19+ Best Beef Cube Recipes

A bag of beef cubes sitting in your fridge doesn’t have to mean one more pot of plain stew. Those little chunks of chuck or sirloin can turn into stir-fry, curry, tacos, pot pie, or a rich European braise, depending on what you’re craving and how much time you’ve got.

The trick is matching the cut and the cooking method. Tough, well-marbled cubes want low heat and time. Leaner, tender ones do best with a fast sear. Once you know that, the best beef cube recipe for most home cooks is beef tips and gravy, since it uses an inexpensive cut, comes together in under an hour, and turns out fork-tender every time.

From there, the options open up fast. Some nights call for a quick skillet dinner with garlic butter. Other nights, a slow-simmered goulash or rendang fits better, especially when you want the kitchen smelling good for hours.

Quick picks:

• Best overall: Beef Tips and Gravy, tender and fast enough for a weeknight
• Best for garlic lovers: Garlic Butter Steak Bites, ready in under 15 minutes
• Best low and slow option: Beef Bourguignon, worth the wait on a weekend
• Best for spice fans: Indonesian Beef Rendang, deep and warmly spiced

1. Beef Tips and Gravy

Beef tips and gravy turns cheap stew meat into a dinner that tastes like it took all day. Brown the cubes in a hot skillet, then simmer them in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a little flour until the gravy thickens and clings to the meat. Serve it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Yield: 4 servings | Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef stew cubes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Season beef and sear in hot oil until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion and cook until soft.
3. Sprinkle flour over beef, stir, then pour in broth and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Simmer covered on low for 35 minutes until tender.
5. Serve over mashed potatoes or noodles.

For more slow-simmered ideas like this, check out our best beef cube recipes.

2. Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Garlic butter steak bites deliver a steakhouse-style dinner in the time it takes to boil pasta. Cubed sirloin or chuck sears fast in a hot pan, then gets tossed in melted butter, garlic, and fresh herbs right before serving.

Yield: 4 servings | Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef cubes (sirloin or chuck)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper.
2. Sear in hot oil, 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Add butter and garlic, toss for 1 minute.
4. Top with parsley and serve hot.

This one borrows techniques from our savory garlic butter chuck steak bites.

3. Classic Beef Stew

Classic beef stew is the dish most people picture when they think of beef cubes, and for good reason. Chuck cubes simmer with carrots, potatoes, and celery in a rich broth until everything turns soft and the kitchen smells incredible.

Yield: 6 servings | Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 2 hours

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck cubes
• 3 tbsp flour
• 3 tbsp oil
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 bay leaves

Method:

1. Toss beef in flour, sear in oil until browned.
2. Add broth and bay leaves, simmer 1 hour.
3. Add vegetables, simmer 45 more minutes until tender.
4. Remove bay leaves before serving.

4. Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff coats tender beef cubes in a creamy, tangy mushroom sauce that clings perfectly to egg noodles. Sour cream stirred in at the end gives the sauce its signature richness without turning heavy.

Yield: 4 servings | Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef cubes
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp butter

Method:

1. Sear beef in butter until browned, set aside.
2. Cook onion and mushrooms until soft.
3. Stir in flour, then broth, and simmer 10 minutes.
4. Return beef, stir in sour cream, heat gently.
5. Serve over egg noodles.

Try the technique in our rich and creamy chuck steak stroganoff for a chuck-specific version.

5. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Beef and broccoli stir-fry brings takeout flavor home in about 20 minutes flat. A quick marinade of soy sauce and cornstarch keeps the beef cubes juicy, while a glossy garlic-ginger sauce ties everything together.

Yield: 4 servings | Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef cubes, thinly sliced if preferred
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced

Method:

1. Toss beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce and cornstarch.
2. Stir-fry beef in hot oil until browned, remove.
3. Stir-fry broccoli until bright green and crisp-tender.
4. Return beef, add remaining soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
5. Toss until sauce thickens slightly, serve over rice.

See the full method in our quick beef and broccoli stir fry recipe.

6. Beef Bourguignon

Beef bourguignon is a French braise where beef cubes slow-cook in red wine until they practically fall apart. Bacon, pearl onions, and mushrooms round out this classic dish, which rewards patience with deep, savory flavor.

Yield: 6 servings | Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 2.5 hours

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck cubes
• 4 oz bacon, chopped
• 2 cups red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 lb pearl onions
• 8 oz mushrooms, halved
• 2 tbsp flour

Method:

1. Cook bacon, remove, sear beef in the fat.
2. Stir in flour and tomato paste.
3. Add wine and broth, simmer covered 2 hours.
4. Add onions and mushrooms in the last 30 minutes.
5. Stir bacon back in before serving.

For more dishes in this style, browse our best traditional french recipes.

7. Beef and Vegetable Kebabs

Beef and vegetable kebabs turn beef cubes into a colorful, grill-friendly dinner with almost no cleanup. A simple olive oil and herb marinade keeps the meat juicy while bell peppers and onions char alongside it.

Yield: 4 servings | Prep: 20 minutes plus marinating | Cook: 12 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef sirloin cubes
• 2 bell peppers, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Method:

1. Marinate beef in oil, lemon juice, and garlic for 1 hour.
2. Thread beef and vegetables onto skewers.
3. Grill over medium-high heat, turning often, 10-12 minutes.
4. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

8. Hungarian Beef Goulash

Hungarian beef goulash gets its deep red color and smoky flavor from a generous amount of paprika. Beef cubes simmer low and slow until they’re meltingly tender, swimming in a thick, savory broth.

Yield: 6 servings | Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 2 hours

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck cubes
• 3 tbsp sweet paprika
• 2 onions, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste

Method:

1. Sear beef, then set aside.
2. Cook onions and garlic until soft, stir in paprika.
3. Return beef, add broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, and pepper.
4. Simmer covered 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.

9. Japanese Beef Curry

Japanese beef curry is thicker and milder than Indian curry, with a slightly sweet, savory flavor kids and adults both enjoy. Beef cubes, carrots, and potatoes simmer in a curry roux until everything turns silky.

Yield: 4 servings | Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef cubes
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cups water
• 1 box (3.5 oz) Japanese curry roux
• 2 tbsp oil

Method:

1. Sear beef in oil, add onion, cook until soft.
2. Add water, simmer 20 minutes.
3. Add carrots and potatoes, simmer 15 minutes.
4. Break curry roux into pot, stir until dissolved and thick.
5. Simmer 5 more minutes, serve over rice.

10. Beef and Mushroom Pot Pie

Beef and mushroom pot pie wraps tender beef cubes and earthy mushrooms in a creamy sauce under a golden, flaky crust. It’s comfort food that turns leftover stew-style filling into something special.

Yield: 6 servings | Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef cubes
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 sheets puff pastry

Method:

1. Sear beef, add onion and mushrooms, cook until soft.
2. Stir in flour, then broth, simmer 30 minutes.
3. Stir in cream, pour into a baking dish.
4. Top with puff pastry, bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until golden.

11. Beef and Barley Soup

Beef and barley soup is a hearty, old-fashioned bowl that stretches a modest amount of beef cubes into a filling meal. Barley thickens the broth naturally as it cooks, giving the soup a chewy, satisfying texture.

Yield: 6 servings | Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 1.5 hours

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef chuck cubes
• 2/3 cup pearl barley
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

Method:

1. Sear beef, add onion, carrots, and celery.
2. Add broth and tomatoes, simmer 1 hour.
3. Stir in barley, simmer 30 more minutes until tender.

12. Chile Colorado with Beef Cubes

Chile Colorado simmers beef cubes in a deep red chile sauce made from dried guajillo and ancho peppers. The sauce turns rich and slightly smoky, perfect spooned over rice or wrapped in warm tortillas.

Yield: 4 servings | Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 1.5 hours

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck cubes
• 4 dried guajillo chiles
• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp cumin

Method:

1. Toast chiles, soak in hot water 15 minutes, blend with garlic and onion.
2. Sear beef, add chile sauce and broth.
3. Simmer covered 1 hour until tender, stir in cumin.
4. Serve with rice or tortillas.

13. Beef Ragù with Pappardelle

Beef ragù with pappardelle turns humble beef cubes into a silky, slow-cooked pasta sauce. The beef shreds easily after a long simmer in tomatoes, wine, and herbs, clinging to wide ribbons of pasta.

Yield: 4 servings | Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 2.5 hours

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef chuck cubes
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 12 oz pappardelle pasta

Method:

1. Sear beef, add onion and garlic, cook until soft.
2. Add wine, simmer 5 minutes, then add tomatoes and oregano.
3. Simmer covered 2 hours, shredding beef as it softens.
4. Toss with cooked pappardelle.

14. Vietnamese Bò Kho

Vietnamese bò kho is a fragrant beef stew warmed with star anise, cinnamon, and lemongrass. Beef cubes simmer until tender in a lightly sweet, tomato-tinted broth, often served with crusty bread for dipping.

Yield: 4 servings | Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 1.5 hours

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef chuck cubes
• 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

Method:

1. Sear beef with lemongrass and spices.
2. Add broth and tomatoes, simmer 1 hour.
3. Add carrots, simmer 30 more minutes.
4. Remove spices, serve with crusty bread.

15. Filipino Beef Caldereta

Filipino beef caldereta is a tomato-based stew loaded with potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, finished with a touch of liver spread or cheese for richness. Beef cubes turn tender after a long simmer in the thick, savory sauce.

Yield: 6 servings | Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 1.5 hours

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck cubes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tbsp liver spread
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese

Method:

1. Sear beef, add tomato sauce and water to cover.
2. Simmer 1 hour until tender.
3. Add potatoes and carrots, simmer 20 minutes.
4. Stir in liver spread and cheese until melted.

16. Indonesian Beef Rendang

Indonesian beef rendang slow-cooks beef cubes in coconut milk and a fragrant spice paste until the sauce reduces to a thick, dark, intensely flavorful coating. It’s a dish built on patience, with layers of warmth from ginger, galangal, and chiles.

Yield: 6 servings | Prep: 25 minutes | Cook: 2.5 hours

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck cubes
• 2 cans (14 oz each) coconut milk
• 4 shallots
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 red chiles
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 2 kaffir lime leaves

Method:

1. Blend shallots, garlic, chiles, and ginger into a paste.
2. Sauté paste until fragrant, add beef.
3. Pour in coconut milk and lime leaves.
4. Simmer uncovered, stirring often, 2 hours until thick and dark.

17. Beef Birria Tacos

Beef birria tacos dip tender, chile-braised beef cubes into crispy, cheese-filled tortillas, then serve them with a cup of rich dipping broth. It’s a messy, satisfying dinner worth the napkins.

Yield: 6 servings | Prep: 25 minutes | Cook: 2.5 hours

Ingredients:

• 2.5 lbs beef chuck cubes
• 4 dried guajillo chiles
• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic
• Corn tortillas and shredded cheese for serving

Method:

1. Toast and soak chiles, blend with garlic and onion.
2. Sear beef, add chile mixture and broth.
3. Simmer covered 2 hours until shreddable.
4. Dip tortillas in broth, fill with beef and cheese, pan-fry until crisp.
5. Serve with broth for dipping.

18. Beef and Potato Hash

Beef and potato hash is a skillet dinner that turns leftover or fresh beef cubes into a crispy, filling meal. Diced potatoes crisp up alongside the beef, and a fried egg on top makes it feel complete.

Yield: 4 servings | Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef cubes
• 4 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Cook potatoes in oil until golden and tender, remove.
2. Sear beef and onion in the same pan.
3. Return potatoes, season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook until everything is crisp and heated through.

19. Diced Beef Empanadas

Diced beef empanadas pack seasoned beef cubes, olives, and a touch of spice into a flaky, golden pastry. They’re great for lunch, snacking, or freezing ahead for a busy week.

Yield: 12 empanadas | Prep: 30 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef cubes, finely chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 12 empanada dough discs
• 1 egg, beaten

Method:

1. Cook beef and onion until browned, stir in olives, cumin, and paprika.
2. Cool filling slightly, then spoon onto dough discs.
3. Fold and crimp edges, brush with egg wash.
4. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Choosing the Right Beef Cubes for Each Cooking Method

The right beef cube depends on how long it will cook. Tough, well-exercised cuts like chuck, brisket, and round need low, slow heat to break down their connective tissue into gelatin. That’s why they shine in stews, braises, and goulash.

Leaner, more tender cuts like sirloin or top round work better for fast cooking. Stir-fries, kebabs, and steak bites need a quick sear so the meat doesn’t turn chewy from overcooking.

Recipe	Best Cut	Cooking Time	Best Method
Beef Tips and Gravy	Chuck	45 min	Simmer
Garlic Butter Steak Bites	Sirloin	10 min	Sear
Classic Beef Stew	Chuck	2 hours	Braise
Beef Stroganoff	Sirloin or chuck	30 min	Sear/simmer
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry	Flank or sirloin	10 min	Stir-fry
Beef Bourguignon	Chuck	2.5 hours	Braise
Beef and Vegetable Kebabs	Sirloin	12 min	Grill
Hungarian Beef Goulash	Chuck	2 hours	Braise
Japanese Beef Curry	Chuck or round	45 min	Simmer
Beef and Mushroom Pot Pie	Chuck	1 hour	Simmer/bake
Beef and Barley Soup	Chuck	1.5 hours	Simmer
Chile Colorado	Chuck	1.5 hours	Braise
Beef Ragù	Chuck	2.5 hours	Braise
Vietnamese Bò Kho	Chuck	1.5 hours	Braise
Filipino Caldereta	Chuck	1.5 hours	Braise
Indonesian Rendang	Chuck	2.5 hours	Braise
Beef Birria Tacos	Chuck	2.5 hours	Braise
Beef and Potato Hash	Sirloin or chuck	25 min	Sauté
Diced Beef Empanadas	Chuck	25 min	Sauté/bake

If you’re stocking up on chuck for several of these recipes, our best beef chuck roast recipes is worth a look for more ways to use the cut.

How to Keep Beef Cubes Tender

Tender beef cubes come from matching time and heat to the cut, not from any single trick. Tough cuts like chuck need at least an hour and a half of low, steady simmering before they soften, so resist the urge to turn up the heat to rush things.

A hard sear before braising locks in flavor through browning, but it won’t make a tough cut tender on its own. That happens later, during the slow simmer, as collagen breaks down into gelatin.

For lean, tender cuts meant for quick cooking, the opposite rule applies. Sirloin and other quick-cooking cubes turn rubbery if left in the pan too long, so sear them hard and fast, then pull them off the heat the moment they’re browned.

A few habits that help across both methods:

• Cut cubes to an even size so they cook at the same rate.
• Pat beef dry before searing for a better crust.
• Season generously with salt before cooking, not just at the end.
• Let braised beef rest in its sauce for 10 minutes before serving.

If you’re working through a larger batch of beef cubes, 25 delicious beef crockpot recipes offers more slow-cooking options that use this same low-and-slow approach.