Beef cubes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many tasty dishes. These small chunks of meat are perfect for quick cooking and absorbing flavors.
You can turn beef cubes into hearty meals that are sure to satisfy your family and friends.
From stews and soups to stir-fries and skewers, there are lots of ways to cook beef cubes. This article will show you 15 delicious recipes that use beef cubes as the star ingredient.
You’ll find ideas for easy weeknight dinners and fancy meals for special occasions.
1. Classic Beef Bourguignon
Beef Bourguignon is a rich French stew perfect for cold nights. You’ll need beef cubes, bacon, red wine, beef broth, and vegetables.
Brown the beef cubes and bacon in a Dutch oven. Remove and set aside.
Sauté carrots, pearl onions, and garlic in the same pot.
Return the meat to the pot. Add wine, broth, and herbs. Cover and cook in a 350°F oven for about 2.5 hours.
Near the end, add mushrooms and let them cook until tender. The beef should be very soft when done.
Serve your Beef Bourguignon hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
2. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Slow cooker beef stew is a comforting meal perfect for chilly days. You’ll need beef cubes, potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery as the main ingredients.
Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes and brown them in a pan before adding to the slow cooker. This step adds extra flavor to your stew.
Add chopped vegetables, beef broth, and seasonings to the pot. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-6 hours until the meat is tender.
For a thicker stew, mix some flour with water and stir it in during the last hour of cooking. You can also add frozen peas near the end for extra color and nutrition.
Serve your hearty beef stew with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
3. Spicy Korean Beef Cubes
Spicy Korean beef cubes offer a tasty twist on traditional bulgogi. You’ll love the bold flavors in this dish.
Start by cutting beef into small cubes. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and gochujang for the marinade. Let the beef soak up these flavors for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the marinated beef cubes in a hot pan or wok. Add sliced onions and green onions for extra flavor and crunch.
Serve your spicy Korean beef cubes over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds for a nutty finish. This meal is sure to spice up your dinner routine.
4. Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff is a tasty dish you can make with beef cubes. Start by cooking the beef cubes in a hot pan until they’re brown.
Next, make a sauce with mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Add some beef broth, sour cream, and mustard to give it flavor.
Mix the beef cubes back into the sauce. Let it simmer until the meat is tender and the sauce is thick.
Serve your Beef Stroganoff over egg noodles or rice. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for cold days.
5. Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Garlic butter steak bites are a tasty and quick meal option. You’ll need steak cubes, butter, garlic, and seasonings.
Start by heating oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned.
Remove the steak and set aside. Melt butter in the same pan and sauté garlic until golden.
Return the steak to the pan and stir to coat with the garlic butter. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. This dish pairs well with vegetables or potatoes for a complete meal.
6. Beef Cubes with Black Pepper Sauce
Beef cubes with black pepper sauce offer a bold and zesty flavor. You’ll love the rich taste of tender beef coated in a peppery glaze.
To make this dish, start by searing beef cubes in a hot pan. Remove the beef and set it aside.
In the same pan, create a sauce using butter, garlic, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
Add some beef broth and let it simmer until it thickens. Return the beef to the pan and coat it in the sauce. The result is juicy beef with a kick of pepper in every bite.
This recipe works well with rice or noodles. It’s a quick and tasty option for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without much fuss.
7. Thai Basil Beef Cubes
Thai Basil Beef Cubes bring bold flavors to your plate. You’ll love the mix of savory and sweet in this dish.
Start by searing beef cubes in a hot wok. Then add garlic and red pepper for a quick stir-fry.
Next, toss in onions until they brown slightly. Mix in soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce for depth.
Sprinkle some sugar to balance the flavors. Finish by stirring in fresh Thai basil leaves.
Serve your Thai Basil Beef Cubes over steamed rice. For extra indulgence, top with a fried egg.
8. Teriyaki Beef Cubes
Teriyaki beef cubes are a tasty and easy-to-make dish. You start by cutting beef into small, bite-sized pieces. Then you marinate them in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
The sauce usually contains soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and ginger. You can add garlic for extra flavor. Let the beef soak up the marinade for at least 30 minutes.
Next, thread the beef onto skewers. Grill them for a few minutes on each side until cooked through. You can also pan-fry or bake them if you prefer.
Serve your teriyaki beef cubes hot. They go well with rice and steamed veggies. You can also use extra sauce for dipping.
9. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Beef and broccoli stir fry is a quick and tasty meal you can make in about 20 minutes.
Start by cutting beef into thin strips and coating them with cornstarch and soy sauce. Let the meat rest for a few minutes.
Heat oil in a pan over high heat. Cook the beef for 2-3 minutes until browned, then set it aside.
Next, stir-fry garlic, ginger, and broccoli in the same pan for 3-4 minutes.
Make a sauce with soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Add the beef back to the pan with the vegetables and pour in the sauce. Cook everything together for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.
10. Balsamic Glazed Beef Cubes
Balsamic glazed beef cubes are a tasty twist on traditional beef recipes. You can make this dish easily at home.
Start by cutting beef into 1-inch cubes. Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and seasonings to create a marinade.
Let the beef soak in the marinade for at least an hour. This helps the meat absorb the flavors.
Grill or pan-sear the beef cubes until they’re cooked to your liking. As they cook, brush them with extra marinade for more flavor.
Serve these savory beef cubes as a main dish or appetizer. They pair well with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
11. Chipotle Lime Beef Skewers
These skewers pack a zesty punch with chipotle and lime flavors. Cut beef into cubes and place them in a resealable bag.
Mix lime juice, garlic, chipotle peppers, oil, and salt to create a marinade. Pour it over the beef and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning. Thread the marinated beef onto the skewers.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the beef reaches your desired doneness.
Serve these flavorful skewers hot off the grill. They pair well with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
12. Moroccan Beef Tagine
Moroccan Beef Tagine is a flavorful stew that turns beef cubes into a tender, aromatic dish. You’ll need beef cubes, onions, garlic, and a mix of warm spices like cinnamon, cumin, and paprika.
Brown the beef cubes in a tagine or large pot. Add diced onions and minced garlic, then stir in the spices. Pour in beef broth and canned tomatoes for a rich base.
Let the tagine simmer on low heat for about an hour and a half. The beef will become soft and the flavors will meld. You can add carrots and chickpeas for extra texture and nutrition.
Serve your Moroccan Beef Tagine over couscous or with crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
13. Beef Cubes in Red Wine Sauce
Beef cubes in red wine sauce is a tasty dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. You’ll love the rich flavors of this meal.
Start by searing beef cubes in a hot pan until they’re browned. Then, add red wine, beef broth, and some herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Let the sauce simmer and reduce. This brings out the deep flavors of the wine and beef. The meat will become tender as it cooks in the sauce.
Serve your beef cubes over mashed potatoes or noodles. The sauce is great for soaking up with bread too.
14. Honey Garlic Beef Cubes
Honey garlic beef cubes are a tasty and simple dish you can make for dinner. You’ll need beef cubes, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a few other ingredients.
Start by seasoning the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan and sear the beef until it’s browned on all sides.
Remove the beef and add minced garlic to the pan. Cook for a minute, then pour in honey, soy sauce, and a bit of water. Stir to combine.
Add the beef back to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce for a few minutes. The sauce will thicken and coat the beef cubes.
Serve your honey garlic beef cubes over rice or with vegetables for a quick and flavorful meal.
15. Creamy Beef Curry
Creamy beef curry is a delicious way to use beef cubes. Start by browning the beef cubes in a pan. Set them aside.
In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger. Add curry powder and other spices like turmeric and cumin. Cook until fragrant.
Return the beef to the pan. Pour in coconut milk and beef broth. Simmer until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
For extra creaminess, stir in some yogurt or cream at the end. Serve your curry over rice or with naan bread. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings.
Choosing the Right Beef Cubes
Picking the best beef cubes is key for tasty meals. The right cut and quality make a big difference in flavor and texture.
Selecting Quality Beef
Look for beef cubes with a bright red color. Avoid pieces that are brown or gray. The meat should feel firm and cool to the touch. Check for marbling – thin white lines of fat within the meat. More marbling often means more flavor.
Fresh beef shouldn’t have a strong smell. A slight metallic scent is normal. Don’t buy meat that smells sour or odd.
Check the packaging date. Pick the freshest option available. Vacuum-sealed packages can last longer, but they’re not always the best choice.
Understanding Cuts of Beef
Beef cubes can come from different parts of the cow. Each cut has its own traits.
Chuck: From the shoulder. It’s flavorful and good for slow cooking.
Sirloin: Leaner but still tender. Great for quick-cooking dishes.
Round: Lean and tougher. Best for long, slow cooking methods.
Stew meat: Often a mix of cuts. Good for stews but can cook unevenly.
For tender dishes, pick sirloin or chuck. For stews and soups, round or stew meat work well. Match the cut to your cooking method for the best results.
Cooking Techniques for Beef Cubes
Beef cubes can be cooked in different ways to bring out their flavor and texture. Two main methods are searing and slow cooking. Each technique offers unique results.
Searing Techniques
Searing beef cubes gives them a tasty brown crust.
Heat oil in a pan over high heat. Add the cubes in a single layer, don’t crowd them. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
For extra flavor, try these tips:
- Pat the cubes dry before searing
- Season with salt and pepper
- Use cast iron for even heat
- Don’t move the cubes too much while cooking
After searing, you can finish cooking the beef in sauce or broth. This method works well for dishes like beef stew or curry.
Slow Cooking Methods
Slow cooking makes beef cubes tender and juicy. You can use a slow cooker, oven, or pressure cooker.
For slow cooker:
- Brown the cubes first (optional)
- Add to slow cooker with liquid and seasonings
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours
Oven braising is another good option. Put the beef in a covered pot with liquid and cook at 325°F for 2-3 hours.
Pressure cooking is faster. It takes about 20 minutes at high pressure. This works great for dishes like beef and vegetable soup.