Beef cubes offer a simple way to create filling meals that work for busy weeknights or special dinners. These small pieces of beef cook quickly and take on flavors well, making them perfect for stir-fries, stews, and skillet dishes.
These 21 beef cube recipes will give you easy options that range from classic comfort foods to bold international flavors. You’ll find traditional dishes like beef stew and stroganoff alongside Asian-inspired stir-fries and spicy Korean preparations.
Each recipe uses simple cooking methods and common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
1. Classic Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy
This recipe turns budget-friendly beef cubes into tender, flavorful dinner. You sear the beef until golden brown to lock in juices.
The mushroom gravy adds rich, earthy flavors to the dish. You can make it using beef broth, mushrooms, and simple seasonings.
Cook the beef tips low and slow for best results. This creates melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. This classic comfort food works perfect for family dinners.
2. Garlic Butter Beef Cubes Stir-Fry
This simple dish turns regular beef cubes into a rich meal. You cook the beef in butter with fresh garlic for amazing taste.
Heat butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add your beef cubes and cook them until they brown on all sides.
Toss in minced garlic and stir for about one minute. The garlic should smell good but not burn.
This recipe takes only 5 minutes to make. You can serve it with rice or vegetables for a complete dinner.
3. Honey Garlic Beef Cubes
Cut your steak into small cubes and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the beef cubes for 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides. The meat should stay tender inside.
Mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and water in a bowl. Pour this sauce over the cooked beef cubes and let it simmer.
The sweet honey balances perfectly with the savory garlic flavors.
4. Mongolian Beef Cubes
You can turn beef cubes into tender Mongolian beef with bold flavors. This dish uses ginger and garlic to create a sweet and savory sauce.
Cut your beef cubes from flank steak or sirloin. Coat them in cornstarch before cooking for extra crispiness.
The sauce combines soy sauce, brown sugar, and beef stock. You cook the beef cubes until tender, then toss them in the sticky sauce.
Serve your Mongolian beef cubes over rice with green onions on top.
5. Beef Cubes and Potatoes Stew
You can create a filling dinner with beef cubes and potatoes. This stew combines tender meat with hearty potatoes in a rich broth.
Start by browning your beef cubes in a large pot. Add diced potatoes, carrots, and onions to the pan.
Pour in beef broth to cover the ingredients. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or bay leaves.
Let the stew simmer for 1-2 hours until the beef becomes tender. The potatoes will thicken the broth naturally as they cook.
6. Dutch Oven Beef Stew
Dutch oven beef stew turns your beef cubes into tender, flavorful pieces. You brown the beef cubes first to lock in flavor.
Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions to your pot. Pour in beef broth to create a rich base.
Cook your stew in the oven at 325°F for about 2 hours. The slow cooking makes the beef cubes soft and easy to eat.
This one-pot meal works great for cold days when you want something warm and filling.
7. Chicken-Fried Cube Steak with Mushroom Gravy
This classic comfort food combines crispy coating with tender beef. You coat cube steaks in seasoned flour, then fry them until golden brown.
The mushroom gravy makes this dish special. You can use fresh mushrooms or cream of mushroom soup for the sauce.
The whole meal takes about 30 minutes to make. Your cube steaks will be crispy outside and juicy inside.
This recipe works well for weeknight dinners or weekend meals.
8. Cube Steak Parmigiana with Fresh Tomato Sauce
This dish transforms budget-friendly cube steak into a tasty Italian-style meal. You coat the steaks in breadcrumbs and cheese, then bake them with tomato sauce.
The fresh tomato sauce uses Roma tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Cook the sauce for about 20 minutes until it thickens.
You can serve this with fettuccine or garlic bread. The melted mozzarella and crispy coating make it a filling dinner option that costs less than chicken parmigiana.
9. Soy-Ginger Beef Cubes
Soy-ginger beef cubes bring bold Asian flavors to your dinner table. You cut beef into small cubes and season them with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the beef cubes for 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides.
Mix soy sauce, fresh ginger, and minced garlic in a bowl. Pour this sauce over the cooked beef and let it simmer until the meat absorbs the flavors.
The ginger adds a warm kick while soy sauce creates a savory base. This dish works great over rice or noodles.
10. Beef Cubes in Creamy Onion Gravy
You can turn budget-friendly cube steak into a tender, comforting meal with this simple recipe. The beef cubes cook quickly because of their tenderized texture.
Start by searing the cubes until golden brown. This locks in the juices and creates flavor.
The creamy onion gravy uses caramelized onions for deep taste. You can add cream or milk to make it rich and smooth.
This dish works great over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. The whole meal comes together in about 30 minutes.
11. Spicy Korean Beef Cubes
Korean beef cubes bring bold flavors to your dinner table. You marinate the beef in a sweet and spicy sauce with garlic and ginger.
The sauce combines soy sauce, brown sugar, and gochujang for heat. This creates a sticky glaze that coats each piece perfectly.
Cook the cubes in a hot pan for about 5-7 minutes. They should be tender and caramelized on the outside.
Serve over steamed rice with sesame seeds on top. Add kimchi on the side for an authentic Korean meal.
12. Slow Cooker Beef Cube Stew
This classic stew combines tender beef cubes with soft vegetables in a rich broth. You simply add raw cubed beef to your slow cooker with your favorite vegetables.
The slow cooking process breaks down tough meat fibers. This creates incredibly tender beef that falls apart easily.
You can add potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery for a traditional stew. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The long cooking time allows all flavors to blend together perfectly.
13. Beef Cubes with Bell Peppers and Onions
You can make this simple dish in one skillet for easy cleanup. Brown your beef cubes first to lock in the juices.
Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the pan. Cook until the onions turn golden and peppers stay crisp.
Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can add herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.
This recipe works great over rice or noodles. It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and filling.
14. Beef Cubes in Red Wine Sauce
Start by coating your beef cubes in flour and searing them until brown. This creates a flavorful crust that locks in juices.
Simmer the beef in a rich red wine-based sauce with garlic, onions, and herbs. The wine adds depth and helps tenderize the meat.
Cook slowly until the beef becomes fork-tender. The sauce will reduce and thicken as it cooks.
Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a complete meal.
15. Asian-Style Beef Cubes with Garlic and Ginger
You can make tender beef cubes with bold Asian flavors using garlic and ginger. Cut your beef into small cubes and marinate them in soy sauce, garlic, and fresh ginger.
Heat oil in a pan over high heat. Add the marinated beef cubes and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned.
The garlic and ginger create a savory base that pairs well with rice or noodles. You can add a touch of sesame oil for extra flavor.
16. Beef Cube and Mushroom Stroganoff
You can turn beef cubes into a creamy comfort meal with this stroganoff recipe. The slow cooking process makes the meat tender and flavorful.
Start by placing your beef cubes in the crockpot with sliced onions and mushrooms. You don’t need to cut the cubes smaller since they break apart easily while cooking.
The rich cream sauce combines with the mushrooms to create deep flavor. Serve your stroganoff over egg noodles for a complete dinner.
17. Beef Cubes with Honey Soy Glaze
Cut your beef into small cubes and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the beef cubes for 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides. The meat should stay tender inside.
Mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a bowl. Pour this glaze over the cooked beef cubes.
Let the sauce simmer until it coats the meat nicely. This creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
18. Beef Cubes in Tomato Basil Sauce
This recipe combines tender beef cubes with fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil. The creamy tomato sauce coats each piece of meat perfectly.
You start by browning the beef cubes in olive oil. Then add diced onions and garlic to build flavor.
Fresh tomatoes and tomato paste create the base. Add heavy cream to make the sauce rich and smooth.
Fresh basil leaves give the dish its signature taste. Season with salt and pepper to finish.
Serve over rice or pasta for a complete meal.
19. Grilled Beef Cube Skewers
Grilled beef cube skewers make an easy weeknight dinner. You can use sirloin or strip steak cut into cubes.
Marinate your beef cubes for at least 30 minutes. Overnight marinating works better for tender meat.
Thread the cubes onto metal or wooden skewers. Add bell peppers and onions between the meat pieces.
Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes. Turn them every few minutes for even cooking.
The beef cubes will have a nice char outside and stay juicy inside.
20. Beef and Vegetable Cube Curry
This curry combines tender beef cubes with mixed vegetables in a rich, spicy sauce. You can use any vegetables you have on hand like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers.
Start by browning the beef cubes in oil. Add curry powder, onions, and garlic for flavor.
Pour in coconut milk or broth to create the sauce. Add your chosen vegetables and let everything simmer until the beef becomes tender.
Serve this hearty curry over rice or with naan bread.
21. Beef Cubes with Black Pepper Sauce
Black pepper beef cubes make a quick and tasty dinner. You cut beef into small pieces and cook them fast to keep them tender.
Start by marinating your beef cubes. Mix them with soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper for 30 minutes.
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and cook for just a few minutes.
Don’t overcook them or they will get tough. The black pepper sauce coats the beef perfectly.
This dish tastes great and takes only 10 minutes to make.
Choosing the Best Beef Cuts for Cube Recipes
The right beef cut makes the difference between tough, chewy cubes and tender, flavorful meat. Look for cuts with enough marbling and connective tissue that break down during cooking to create juicy results.
Selecting Tender Cuts
Chuck roast is the top choice for beef cubes. This cut has good marbling and connective tissue that melts during slow cooking.
It stays moist and develops rich flavor. Bottom round works well for cubes when you cook it slowly.
This lean cut needs longer cooking times to become tender. It’s budget-friendly and absorbs seasonings well.
Sirloin tip gives you tender cubes with less cooking time. This cut costs more but delivers consistent results.
It works great for quick-cooking recipes. Avoid these cuts for cubes:
- Ribeye – too expensive and fatty
- Tenderloin – becomes mushy when cubed
- Top round – can turn tough and dry
Look for meat with light marbling throughout. Dark red color means fresh beef.
Avoid cuts with large fat caps or thick silver skin.
Preparing Beef Cubes for Cooking
Cut your beef into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Smaller pieces cook too fast and dry out.
Larger pieces take too long to become tender. Trim excess fat before cutting.
Leave thin white marbling since it adds flavor. Remove any silver skin or tough connective tissue from the surface.
Pat cubes dry with paper towels before seasoning. Wet meat won’t brown properly.
Season cubes 30 minutes before cooking to let flavors absorb. For tough cuts, you can pound cubes lightly with a meat mallet.
This breaks down fibers and speeds up cooking. Don’t over-pound or the meat becomes mushy.
Store prepared cubes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Freeze them for up to 3 months in sealed bags.
Essential Tips for Cooking Perfect Beef Cubes
Getting tender, flavorful beef cubes requires the right browning method and proper marinating time. Choosing the correct cooking technique also matters.
Browning Techniques
Pat your beef cubes completely dry with paper towels before cooking. Wet meat will steam instead of brown properly.
Heat your pan until it’s very hot before adding oil. Use oils with high smoke points like vegetable or canola oil.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook beef cubes in small batches so each piece touches the pan surface.
Crowded meat steams and turns gray. Leave the cubes alone for 2-3 minutes per side.
Moving them too early prevents proper browning. The cubes should develop a golden-brown crust on all sides.
This locks in juices and creates deep flavor through the Maillard reaction. Use tongs to turn each cube gently.
Forks pierce the meat and let juices escape.
Marinating for Flavor
Marinate tougher cuts for 2-24 hours in the refrigerator. Tender cuts need only 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Acidic marinades with vinegar, citrus juice, or wine help break down tough fibers. Don’t marinate longer than 24 hours or the meat becomes mushy.
Basic marinade ratios:
- 3 parts oil
- 1 part acid
- Salt, pepper, and herbs to taste
Always marinate in glass or plastic containers. Metal can react with acids and create off flavors.
Remove excess marinade before browning. Too much liquid prevents proper searing.
Cooking Methods and Times
Low and slow cooking works best for tougher cuts. Braise or stew at 275-300°F for 2-3 hours until fork tender.
For quick cooking, use tender cuts and high heat. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes total.
Check doneness with a fork. Properly cooked beef cubes should pierce easily without resistance.
Cooking times by method:
- Braising: 2-3 hours
- Stir-frying: 3-5 minutes
- Slow cooking: 6-8 hours on low
- Pressure cooking: 35-45 minutes
Rest the meat for 5 minutes after cooking. This lets juices redistribute throughout the cubes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make sure my cube steak remains tender when cooking on the stove?
Use medium-low heat when cooking cube steak on the stovetop. High heat makes the meat tough and chewy.
Sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes on each side first. This locks in the juices and creates a golden-brown crust.
Add liquid like broth or wine after searing. Cover the pan and let the meat cook slowly for 10-15 minutes.
You can also pound the steaks with a meat mallet before cooking. This breaks down tough fibers and makes them more tender.
What are some creative serving suggestions for cube steak and gravy?
Serve your beef cubes over mashed cauliflower instead of regular potatoes. This gives you a lighter, healthier base.
Try spooning the meat and gravy over biscuits or toast. This makes a hearty breakfast or brunch dish.
Use the beef cubes as a filling for tacos or wraps. Add fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese for extra flavor.
You can also serve them over rice, noodles, or quinoa. The gravy soaks into these grains and makes them taste better.
Can you provide oven-based methods to ensure tenderness in cube steak recipes?
Preheat your oven to 325°F for slow, gentle cooking. This temperature prevents the meat from drying out.
Brown the cube steaks in a skillet first. Then transfer them to a covered baking dish with some liquid.
Add beef broth, wine, or water to the dish. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the meat.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45-60 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F before serving.
What are some healthy alternatives to traditional cube steak preparations?
Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt in your gravy. This cuts calories while keeping the creamy texture.
Use olive oil instead of butter for cooking. Olive oil has healthier fats and adds good flavor.
Add more vegetables to your beef cube dishes. Mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers boost nutrition without extra calories.
Try baking or grilling instead of frying. These methods use less oil and fat.
What are the best side dishes to complement beef cube steak tacos?
Mexican rice pairs well with beef cube tacos. The rice soaks up any extra juices from the meat.
Black beans add protein and fiber to your meal. Season them with cumin and garlic for more taste.
Fresh salsa or pico de gallo brings brightness to rich beef flavors. The tomatoes and onions add crunch too.
Roasted vegetables like peppers and zucchini work great. They add color and healthy nutrients to your plate.
Could you suggest some easy ways to prepare cube steaks for a quick dinner?
Season the steaks with salt and pepper 10 minutes before cooking. This simple step improves the flavor.
Cook them in a hot skillet with a little oil for 3-4 minutes per side. Avoid moving them around too much while cooking.
Make a quick pan sauce with the drippings. Add some broth and herbs to create instant gravy.
You can also marinate the steaks for 30 minutes beforehand. Use ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil for extra flavor.