Beef Caldereta Recipe

Beef Caldereta recipe is a rich and hearty Filipino stew that combines tender beef, vegetables, and a savory tomato based sauce. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or weekend gatherings, this dish is a favorite in Filipino households due to its flavorful blend of spices and tender meat. Whether you’re new to Filipino cuisine or a seasoned enthusiast, this beef caldereta recipe is sure to impress. Packed with nutrients and full of comfort, it’s a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Description

Beef Caldereta is a traditional Filipino dish made with beef, vegetables, and a savory tomato based sauce that is seasoned with spices and sometimes a touch of liver spread. This delicious dish offers a perfect balance of flavors with tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers. A rich combination of seasonings and ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, and bay leaves brings the stew to life, making it a comforting and flavorful option for any meal. Whether served for a Sunday family gathering, a holiday feast, or just a regular dinner, beef caldereta recipe is a dish that always leaves a lasting impression.

This Filipino beef stew has become a staple on Filipino tables across the world. It’s easy to prepare yet full of flavors that only improve as the dish sits. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender while the sauce thickens and deepens in flavor. Over time, beef caldereta recipe has evolved into various versions with different types of meat such as pork or chicken, but the traditional beef version is undoubtedly the most beloved.

While this Beef Caldereta recipe is simple, it offers endless opportunities for customization. Some versions include olives, cheese, or even hot chili peppers for a spicy kick. You can also adjust the richness of the sauce by controlling the amount of tomato sauce and liver spread used. beef caldereta recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal that your whole family will love.

Making Beef Caldereta Recipe is easier than you might think. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together perfectly, resulting in a dish with deep, complex flavors. If you’ve never tried Filipino stews before, Beef Caldereta Recipe is a perfect place to start. The recipe can be prepared in just under two hours and served with sides of vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1-2 inch cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup liver spread (optional but adds richness)
2-3 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup green olives (optional)
1/2 cup cheese, grated (cheddar or quick melt, optional)
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Instructions:

Prepare the beef: In a large bowl, marinate the beef cubes in soy sauce and vinegar for at least 30 minutes. This will tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Sear the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade (but save the marinade for later), then sear the beef cubes in batches until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, set the beef aside.
Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes or until fragrant and softened.
Cook the vegetables: Add the sliced carrots and potatoes to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the liquids and simmer: Pour in the reserved marinade, beef broth, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then return the beef to the pot. Add bay leaves, oregano, and season with salt and pepper.
Slow cook: Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and add more broth or water if needed.
Finish the dish: Once the beef is tender, stir in the bell peppers, olives, and liver spread (if using). Let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the sauce thickens. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a little sugar if needed.
Optional: If you want a creamier, richer texture, you can add some grated cheese on top in the last few minutes of cooking. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce.
Serve: Serve the Beef Caldereta recipe hot with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Notes:

Beef Selection: The best cuts for Beef Caldereta are chuck roast or brisket, which become tender and flavorful with slow cooking. You can also use other cuts like short ribs or shank.
Liver Spread: While optional, liver spread adds a rich and unique flavor to the stew. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with a little bit of liver pâté or skip it altogether.
Spice Level: If you like a spicier dish, add some chopped chili peppers when cooking the vegetables or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the stew for an extra kick.
Cheese: Adding cheese, particularly grated cheddar, is a popular twist in some versions of this dish. The cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy and flavorful texture.