“Low and slow” isnt just a cliche, it actually works.

I hoped there was a secret ingredient (baking soda, maybe?)

or the right cooking vessel (an Instant Pot?)

Beef stew with carrots and potatoes in a white bowl

Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock

to fix my beef stew woes.

It had never occurred to me that the same rule applies when stewing beef.

That stress can cause the beef to constrict and toughen, leading to a chewy, unappetizing texture.

Ingredients for beef stew on a wooden cutting board

Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock

Dumping your beef cubes into boiling stock can cause a similar issue.

Wilson added, Dont ever add your meat to a boiling pot of liquid.

Instead, think about how unpleasant it would feel to be thrown into boiling water.

Always remember how soothing a bath is.Add your beef when the liquid or broth is at a gentle simmer.

This keeps the moisture in.

If it runs dry, it toughens.

It depends on what youre cooking and the result you want.

But for stews, we usually go for cuts that arent so expensivechuck, brisket.

Common Beef Stew Mistakes To Avoid