Beef Caldereta

Beef Caldereta is a well-loved Filipino dish known for its savory, hearty flavors. Often served during family gatherings and special occasions, this rich, tomato-based stew features tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a mix of spices. If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal, Beef Caldereta will surely satisfy your taste buds.

What is Beef Caldereta?

Filipinos make Beef Caldereta by cooking tender cuts of beef with potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and peas. They stew the dish in a rich tomato sauce, flavoring it with garlic, onions, soy sauce, vinegar, and liver spread to create a smooth, creamy texture. Known for its comforting taste, restaurants often serve Beef Caldereta with steamed rice to soak up all the savory goodness.

While the origin of Beef Caldereta is debated, many believe Spanish cuisine influenced it, with similar dishes like “caldillo” or “guisado” serving as the basis for this popular Filipino dish.

Beef Caldereta

Beef Caldereta is a savory Filipino stew made with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and a rich tomato-based sauce, perfect for a hearty meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine Filipino

Servings 4

Equipment

• 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb 450g beef stew meat (chuck or brisket), cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 head garlic minced
• 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 medium potatoes peeled and cut into cubes
• 2 carrots peeled and sliced into rounds
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• 1 green bell pepper sliced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup liver spread
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated cheese optional, for topping
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for thickening

Instructions

 

• Brown the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
• Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the Tomato Sauce and Broth: Return the beef to the pot. Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, vinegar, paprika, and bay leaf. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours or until the beef is tender.
• Cook the Vegetables: Add the potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers to the pot. Simmer for another 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
• Add Peas and Liver Spread: Stir in the frozen peas and liver spread. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Optional: Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce. Let it cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
• Serve: Remove from heat. Optionally, sprinkle with grated cheese for a rich finish. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Keyword beef caldereta, Filipino beef stew, beef recipes, Filipino recipes, caldereta recipes

Why You’ll Love Beef Caldereta

• Rich and Flavorful: The tender beef, complemented by the creamy liver spread and the savory tomato sauce, makes Beef Caldereta an incredibly flavorful dish.
• Perfect for Family Meals: This dish is filling and comforting, making it an excellent choice for family dinners and special occasions.
• Versatile: You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to your liking.

Pro Tips for Cooking Beef Caldereta:

• Choose the Right Beef: Use beef cuts that are great for slow cooking, like chuck or brisket, to ensure tenderness.
• Adjust the Flavor: You can make the dish spicier by adding chili peppers, or you can tone it down with a bit of sugar for balance.
• Add Cheese: Some variations of Beef Caldereta include adding grated cheese for extra creaminess, which you can do at the end of cooking.

Serve Beef Caldereta with steamed white rice, which helps balance the richness of the stew. You can also pair it with a side of crispy fried plantains or a light green salad to complement the dish.

Conclusion:

Beef Caldereta is a flavorful and comforting Filipino dish that combines tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich spices into a delicious stew. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends during special occasions or enjoying as a satisfying everyday meal. Give this recipe a try and bring the taste of the Philippines into your home!