Beef cubes are a quick and easy way to create a flavorful meal. Whether you’re making a stir-fry or a comforting stew, this beef cubes recipe is perfect for any occasion. Tender and juicy beef cubes cook fast and bring so much flavor to your dishes.
Why We Love This
Beef cubes are incredibly versatile, making them a go-to ingredient for quick and delicious meals. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe simplifies cooking without sacrificing flavor. Here’s why I love this recipe—and why you will too:
- Quick and Easy: Beef cubes cook faster than larger cuts of beef, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights. You can go from prep to plate in no time!
- Tender and Flavorful: When cooked properly, beef cubes are tender and juicy. The key is in the seasoning and cooking method. You’ll get that perfect bite with every piece.
- Versatility: Whether you’re in the mood for stir-frying, making a savory stew, or even grilling, beef cubes can be adapted to so many different dishes. You can serve them over rice, toss them in a salad, or enjoy them in a hearty soup.
- Minimal Ingredients: This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No need for fancy spices or complex techniques—just the essentials for a tasty meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Beef cubes are often more affordable than other cuts of beef, so you get great value without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
To make these delicious beef cubes, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in ensuring the beef turns out tender, flavorful, and juicy.
Beef cubes (chuck or sirloin) – Tender cuts for juicy beef cubes.
Olive oil – Used to sear the beef for a nice crust.
Garlic powder – Adds savory flavor.
Onion powder – Enhances the beef’s taste.
Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings for flavor.
Dried oregano (optional) – Adds an herby touch.
Paprika (optional) – Gives a smoky flavor if desired.
Instructions
Cooking beef cubes is a breeze once you’ve got everything prepped and ready. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to ensure your beef cubes come out tender, juicy, and full of flavor:
Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
Sear the Beef: Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
Cook Through: Reduce heat to medium and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Optional Step: Add beef broth in the last minute for extra flavor.
Rest and Serve: Let the beef rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
To ensure your beef cubes turn out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, here are some pro tips that will take your cooking to the next level:
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: One of the most common mistakes when cooking beef cubes is overcrowding the pan. If you add too many pieces at once, the beef will steam instead of searing, which results in a less flavorful dish. Cook the beef in batches for that perfect sear every time.
Use a Heavy-Duty Pan: A thick, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan is ideal for searing beef cubes. These types of pans retain heat well and help to get that beautiful golden-brown crust on your beef.
Let the Beef Rest: After cooking, let your beef cubes rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful. It’s an easy step that makes a big difference!
Adjust the Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes. If you want a smoky touch, add extra paprika. This recipe is easy to customize based on your flavor preferences.
Don’t Rush the Sear: The searing process is key to locking in the flavor, so don’t rush it. Let each side of the beef cube get that perfect crispy edge. This step creates a delicious caramelized crust that adds depth to the flavor.
Use Fresh Herbs: If you’re looking to elevate the flavor, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added during the last minute of cooking. Simply toss them in with the beef cubes for a fragrant, herbaceous finish.
Variations
One of the best things about this beef cubes recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Beef and Veggie Stir-Fry: Add some sliced bell peppers, onions, broccoli, or any other veggies you like. Stir-fry them with the beef cubes for a complete, one-pan meal. You can toss in a little soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for added flavor.
Beef Stew: Turn this recipe into a hearty beef stew by adding beef broth, potatoes, carrots, and peas. Simmer everything together for a few hours, and you’ll have a comforting and flavorful dish.
Spicy Beef Cubes: For those who like a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or chili powder. You can also toss the cooked beef cubes in a spicy buffalo sauce or a sriracha glaze for a fiery kick.
Serving Suggestions
Once your beef cubes are cooked to perfection, it’s time to pair them with the right sides for a complete meal. Here are some tasty serving suggestions that will make your dish shine:
Over Rice: Beef cubes are fantastic served over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. The rice absorbs the flavorful juices, making each bite even more satisfying. You can also try cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect base for beef cubes. The richness of the potatoes complements the savory beef, creating a hearty, comforting dish. Add a drizzle of the beef juices over the potatoes for extra flavor!
In a Salad: For a lighter option, toss the beef cubes in a fresh salad. Combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and your favorite dressing. The beef adds a satisfying protein element to the salad, turning it into a meal.
More Beef recipes you will love!
FAQs about beef cubes recipe
What is the best cut of beef for cubes?
When it comes to beef cubes, cuts with a little more fat and marbling are ideal for tenderness and flavor. Common choices include chuck roast, sirloin, and round steak. Chuck roast is especially great for stews, as it becomes tender when cooked low and slow. Sirloin is a leaner option, perfect for stir-frying or grilling. For a more budget-friendly option, round steak works well, especially when marinated before cooking.
How do I make my beef cubes more tender?
To ensure your beef cubes are tender, it’s all about how you cook them. Searing them on high heat creates a flavorful crust, while cooking them on medium-low heat allows the meat to cook through without getting tough. For even more tenderness, marinate your beef cubes for a few hours (or overnight) before cooking. This not only helps break down the muscle fibers but also infuses the beef with extra flavor.
Can I cook beef cubes in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Using a slow cooker is a fantastic way to cook beef cubes if you want a tender, fall-apart texture. Simply sear the beef cubes first to lock in flavor, then transfer them to the slow cooker with your choice of vegetables, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for melt-in-your-mouth beef cubes that are perfect for stews or hearty soups.
How do I know when beef cubes are fully cooked?
Beef cubes are typically cooked to medium rare (about 135°F) or medium (about 145°F), but the exact cook time can vary based on the size of the cubes and your preferred level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. If you prefer your beef more well-done, cook for a bit longer, keeping an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
beef cubes recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef cubes preferably chuck or sirloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano optional
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika optional for a smoky flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Start by patting your beef cubes dry with a paper towel. This step helps them sear better, giving you that delicious golden-brown crust. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other spices you’re using (paprika or oregano work great!).
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is nice and hot before adding the beef. This ensures the beef cubes get a perfect sear, locking in all that juicy flavor.
- Sear the Beef: Add the beef cubes in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan—cook them in batches if needed. Let them sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a nice, rich brown crust. Don’t rush this step; the sear is key to flavor!
- Cook Through: Once all sides of the beef cubes are browned, reduce the heat to medium. Continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the beef cooks evenly. You want the beef to be just cooked through but still tender and juicy.
- Optional Step for Extra Flavor: For a little extra richness, add a splash of beef broth to the pan during the last minute of cooking. This will create a nice glaze and add more depth to the flavor of the beef cubes.
- Rest and Serve: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the beef cubes tender.