Cubed Beef is a simple, hearty comfort dish built from pantry staples and slow cooking. Popular in mid-20th century American home kitchens, recipes like this relied on condensed soups for rich flavor and convenience. The combination of onion soup and mushroom soup creates a savory gravy that tenderizes cubed beef over hours of gentle cooking. Served over rice, it becomes a satisfying one-bowl meal with deep, beefy flavor and creamy texture. Its minimal ingredients and long simmer make it a dependable, cozy dinner that feels both practical and indulgent.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (cubed )
- 1 can condensed onion soup (10.5 oz )
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can )
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups white rice (cooked, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Pat cubed beef dry.
- Place beef into a Dutch oven or slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Soups
- Pour the condensed onion soup over the beef.
- Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup.
- Stir gently to coat the meat evenly.
Step 3: Add Liquid
- Add 1 cup water.
- Stir until mixture is combined.
Step 4: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours or longer.
- Stir occasionally if using stovetop or oven.
- Cook until beef is tender and gravy is thickened.
Step 5: Serve
- Spoon hot cubed beef and gravy over cooked white rice.
- Serve immediately.
Tips
- Add sliced fresh mushrooms for extra texture.
- Stir in sour cream at the end for a creamier sauce.
- Add chopped onions and garlic for deeper flavor.
- Substitute beef broth for water for richer gravy.
- Cook in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours.
- Serve over mashed potatoes instead of rice.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for complexity.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 38gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 1150mgPotassium: 720mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!