Beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for any season. However, it can take a long time to cook if you use raw beef. If you’re short on time, using already cooked beef is an easy way to speed up the process. In this article, we’ll go over the best cuts of beef for stew, how to prepare already cooked beef for stew, the secret to mouthwatering beef stew, and more. So let’s get started!
The Best Cuts of Beef for Stew
The best cuts of beef for stew are those with a good amount of marbling and connective tissue. These cuts become tender and juicy when cooked for a long time. Some examples of good cuts for stew include chuck roast, brisket, bottom round, and short ribs. These cuts are generally more affordable than other cuts of beef and are widely available at most grocery stores.
When selecting beef for stew, it’s important to choose cuts that are well-marbled with fat. This fat will melt during cooking, adding flavor and moisture to the dish. Additionally, choosing a tougher cut of meat with lots of connective tissue will result in a more flavorful stew.
It’s also important to properly prepare the beef before adding it to the stew. This can include browning the meat in a hot pan to develop a rich, caramelized flavor, or marinating the beef in a flavorful liquid to tenderize it before cooking. With the right cut of beef and preparation techniques, you can create a delicious and hearty stew that will warm you up on even the coldest of days.
How to Prepare Already Cooked Beef for Stew
If you have leftover cooked beef, you can easily turn it into a delicious stew. The first step is to cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Make sure to remove any bones or hard pieces of fat. You can either use a sharp knife or a food processor for this step. Once the meat is cut, set it aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Next, chop up your vegetables. You can use any vegetables you like, but some popular choices for beef stew include carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery. Cut them into bite-sized pieces so that they cook evenly with the meat. Heat up a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, add the vegetables and cook them until they start to soften, stirring occasionally.
The Secret to Mouthwatering Beef Stew
The secret to a delicious beef stew is to cook it low and slow. This means that you should use a low temperature and cook the stew for several hours. This allows the meat to become tender and the flavors to develop. Another important factor is to use the right seasoning. Adding herbs like thyme, bay leaves, and rosemary can add depth and complexity to your stew. You can also use red wine or beef broth to add richness to the dish.
Additionally, the type of beef you use can greatly affect the taste and texture of your stew. It’s best to use tougher cuts of meat, such as chuck or brisket, as they will become more tender during the slow cooking process. You can also add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions to the stew for added flavor and nutrition.
When it comes to serving your beef stew, consider pairing it with a crusty bread or serving it over a bed of mashed potatoes. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for later use. Just be sure to reheat it slowly on the stove to maintain its delicious flavor and texture.
One-Pot Beef Stew Recipe with Already Cooked Beef
Here’s a one-pot beef stew recipe that uses already cooked beef:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups leftover cooked beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the potatoes and carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the leftover cooked beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the beef broth and red wine. Add the bay leaves and thyme and season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and then turn down the heat to low. Cover and cook for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If the stew is too thick, you can add more broth or water.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
If you don’t have any leftover cooked beef, you can still make this recipe by cooking some beef beforehand. Simply season the beef with salt and pepper and cook it in a pan until it’s browned on all sides. Then, cut it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the stew as directed.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep or for feeding a crowd. You can easily double or triple the recipe and store the leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later. Just be sure to reheat the stew slowly over low heat to prevent the beef from becoming tough.
Perfectly Seasoning Your Beef Stew with Already Cooked Meat
Seasoning your beef stew is key to making it taste great. Aside from the herbs and spices mentioned above, you can also add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, or soy sauce to your stew. Experiment with different seasonings to find a combination that works for you. Don’t be afraid to taste your stew as you go along to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Another important factor in seasoning your beef stew is the type of meat you use. If you’re using already cooked meat, such as leftover pot roast or steak, you’ll want to be careful not to over-season your stew. The meat has already been seasoned during its initial cooking process, so adding too much additional seasoning can result in an overpowering flavor.
Additionally, if you’re using already cooked meat, you’ll want to add it to your stew towards the end of the cooking process. This will prevent the meat from becoming tough or overcooked. Simply heat the meat through in the stew for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking time, and it will be perfectly tender and flavorful.
Slow-Cooker Beef Stew Recipe with Pre-Cooked Meat
If you have a slow cooker, you can make your beef stew even more hands-off. Here’s a slow-cooker beef stew recipe that uses already cooked beef:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups leftover cooked beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the potatoes and carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Transfer the vegetables to a slow cooker. Add the leftover cooked beef, beef broth, red wine, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Here are some additional tips to make your slow-cooker beef stew even more delicious:
- For a richer flavor, use bone broth instead of regular beef broth.
- If you like a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew during the last hour of cooking.
And if you have any leftovers, here’s a great idea for repurposing them:
Use the leftover beef stew to make a delicious pot pie. Simply pour the stew into a pie dish, top with a layer of puff pastry, and bake in the oven until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
A Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: Pre-Cooked Beef Stew Recipe
If you’re short on time and need a quick and easy weeknight dinner, try this pre-cooked beef stew recipe:
- 2 cups leftover cooked beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15.5 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked beef and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and kidney beans. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking and serve.
This pre-cooked beef stew recipe is not only quick and easy, but it’s also a great way to use up any leftover beef you may have. You can also substitute the beef with chicken or turkey if you prefer.
If you want to add some extra vegetables to the stew, you can throw in some chopped carrots, celery, or potatoes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so that the vegetables are cooked through.
Tips for Thickening Your Already Cooked Beef Stew
If your stew is too thin, you can thicken it using a slurry made of cornstarch or flour. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with 1 tablespoon of water to make a paste. Add the paste to the stew and stir until it thickens. You can also add mashed potatoes or a roux made of butter and flour to thicken your stew.
Another way to thicken your beef stew is to add a can of tomato paste. This not only thickens the stew but also adds a rich, savory flavor. Alternatively, you can add a can of beans, such as kidney or black beans, which will not only thicken the stew but also add protein and fiber to your meal.
It’s important to note that if you’re using cornstarch or flour to thicken your stew, you should mix it with cold water before adding it to the hot stew. This will prevent clumping and ensure a smooth consistency. Additionally, if you’re using a roux, make sure to cook it for a few minutes before adding it to the stew to get rid of any raw flour taste.
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Pre-Cooked Beef Stew
Beef stew is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Crusty bread or rolls
- Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
- Cornbread
- Rice or quinoa
- Green vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans
- Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or turnips
With these tips, you can make a delicious beef stew with already cooked beef in no time. Whether you use a slow cooker or make it on the stovetop, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So why not try it for your next family dinner or potluck? We hope you enjoy it!
If you want to add some extra flavor to your beef stew, try adding some red wine or beef broth to the recipe. This will give the stew a richer taste and make it even more satisfying. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika, to give the stew a unique flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make the recipe your own!