Beef chunks open up a world of possibilities when it comes to easy weeknight dinners and comforting weekend meals. Whether you have leftover cooked beef chunks in the fridge or picked up some fresh beef cubes at the store, this versatile ingredient can be transformed into all kinds of delicious dishes.
This article will explore 15 amazing recipes to make with beef chunks, from stews and curries to skewers and skillet dinners. Let’s get cooking!
An Introduction to Cooking with Beef Chunks
The term “beef chunks” refers to cuts of beef that are cubed into 1 to 2 inch pieces. Common cuts used for beef chunks include:
- Chuck roast
- Bottom round
- Brisket
- Flank steak
Beef chunks work well for braising, stewing, skewers, stir fries, and skillet meals. The small pieces cook evenly and absorb flavors beautifully.
When working with fresh beef chunks, it’s important to pat them dry before cooking to help them brown nicely. Season generously with salt and pepper. Quickly searing beef chunks on all sides seals in moisture and builds fond for making pan sauces.
Now let’s look at 15 amazing ways to put beef chunks to delicious use!
1. Beef Stew
Rich, comforting beef stew is a classic recipe for cubed beef chunks. Slowly simmer chunks in red wine or broth with potatoes, carrots and onions. The long cooking time ensures fork-tender beef in a thick, flavorful gravy.
Keywords: beef chunks, stew, braise, red wine, broth, potatoes, carrots, onions
2. Beef Chili
Ground beef may be traditional, but using cubed beef chunks instead gives this popular dish fun texture and hearty bite. Brown the chunks first for extra flavor. Add beans, tomatoes, chili powder and simmer until thick and saucy. Top with favorite fixings.
Keywords: beef chunks, chili, beans, tomatoes, chili powder, toppings
3. Beef and Broccoli
For a quick weeknight stir fry, marinate beef chunks in soy sauce, cornstarch and oil. Stir fry with broccoli, garlic and ginger. Toss everything in a savory oyster sauce mixture. Serve over rice for a fast and easy dinner.
Keywords: beef chunks, stir fry, broccoli, garlic, ginger, oyster sauce, rice
4. Beef Stroganoff
Transform beef chunks into a rich, creamy stroganoff in no time. Cook the beef in mushroom soup mix along with onions and mushrooms. Finish with sour cream over egg noodles for a nostalgic, comforting meal.
Keywords: beef chunks, stroganoff, mushroom soup, onions, mushrooms, sour cream, egg noodles
5. Beef Kebabs
Load beef chunks onto skewers with your favorite vegetables for fun and easy grilled kebabs. The small pieces cook up quickly on the grill. Experiment with marinades like Greek, chimichurri or teriyaki for global flair.
Keywords: beef chunks, kebabs, skewers, vegetables, marinade, grill
6. Beef Curry
Marinating beef chunks in curry powder, garlic and spices infuses them with incredible flavor. Brown the chunks, then simmer in coconut milk with potatoes and peas for an easy homemade curry. Serve with rice, naan and mango chutney.
Keywords: beef chunks, curry, curry powder, garlic, coconut milk, potatoes, peas, rice, naan, mango chutney
7. Beef Teriyaki
Quickly sauté beef chunks in teriyaki marinade until caramelized and sticky for a fast dinner idea. Mix in sugar snap peas at the end for some veggie goodness. Rice soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
Keywords: beef chunks, teriyaki, sugar snap peas, rice
8. Beef Negimaki
For an appetizer twist, wrap beef chunks with scallions in thin slices of beef. Secure with toothpicks and cook quickly in sesame oil. The scallions infuse the beef with flavor. Slice and dip in sauce.
Keywords: beef chunks, negimaki, scallions, sesame oil, appetizer
9. Beef Lettuce Wraps
Sautéed beef chunks star in these fresh and easy lettuce wraps. Quickly cook the beef with water chestnuts, mushrooms and soy sauce. Spoon the filling into lettuce leaves and top with peanuts and hoisin sauce.
Keywords: beef chunks, lettuce wraps, water chestnuts, mushrooms, soy sauce, peanuts, hoisin sauce
10. Beef and Potato Soup
Simmer beef chunks and potatoes in seasoned broth for a comforting soup that’s ready fast. Adding frozen vegetables like peas, corn and carrots rounds it out. Ladle into bowls and top with cheese and croutons.
Keywords: beef chunks, potato soup, frozen vegetables, peas, corn, carrots, cheese, croutons
11. Beef Tacos
Browned beef chunks make fantastic taco filling. Fold them into warm corn tortillas along with all your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado and salsa. Easy Taco Tuesdays!
Keywords: beef chunks, tacos, lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado, salsa
12. Beef and Mushroom Soup
Transform beef chunks into an easy homemade soup by simmering them in broth with mushrooms and onions. Finish with cream or milk to make it rich and creamy. Enjoy with crusty bread.
Keywords: beef chunks, mushroom soup, broth, mushrooms, onions, cream, bread
13. Beef Bulgogi Bowl
Marinate beef chunks in sweet bulgogi sauce, then quickly sauté and serve over rice with kimchi and fried egg for a flavorful Korean-inspired rice bowl. The runny egg yolk enriches the dish.
Keywords: beef chunks, bulgogi, kimchi, fried egg, rice bowl
14. Beef Enchiladas
Ground beef is often used, but cubed beef chunks make fun, hearty enchiladas too. Stuff tortillas with the beef, beans, cheese and enchilada sauce, then bake until hot and melty for an easy dinner.
Keywords: beef chunks, enchiladas, tortillas, beans, cheese, enchilada sauce
15. Beef Bourguignon
This French classic stew features beef braised in red wine with pearl onions, mushrooms and bacon. Using beef chunks instead of a larger cut makes this decadent dish more approachable on a weeknight. Serve over buttery egg noodles.
Keywords: beef chunks, bourguignon, red wine, onions, mushrooms, bacon, egg noodles
Tips for Cooking with Beef Chunks
- Pat beef chunks dry before cooking to help them brown nicely
- Generously season chunks with salt and pepper
- Quickly sear beef chunks on all sides to lock in moisture
- Cook in batches to avoid crowding the pan
- Add aromatics like garlic, onions, herbs at the end to retain flavor
- Cook low and slow with liquid to braise beef chunks into tenderness
With an array of dishes from stews to kebabs, beef chunks are endlessly versatile in everyday cooking. Next time you have beef chunks on hand, try whipping up one of these creative recipes for fresh inspiration and delicious possibilities.
Butter Garlic Beef Cubes Recipe
FAQ
How to cook beef chunks so they are tender?
What are beef cubes for?
How to cook beef fine cubes?
What is beef chunks?