Filipino Beef Caldereta is a hearty stew loaded with tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and veggies like bell peppers and potatoes. It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners!
Every bite is packed with flavor, making it a favorite in our home. I love serving it over rice to soak up all that delicious sauce—trust me, you’ll want to give it a try! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is ideal for stews because it becomes tender when cooked for a long time. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use beef round or brisket, but remember they may take a bit longer to cook.
Liver Spread or Pâté: This ingredient adds a unique depth of flavor. If you prefer not to use liver, you can skip it or substitute with a bit of pureed mushrooms for a different, earthy taste.
Tomato Sauce: The sauce adds richness to the dish. In a pinch, you can use crushed tomatoes or passata instead. Just keep an eye on seasoning, as different tomato products vary in flavor.
Vegetables: Feel free to get creative with the veggies! You could use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes or add green beans for extra color and crunch.
How Do I Ensure My Beef Is Tender in Caldereta?
To get that perfectly tender beef in your Caldereta, patience is key. Here are some tips:
- Brown the beef well before simmering; this builds flavor.
- Cook low and slow! Reducing the heat and covering the pot helps break down tough fibers. Aim for 1.5 to 2 hours of simmering.
- Check for tenderness every now and then! If it isn’t fork-tender, let it cook a bit longer.
These tips will help you achieve a comforting and delicious Beef Caldereta that everyone will love!
How to Make Filipino Beef Caldereta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 3 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup liver spread or liver pâté
For the Vegetables:
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
For Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 2 hours to cook. Patience is key as the beef simmers and becomes tender, soaking up all those wonderful flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they become translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped tomatoes, sautéing until the tomatoes soften. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
2. Brown the Beef:
Add the beef cubes to the pot. Sauté them until they are browned on all sides. This step helps build a rich flavor foundation for your stew.
3. Simmer the Beef:
Pour in the beef broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. You want the beef to become tender and succulent.
4. Add the Tomato Base:
After the beef is tender, stir in the tomato sauce, liver spread, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and bay leaves. Cook this for another 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Cook the Vegetables:
Add the cubed potatoes and carrots into the pot. Allow them to cook until tender, which should take about 15 minutes.
6. Incorporate the Peas and Peppers:
Next, stir in the green peas, red and green bell peppers, and olives. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes, just until the peppers start to soften but still maintain some crunch.
7. Season and Serve:
Give your Caldereta a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before serving! Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your comforting and flavorful Filipino Beef Caldereta hot, alongside steamed white rice. You and your loved ones are in for a treat!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Beef for Caldereta?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use brisket or round cuts. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may require a bit more cooking time to become tender.
What if I Don’t Have Liver Spread?
No worries! If you’re not keen on liver spread, you can omit it altogether or substitute with pureed mushrooms for a different depth of flavor. It will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks too thick.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you like heat, consider adding sliced chili peppers during the cooking process, or you can sprinkle some chili flakes at the end for an extra kick. Adjust it to your taste!
