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beef caldereta

Filipino Beef Caldereta Recipe

My beef kaldereta is tender beef cubes slow-cooked with tomato sauce, liver spread, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers until rich and hearty.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Filipino

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef cubed (I prefer chuck roast because it's more tender)
  • 3 garlic cloves crushed and chopped
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • ½ cup liver spread processed in blender (my secret ingredient)
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (if you love spicy)
  • 3 dried bay leaves
  • 2 cups potatoes sliced
  • 2 cups carrots sliced
  • ¼ cup cooking oil
  • cup green olives
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. First, I heat oil in my large pot (or pressure cooker when I'm in a hurry) and saute my onion and garlic until fragrant. This creates the flavor foundation.
  2. I add my cubed beef and cook for about 5 minutes until it turns light brown. This browning step is important for developing the flavors.
  3. I add in my dried bay leaves and chili flakes.
  4. I add my blended liver spread and stir it in well. This is essential for that rich flavor.
  5. I pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring everything together until well combined. This creates that beautiful sauce base.
  6. I cook the beef until it becomes tender. If I'm using my pressure cooker, this takes about 30 minutes. With a regular pot, I let it simmer for 1-2 hours. I know it's ready when the beef falls apart easily with a fork.
  7. Now I add the vegetables. I add my potatoes and carrots first and cook for 8-10 minutes. I watch them carefully because I don't want them to break down too much.
  8. I add the bell peppers and green olives, then continue cooking for 5 more minutes.
  9. Finally, I season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve and enjoy your beef caldereta!

Notes

  • Use a pressure cooker to save time. It cuts cooking time by more than half.
  • Don't skip the browning step. It adds incredible flavor.
  • Blend the liver spread for smoother consistency.
  • Monitor potatoes carefully so they don't break down too much.
  • Add vegetables in stages for perfect texture.
  • Fresh liver can substitute for liver spread. I make sure to puree it first.
  • This tastes better the next day.
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