Beef cubes are a versatile ingredient that can transform into countless delicious meals beyond traditional stew. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners or impressive dishes for guests, these small pieces of meat offer big flavor possibilities.
You can turn beef cubes into everything from garlicky steak bites and stroganoff to sautéed sirloin tips with peppers and onions.
With the right recipes, beef cubes become tender, flavorful bites that pair wonderfully with various sides like egg noodles, steamed rice, or vegetables. These economical cuts of meat work well with different cooking methods including skillet sautéing, slow cooking, and pressure cooking, giving you plenty of options to satisfy your cravings and feed your family with minimal effort.
1. Garlic Steak Bites
Garlic steak bites are tender cubes of sirloin steak cooked to perfection in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. This dish takes just 20-30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
The key to delicious steak bites is cooking them in a single layer to achieve a nice brown sear. You’ll want to work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
These juicy beef cubes are seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs. They’re incredibly versatile – serve them as a main course with mashed potatoes or as an appetizer for parties.
The combination of tender steak and rich garlic butter creates an addictive flavor that’s sure to please anyone who loves beef.
2. Asian Steak Bites and Potatoes
These tender Asian Steak Bites and Potatoes combine juicy beef cubes with potatoes in a flavorful sauce. The dish features a delicious blend of garlic, butter, and soy sauce that coats each bite perfectly.
You can prepare this meal in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The beef is quickly seared to maintain its tenderness while the potatoes add a satisfying heartiness.
This recipe works well as both an appetizer or a complete meal. Everything cooks in one pan, minimizing cleanup time. The honey-soy marinade creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will have you reaching for seconds.
3. Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
Steak bites with garlic butter are cubes of sirloin steak seared to perfection and coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. They cook up in minutes, making them perfect for quick weeknight dinners or party appetizers.
The key to great steak bites is cooking them in a single layer to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures each piece gets nicely browned on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside.
Season your steak cubes well and add fresh herbs to elevate the flavor. The entire dish takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Serve these garlicky beef cubes as a main dish with mashed potatoes or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
4. Garlic Herb Steak Bites
Garlic herb steak bites offer a quick way to enjoy steak without cooking a large piece of meat. These tender beef cubes cook in under 10 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
You can prepare these juicy morsels by cutting sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces and searing them in a hot pan with butter. The key to their rich flavor is the combination of fresh garlic and herbs.
These steak bites work well as both a main dish or as party appetizers. They’re incredibly versatile – serve them with roasted vegetables, over rice, or with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Try this recipe when you want a simple yet impressive beef dish that’s ready in minutes.
5. Beef Tips in Gravy
Beef tips in gravy is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare. You can make it using sirloin beef tips, which become tender when cooked slowly.
The gravy typically includes ingredients like cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, and beef broth. These components create a rich, savory sauce that coats the meat perfectly.
You can prepare this dish on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for convenience. The no-peek method allows the beef to become incredibly tender without constant checking.
Serve beef tips in gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a satisfying meal. It’s an economical option that delivers big on flavor.
6. Slow Cooker Cube Steak
Slow cooker cube steak is a convenient meal that practically cooks itself. You can make this dish by placing cube steaks in your crockpot with some simple ingredients.
Many recipes use a mix of beef broth, gravy mix, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings poured over the meat. No browning is necessary, making this truly a “dump and go” meal.
Some versions include cream soups like cream of chicken or cream of celery for a richer gravy. Adding sliced onions provides extra flavor as everything cooks.
The slow cooking process makes the meat incredibly tender – it will literally melt in your mouth. This makes for a perfect weeknight dinner with minimal effort.
7. Beef Bourguignon
Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish that transforms beef cubes into a rich, flavorful stew. The beef is slow-cooked with bacon, vegetables, and red wine until tender.
The key ingredients include beef cubes, bacon lardons, carrots, onions, and mushrooms. Traditional recipes use Burgundy wine, but you can substitute with Merlot for a different flavor profile.
To prepare it, you’ll first brown the beef cubes and bacon. Then sauté vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until golden. The meat and vegetables simmer in red wine until the beef becomes fork-tender.
Serve this hearty dish with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
8. Honey Balsamic Steak Bites
Honey balsamic steak bites offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. These tender cubes of beef are coated in a simple yet delicious marinade.
To make them, cut your steak into 1-inch cubes. Mix balsamic vinegar, honey, vegetable oil, soy sauce, and garlic for the marinade. You can also add some rosemary and chili flakes for extra flavor.
Place your steak cubes in a zip-top bag with the marinade. Let them sit for 1 to 4 hours to absorb all the flavors.
These versatile bites can be prepared on the stovetop or in an air fryer. They make a quick dinner option that’s ready in minutes after marinating.
9. Creole Seasoned Beef Cubes
Creole seasoning transforms ordinary beef cubes into a flavorful Southern delight. Simply coat your beef tips with Creole seasoning (like Emeril’s blend) before searing them in a hot pan.
Create a rich sauce by adding browned flour, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken stock to the pan. The beef tips will simmer until tender and absorb the bold Cajun flavors.
You can enhance the dish with a splash of heavy cream or diced tomatoes for extra richness. Serve these spicy beef cubes over rice or with mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful gravy.
For an authentic touch, add a dash of liquid seafood seasoning—but remember, a little goes a long way with these potent flavors.
10. Pan-Fried Cube Steak
Pan-fried cube steak is a simple yet delicious meal you can prepare quickly. Start by seasoning your cube steaks with salt and pepper to taste.
Heat butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned steaks in the hot pan and cook until browned on both sides, typically 3-4 minutes per side.
For extra flavor, make a simple pan sauce using the drippings. Add more butter and seasonings like garlic powder and onion salt to enhance the taste.
You can also create a mushroom and onion gravy to smother your steaks. This turns an ordinary cut of meat into a mouthwatering dinner with minimal effort.
11. BBQ Beef Cubes with Vegetables
BBQ beef cubes with vegetables make a perfect weeknight dinner. The combination of savory beef and colorful veggies creates a balanced meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Start with beef stewing cubes and marinate them in a sweet and slightly spicy barbecue sauce. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own with vinegar, salt, and your favorite seasonings.
Thread the beef cubes onto skewers alternating with bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Grill the skewers until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness and the vegetables are tender with light char marks.
Brush extra barbecue sauce on during the last few minutes of cooking for added flavor.
12. Herb Butter Steak Tips
Herb butter steak tips are juicy morsels of beef that cook quickly in a hot skillet. You can make them in under 30 minutes for a fast weeknight dinner.
Start by cutting sirloin steak into bite-sized cubes. Season them well with salt and pepper before searing in a hot cast iron pan.
The magic happens when you add butter and fresh herbs to the pan. Garlic, rosemary, and thyme work beautifully with the rich steak flavor.
Baste the steak bites with the melted herb butter as they cook. This creates a flavorful crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Serve these steak tips as a main dish with vegetables or as an appetizer at your next gathering.
13. Garlic Parmesan Steak Bites
These juicy steak bites combine tender beef cubes with rich garlic butter and creamy parmesan sauce. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels fancy.
To make them, cut sirloin steak into 1-inch cubes and season with salt and pepper. Sear the steak in butter until browned, then add minced garlic for extra flavor.
The real star is the parmesan cream sauce that gets poured over the top. You can serve these savory bites over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Ready in just 20 minutes, these steak bites are addictively good and sure to please everyone at your table.
14. Worcestershire Braised Beef Pieces
Worcestershire sauce gives these braised beef pieces a rich, tangy flavor that’s hard to beat. You’ll need beef tips or stew meat cut into 1-2 inch cubes.
Brown the beef in a hot pan until it’s nicely seared on all sides. Then add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant.
Pour in Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and a splash of soy sauce. Let everything simmer on low heat for about 2 hours until the beef becomes tender enough to pull apart with a fork.
Serve these savory beef pieces over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
15. Beef Cubes in Brown Gravy
Beef cubes in brown gravy is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can make this dish on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
Start by searing beef cubes (sirloin tips or stew meat work well) on all sides until brown. This step adds rich flavor to the final dish.
The gravy often includes simple ingredients like cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, or onion soup mix. Some recipes call for mixing these with water and pouring over the beef.
Let the beef simmer slowly until tender. The meat will become so soft it almost melts in your mouth.
Serve this dish over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up the delicious gravy.
16. Soy Glazed Beef Bites
Soy Glazed Beef Bites are a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together quickly. They feature bite-sized pieces of steak tossed in a honey-soy marinade.
The recipe typically calls for just a few ingredients: steak, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sometimes Chinese cooking wine. You can prepare this dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
These beef bites have a wonderful balance of sweet and savory flavors. The soy sauce adds umami depth while honey provides a subtle sweetness.
You can serve these as an appetizer at parties or as a main dish with rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
17. Pepper Rubbed Cube Steak
Pepper rubbed cube steak is a simple yet flavorful dish. You start by seasoning cube steaks generously with freshly ground black pepper and salt.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steaks for about 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a nice crust.
For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder and onion salt to your pepper rub. The coarse pepper creates a delicious crust while tenderizing the meat.
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or vegetables for a quick weeknight meal. The cooking process takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
18. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Tips
These tender beef tips are slow-simmered until they practically dissolve in your mouth. The meat becomes incredibly soft when cooked properly.
The secret is in the flavorful brown gravy that envelops each piece of beef. You’ll want to include mushrooms for an earthy depth that complements the meat perfectly.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary for a balanced flavor profile. A bouillon cube and a splash of Worcestershire sauce add richness to the gravy.
Serve these beef tips over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up all that delicious gravy. This comforting dish works well as a slow cooker meal too.
19. Cajun Butter Steak Bites
Cajun Butter Steak Bites combine tender steak cubes with bold cajun flavors for a quick and satisfying meal. You can make these using sirloin or ribeye steak cut into 1-inch or 2-3 inch cubes.
Season the steak cubes with cajun seasoning, which typically includes garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. For the best results, season each cube generously.
Cook the seasoned steak in a hot skillet until seared on all sides. Then finish them in a rich garlic butter sauce that complements the spicy cajun flavors.
These protein-packed bites cook quickly, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. They’re juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
20. Sticky Teriyaki Steak Tips
Sticky Teriyaki Steak Tips are tender, juicy pieces of steak coated in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce. You can make these with either store-bought teriyaki sauce or homemade for a more customized flavor.
These bite-sized morsels cook quickly and develop lightly charred edges while remaining tender inside. They’re perfect served over a bed of fried rice with eggs and vegetables for a complete meal.
For the best results, use a high-heat cooking method to get those delicious caramelized edges. The marinade helps tenderize the meat while adding that classic umami flavor.
These steak tips work great as both an appetizer or main dish. They’re ready in about 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
21. Seared Cube Steak with Onions
Cube steak is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This tenderized cut cooks fast and absorbs flavors wonderfully.
To make seared cube steak with onions, start by seasoning your steaks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge them lightly in flour for a nice crust.
Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steaks for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Remove the steaks and add sliced onions to the same pan. Cook until soft and golden. Return the steaks to the pan and let the flavors meld together.
You can make a quick gravy using the pan drippings for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or rice.
Cooking Methods for Beef Cubes
Beef cubes can be prepared in several ways to achieve different textures and flavors. Each cooking method offers unique benefits that bring out the best qualities of the meat.
Grilling Techniques
Grilling beef cubes creates a delicious charred exterior while keeping the inside juicy. For best results, use cubes that are at least 1-inch in size to prevent overcooking.
Perfect Grilling Steps:
- Marinate beef cubes for at least 30 minutes before grilling
- Thread onto metal skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F)
- Grill for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare
Brush with oil before grilling to prevent sticking. For extra flavor, add vegetables like onions and bell peppers between meat pieces. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute.
Slow Cooking Benefits
Slow cooking transforms tougher beef cubes into melt-in-your-mouth tender meat. This method breaks down connective tissues over several hours.
The slow cooker is perfect for beef stew with potatoes and carrots. Simply brown the beef cubes first to enhance flavor, then add to your slow cooker with vegetables and liquid.
For the best results:
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours rather than high heat
- Use enough liquid to cover about half the ingredients
- Add hearty vegetables like carrots and potatoes at the beginning
- Add delicate herbs in the last 30 minutes
Your patience will be rewarded with incredibly tender beef that falls apart with just a fork.
Stir-Frying Tips
Stir-frying beef cubes delivers quick, flavorful results with minimal cooking time. This method preserves the meat’s natural juices while creating a nice sear.
Key Stir-Fry Techniques:
- Cut beef into uniform, small cubes (½-inch) for even cooking
- Pat meat dry before cooking to achieve better browning
- Use a very hot wok or large skillet
- Cook in small batches to avoid overcrowding
Start by heating your pan until it’s almost smoking. Add oil with a high smoke point like peanut or canola. Cook beef in a single layer for about 1-2 minutes per side.
Don’t overload your pan, as this causes meat to steam rather than sear. Add vegetables after the meat has browned, and finish with sauces in the last minute of cooking.
Best Ingredients to Pair with Beef Cubes
Beef cubes are versatile and can be elevated with the right ingredient pairings. The right herbs, spices, vegetables, and grains transform simple beef cubes into memorable dishes that satisfy your taste buds and nutritional needs.
Herbs and Spices
Classic Herbs:
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Bay leaves
- Oregano
- Parsley (fresh, as garnish)
These herbs complement beef’s natural flavors without overpowering them. Rosemary and thyme stand up well to long cooking methods like stewing or braising.
Spice Combinations:
- Garlic (fresh or powder) – essential for dishes like the garlicky steak bites
- Black pepper – always a beef favorite
- Paprika – adds color and mild heat
- Cumin – excellent for more exotic dishes
- Onion powder – enhances savory qualities
Bouillon cubes or Better than Bouillon products add depth to your beef dishes. They’re particularly useful in soups and stews where you want to amplify the meaty flavor.
Vegetables and Grains
Best Vegetable Pairings:
- Onions (caramelized or fresh)
- Mushrooms (fresh or canned)
- Potatoes (great for stews)
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
Mushrooms particularly complement beef cubes with their earthy flavor. In several popular recipes, search results mention mushrooms, including beef tips with cream of mushroom soup.
Grains and Starches:
- Barley – hearty addition to beef soups
- Egg noodles – traditional with beef tips
- Rice – perfect for soaking up savory sauces
- Polenta – creamy base for braised beef cubes
- Crusty bread – ideal for serving alongside stew
Coconut milk works surprisingly well with beef cubes for curry dishes. The search results highlight a slow cooker beef and coconut curry as one of the best recipes for boneless beef cubes.
