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

Stew meat can be used for more than just stew. Try one of these 11 recipes to expand your dinner repertoire with this surprisingly versatile ingredient.

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

Beef stew is great—I have nothing against it. There are times, however, when I want something a bit quicker or a bit more flexible, but I also want to use up that package of stew meat I already bought. Here are 11 recipes I turn to in just such a moment.

Before you dive in, here are a few quick tips to ensure your stew meat will come out tender for these recipes:

For recipes that call for thin-sliced pieces, cut the stew meat against the grain into very thin slices before using. It will be easier to slice thinly if you freeze the meat for about 30 minutes beforehand.
If you have time to let the meat marinate before cooking, do it! Even an hour in a marinade will help to tenderize it.
For stir fries and other quick recipes listed below, try velveting the stew meat beforehand. This is a Chinese technique that tenderizes meat (it works on chicken, too) and is really easy to do: Simply add your stew meat to a bowl and sprinkle with baking soda (about 1 teaspoon per pound of meat). Toss to coat evenly and let sit in the fridge or at room temperature for 30 minutes. Rinse the meat with cold water, then drain well and pat dry. Now it's ready to use!

Cambodian Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers

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

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 — Simply Recipes / 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 — Simply Recipes / Susy Villasuso

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."

Quick Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers

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

Carne Picada

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

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

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

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."