Substitute for Stew Meat: 1 Smart Options
The best substitute for stew meat is Stew meat (ground/minced) at a Same amount (1:1) ratio. There are 2 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Stew meat (ground/minced)
Same amount (1:1)
Stew meat (ground/minced) is a workable stand-in for stew meat. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. It is especially useful in stews. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
What are the other substitutes for stew meat?
Pork Shoulder (cubed)
1 lb cubed pork shoulder per 1 lb stew meat
Fatty, well-marbled cut that becomes tender when braised. Works well in stews, chili, and slow cooker recipes.
Flavor/texture:Richer and slightly sweeter than beef. More fat creates a silkier sauce.
Avoid when:Fattier than beef stew meat. Takes similar cooking time. Pork flavor instead of beef.
Boneless Chicken Thighs (cubed)
1 lb cubed chicken thighs per 1 lb stew meat
Dark meat chicken stays tender and juicy in stews. Cooks faster than beef stew meat. Budget-friendly.
Flavor/texture:Lighter and milder than beef. Less rich. Creates a lighter stew.
Avoid when:Cooks in 20-30 minutes vs 1-2 hours for beef. Add chicken later in cooking or it will fall apart. Less hearty than beef.
What should you know before substituting stew meat?
Stew meat (ground/minced) is the easiest starting point because it stays closest to stew meat in everyday cooking. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. Focus on whether you need the closest flavor, the right texture, or simply the easiest pantry backup.
How do you substitute stew meat in a recipe?
When a recipe calls for stew meat and you need an alternative, there are 3 tested substitutes available. Stew meat (ground/minced) is the best overall replacement, used at a Same amount (1:1) ratio. The right substitute depends on the role stew meat plays in your recipe: whether it provides flavor, texture, moisture, or structure.
The best substitute for stew meat depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Stew meat (ground/minced) (Same amount (1:1)), which works well for most recipes.
If you need a different option, Pork Shoulder (cubed) (1 lb cubed pork shoulder per 1 lb stew meat) is another reliable choice. Fatty, well-marbled cut that becomes tender when braised. Works well in stews, chili, and slow cooker recipes.
When substituting stew meat, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for Stew Meat?
Stew meat (ground/minced) is the best place to start for stew meat. Use a 1:1 swap and then adjust after tasting if the dish needs a little more intensity or balance.
How many substitutes are there for Stew Meat?
This page lists 1 substitute for stew meat. The best pick depends on whether you want the closest flavor, similar texture, or simply the easiest pantry backup.