When Should You Use Steak Tips vs. Stew Meat?

Even though steak tips are cut from the same end of the cattle as the tenderloin, they are treated very differently. The tenderloin is the most expensive cut of beef and is therefore only used for high-end dishes like filet mignon.

On the other hand, the less expensive steak tips are used for dishes like steak tips and gravy, which are both less expensive and easier to prepare.

So when should you use steak tips vs. stew meat? The best answer to that question depends on your budget and the dishes you plan on preparing with the meat.

What’s the difference between steak tips vs. stew meat?

There are also different cuts of beef that are specifically cut for either stewing or aging. Since steak tips are meant for longer cooking, they’re often sold as stew meat.

Steak tips

Steak tips are cut from the bottom sirloin, the same cut as the tenderloin. The sirloin is the second-most expensive cut of beef, after the rib eye. Like other less expensive cuts of beef, the tips are sold in bulk, often in a box with dozens of pieces.

Steak tips are also called flatiron or sirloin tip steaks. They have a similar shape and texture to a filet mignon, but are less expensive.

Stew meat

Stew meat is cut from the bottom sirloin or rump but can be round or chuck, the same as steak tips but from an older animal. Like steak tips, it’s less expensive than other cuts, but more expensive than more tender cuts.

Stew meat is typically sold in a box, similar to how steak tips are sold. Because it’s meant for longer cooking, it’s sometimes labeled as ‘stew’ and priced above ground beef.

When to use steak tips vs. stew meat?

There are many different ways to prepare steak tips vs. stew meat, depending on what you plan to make and your budget.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, steak tips vs. stew meat is a great option. For example, baked steak tips are easy to make and great for a weeknight dinner.

If you want to keep costs down, you can substitute steak tips for chuck roast or bottom round, both cuts of beef that are cheaper. The same goes for stew meat: you can usually substitute cheaper ground beef or chuck roast.

Conclusion

When deciding which cut of beef to use, you’ll want to keep your budget in mind. The most expensive cut of beef is the tenderloin, which is only used for high-end dishes like filet mignon.

The less expensive steak tips are used for dishes like steak tips and gravy, which are both less expensive and easier to prepare.

So when should you use steak tips vs. stew meat? The best answer to that question depends on your budget and the dishes you plan on preparing with the meat.