There’s nothing quite like the rich, comforting warmth of a Filipino Beef Caldereta bubbling on the stove. As I stirred the pot, the vibrant colors of the tender beef, bright bell peppers, and carrots danced together, creating an inviting feast for the senses. The aroma of garlic mingling with soy sauce instantly transported me to cherished family gatherings where laughter and delicious food flowed freely.
Perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings, this crowd-pleasing dish doesn’t require a culinary degree to master. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that this delectable stew packs an explosion of flavor without demanding hours of fuss. And the best part? You can prepare it ahead of time—just let it simmer, and it does the work for you! Join me in crafting this Filipino classic that will make your taste buds sing, revitalize your home-cooked menu, and bring joy to your dining table. Are you ready to embark on this flavorful culinary journey? Let’s dive in!
Why is Filipino Beef Caldereta a must-try?
Rich, Comforting Flavors: Each bite bursts with savory goodness, thanks to the tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a unique blend of seasonings.
Simple Preparation: Despite its restaurant-quality taste, this dish is surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: With generous servings, it’s an ideal centerpiece for family dinners or gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
Meal Prep Friendly: You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, saving you time at mealtime.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or adjust the spices—this recipe happily adapts to your taste preferences.
Filipino Beef Caldereta Ingredients
For the Beef
• Beef chuck – 2 lbs cut into 1-inch cubes for tender, flavorful bites that melt in your mouth.
• Soy sauce – 1/4 cup adds depth of flavor, enhancing the savory profile.
For the Broth
• Beef broth – 1 cup keeps the dish moist, ensuring a rich and satisfying stew.
• Crushed tomatoes – 1 can (400g) offers a slight acidity, balancing the richness of the beef and liver spread.
For the Aromatics
• Onion – 1 medium, chopped, for a sweet base that enhances the overall flavor.
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced, to add a fragrant punch that draws everyone in.
For the Vegetables
• Carrots – 2 medium, sliced, contribute sweetness and color to the dish.
• Potatoes – 2 medium, cubed, making it heartier and offering a delightful texture.
• Bell pepper – 1, sliced, brightening up the dish with its vibrant crunch.
For the Flavoring
• Liver spread – 1/2 cup delivers a unique richness, a must-have in Filipino Beef Caldereta.
• Cooking oil – 2 tablespoons for sautéing aromatics, kicking off the flavor-building process.
• Bay leaf – 1 adds an aromatic quality that pulls the dish together.
• Salt and pepper – to taste, essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Filipino Beef Caldereta
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Marinate the beef: In a bowl, combine beef cubes with soy sauce, garlic, and pepper. Allow the beef to soak up those flavors for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best results.
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Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, then stir in the minced garlic until it’s fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
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Brown the beef: Add the marinated beef to the pot and brown it on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes and will create a lovely flavor base.
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Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Add seasonings: Toss in the bay leaf and liver spread, stirring until everything is well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Simmer: Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours. You want the beef to become tender and flavorful during this time.
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Add vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and bell pepper. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender, adding more broth if needed.
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Serve: Once everything is tender, remove the bay leaf and serve hot. Garnish with parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch.
Optional: Serve with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Filipino Beef Caldereta
Marination Matters: Allow the beef to marinate for at least 1 hour, or prefer overnight. This step infuses flavors deeply and makes the meat tender.
Don’t Rush Browning: Take your time browning the beef properly. This step develops a rich, savory base that enhances the entire Filipino Beef Caldereta.
Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning as you go. Adding salt and pepper early can lead to an overly salty dish, so be cautious!
Simmer Slowly: The longer you simmer, the more the flavors meld. Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 hours to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Add Vegetables Last: Incorporate veggies 20-30 minutes before serving. This ensures they are tender but not mushy, adding to the delightful texture contrast.
How to Store and Freeze Filipino Beef Caldereta
Fridge: Store leftover Filipino Beef Caldereta in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its flavors and freshness.
Freezer: Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and it will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to keep it moist.
Refrigerate Before Freezing: For the best quality, refrigerate your caldereta until completely cool before placing it in the freezer.
Filipino Beef Caldereta Variations
Feel free to put your personal twist on this dish and make it entirely yours!
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Vegetarian: Swap beef for hearty mushrooms or tofu, using vegetable broth for a satisfying plant-based version.
Create an earthy flavor by using meaty shiitake mushrooms as a base. And enrich the dish with colorful vegetables for added texture and taste! -
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or chili peppers for a flavorful heat that elevates the classic taste.
This twist brightens the overall experience, bringing a zesty element that’ll excite your palate and keep you coming back for more! -
Creamy Twist: Incorporate coconut milk instead of broth for a rich, tropical texture that appeals to taste buds.
The luscious creaminess mellows the savory notes, adding a delightful sweetness that pairs wonderfully with beef! -
Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme during simmering for a fragrant aroma.
These herbs transform the dish entirely, bringing an unpredictably aromatic depth that will entice even those skeptical of traditional recipes. -
Sweet Touch: Enhance the dish with a tablespoon of sugar or a splash of pineapple juice for a caramelized sweetness that balances flavors.
This variation creates a beautiful contrast, making every bite a delightful interplay of savory and sweet! -
Nutty Flavor: Blend in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a unique twist that adds richness and depth.
This creates a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the beef, making your caldereta even more unforgettable! -
Different Meat: Try using chicken or pork in place of beef for an equally delicious but distinct flavor profile.
Each meat lends its character, letting you serve this dish in various ways for family and friends to enjoy throughout the year! -
Sour Notes: Add a splash of vinegar or calamansi juice for a tangy kick that brightens everything up.
This variation adds a delightful complexity, balancing the richness of the dish beautifully for true flavor enthusiasts!
Make Ahead Options
These Filipino Beef Caldereta are a fantastic choice for meal prep lovers! You can marinate the beef up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply and enhance tenderness. Additionally, chop the vegetables (carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper) up to 3 days ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply simmer the prepped beef and vegetables together, ensuring everything cooks to perfection. This way, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal on busy weeknights with just a little bit of finishing required, making your cooking stress-free and rewarding.
What to Serve with Filipino Beef Caldereta?
Capturing the essence of a cozy gathering, this savory stew pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that enhance its warm, comforting flavors.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy grains soak up the rich sauce, making each bite even more indulgent and satisfying.
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Crispy Garlic Potatoes: Their crispy texture contrasts perfectly with the tender beef, adding an extra layer of flavor and crunch to your meal.
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Fresh Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side, this salad balances the rich flavors of the caldereta and adds a delightful crunch.
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Sautéed Green Beans: Lightly seasoned and sautéed, green beans lend a lovely freshness, complementing the dish without overpowering it.
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Filipino Pan de Sal: These soft bread rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of caldereta, adding a delightful touch to your feast.
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Sweet Mango Chutney: The sweetness of this chutney cuts through the savory richness, adding an unexpected and pleasing contrast to each forkful.
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Chilled Lemonade: This refreshing drink helps cleanse the palate and brings a bright, zesty finish to your meal.
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Coconut Flan: A popular Filipino dessert, this creamy, luscious flan provides just the right amount of sweetness to round off your hearty dinner.
Filipino Beef Caldereta Recipe FAQs
What kind of beef should I use for Caldereta?
Absolutely! Using beef chuck is best for Filipino Beef Caldereta since it has enough fat marbling to become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. Cuts like brisket or round can also work but might not yield that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How do I store leftovers of Filipino Beef Caldereta?
You can store leftover caldo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing the container. This method helps maintain the dish’s rich flavors and freshness.
Can I freeze Filipino Beef Caldereta?
Sure thing! Pour your cooled Caldereta into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and it will stay delicious for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop. A splash of beef broth during reheating will help keep the texture moist and inviting.
What if my stew is too salty?
Very good question! If you find your Filipino Beef Caldereta is too salty, you can balance it by adding diced potatoes to absorb some saltiness while simmering. Alternatively, adding a bit of sugar or a splash of vinegar can also help to counteract the salinity without changing the overall flavor profile significantly.
Can Filipino Beef Caldereta be made dairy-free?
Yes! This dish is naturally dairy-free as it doesn’t contain any dairy ingredients. However, if you’re considering dietary restrictions for pets or allergies, always make sure the liver spread and any added sauces are free from potential allergens like gluten or soy.
How do I know when the beef is tender enough?
The more the merrier when it comes to simmering! Allow the beef to cook low and slow for about 1.5 to 2 hours. You’ll know it’s tender when you can easily pull it apart with a fork. The result should be succulent beef nestled among perfectly cooked veggies, all swimming in a rich sauce.
Savory Filipino Beef Caldereta: Comfort Food at Its Best
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate the beef: In a bowl, combine beef cubes with soy sauce, garlic, and pepper. Allow the beef to soak up those flavors for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best results.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, then stir in the minced garlic until it's fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add the marinated beef to the pot and brown it on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then stir to combine all ingredients and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add seasonings: Toss in the bay leaf and liver spread, stirring until well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf and serve hot.