Steak Bites with Stew Meat: Quick, Tender & Flavorful (Print Version)

Steak Bites with Stew Meat deliver quick, tender, and flavorful beef in every bite. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or easy meal prep. So good!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free (if using GF broth/Worcestershire)

# Ingredients:

→ Hearty Bites Base

01 - 1.5 lbs stew meat (beef chuck), cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 cup beef broth
04 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

→ Flavor Patrol

05 - 1.5 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1 tsp onion powder
07 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 0.5 tsp dried thyme
09 - Salt to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

11 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

→ Optional Kickers

12 - Pinch of red pepper flakes
13 - 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (for thicker sauce)

# Instructions:

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!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your stew meat super dry before searing; wet meat steams, dry meat browns!
02 - When reheating leftovers, use the stovetop on low heat with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
03 - If you're out of smoked paprika, a tiny dash of liquid smoke can mimic that flavor, but use sparingly!
04 - For an extra rich sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken things up.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - mixing bowl
05 - measuring cups and spoons
06 - wooden spoon
07 - paper towels

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350-400 kcal
Total Fat: 20-25 g
Total Carbohydrate: 3-5 g
Protein: 35-40 g