 - 2 tbsp cold water
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
15 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, pat that stew meat dry with paper towels. Seriously, this step is key for a good sear! Then, season generously with salt and pepper. While that's sitting for a moment, get your onion and garlic chopped. I always feel a bit like a chef when I'm doing all this mise en place, even if my cutting board ends up looking like a disaster zone. This quick prep makes the cooking process so much smoother for our Quick Steak Bites with Flavorful Stew Meat.
02 - Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a good glug of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the steak in a single layer, working in batches if you need to. Don't overcrowd the pan, or the meat will steam instead of sear – a mistake I've made more times than I care to admit! Let them get a beautiful, deep brown crust on all sides. This browning develops so much flavor; it's non-negotiable for delicious Quick Steak Bites with Flavorful Stew Meat.
03 - Once the meat is seared and set aside, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the pan. Sauté until softened and translucent, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that's pure flavor right there! Then, toss in your minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds until fragrant. Don't let it burn; burnt garlic is a sad, bitter thing, and I've been there, hon.
04 - Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, scraping up any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing step is where all that deliciousness comes alive! Stir in the Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The smell at this point is just incredible – warm, savory, and so inviting. This is the heart of our Quick Steak Bites with Flavorful Stew Meat.
05 - Return the seared steak bites to the skillet, nestling them into the simmering sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it gently simmer for about 20-25 minutes. You're not looking for super fall-apart tender like a long-cooked stew, but rather tender-chewy bites. Check a piece around the 20-minute mark; it should be nicely tender. This quick simmer ensures our Quick Steak Bites with Flavorful Stew Meat are juicy and not tough.
06 - In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon beautifully. Taste and adjust seasonings – maybe a little more salt or pepper? Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. The vibrant green against the rich sauce is just lovely, and the aroma of fresh herbs is the perfect finishing touch!

# Notes:

01 - Getting a really good sear on the meat is absolutely crucial; don't rush this step, even if your stove is acting up.
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge; reheat gently on the stovetop.
03 - If you're out of beef broth, chicken broth can work, but the flavor won't be as robust.
04 - Serve these over creamy mashed potatoes - the sauce is just heavenly with them!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 - cutting board
03 - knife
04 - measuring spoons
05 - whisk

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 38g

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