Beef stew is hearty and delicious comfort food, and tender chunks of beef are its main ingredients. Other ingredients can vary, but this dish would be incomplete without beef, so it’s crucial to pick high-quality meat and properly prep it before cooking your stew.
Choice of Cut
The cut of beef you choose can make or break your stew. It’s always a good idea to go with a tougher cut, such as chuck or round, if you’re planning to use it in your stew. Since meat will be slow-cooked in your stew, this type of meat is the right choice because it will become more tender and flavorful.
Smaller Pieces
It’s important to cut the beef into smaller pieces before moving on to the next step, preferably cubes. In addition to allowing you to get rid of excess fat, cutting beef into pieces of a similar size is a good way to ensure even cooking.
Browning the Beef
Browning the beef is the crucial step in prepping it for the stew. It’s highly recommended to prep the beef in a hot skillet or Dutch oven so it could develop a flavorful crust on the outside, adding depth of flavor and color to the stew. It’s important to avoid overcrowding the pen during the step so the beef could brown properly.
