01 -
Okay, first things first, grab your stew meat and pat it *really* dry with paper towels. This is crucial, hon! If it’s wet, it’ll steam instead of getting that gorgeous sear we're after, and nobody wants sad, gray beef. Cut any larger pieces into roughly 1-inch cubes if they're not already, aiming for fairly even sizes so they cook at the same rate. I actually once cut them too small and they cooked too fast, getting a bit tough, so aim for that good 1-inch cube for these Steak Bites with Stew Meat.
02 -
Next up, toss those beef cubes into a medium bowl. Now, let’s get those flavors on! Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, a good pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands – yes, get in there! – to really work those seasonings into every single piece of meat. You want every bite of these Steak Bites with Stew Meat to be bursting with flavor, so don't be shy. I always feel like I'm giving the meat a little flavor massage at this stage.
03 -
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is my absolute favorite for this!) over medium-high heat. Add a generous drizzle of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, add the seasoned beef in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to do this in batches, and trust me, it’s worth it. Let them sear undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes per side until they're beautifully browned and crusty. This is where the magic happens for our quick Steak Bites with Stew Meat!
04 -
Once all your beef is seared and looking fabulous, return it all to the pan. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. The pan will sizzle beautifully, and you'll see all those lovely browned bits (fond!) start to lift from the bottom. This is pure flavor! Scrape them up with a wooden spoon – don't let any of that goodness go to waste. This step is essential for a rich, savory sauce for our Steak Bites with Stew Meat.
05 -
Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the beef is incredibly tender. You're looking for that "melt-in-your-mouth" texture. Check a piece; if it’s still a bit chewy, let it go for another 5 minutes. The smell at this point? Oh my gosh, it’s just heavenly, filling your whole kitchen with a promise of deliciousness. This is where the stew meat transforms into tender Steak Bites with Stew Meat.
06 -
Once the beef is tender, remove the lid and increase the heat slightly to let any excess liquid reduce and thicken just a bit, if you like a saucier finish. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – maybe a little more salt or pepper? Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you have it. Serve these glorious Steak Bites with Stew Meat immediately. Honestly, they’re so good straight out of the pan, you might just eat them right there!