Filipino Beef Caldereta Recipe | Authentic Hearty Beef Stew
Caldereta is a rich and comforting Filipino beef stew known for its tender beef, hearty vegetables, and thick tomato-based sauce enriched with liver spread. A staple at family gatherings, fiestas, birthdays, and holiday celebrations, Caldereta is one of the Philippines' most beloved comfort foods. Its bold combination of savory, slightly tangy, and mildly spicy flavors makes it a satisfying meal that's perfect for serving with steamed rice.
The dish is traditionally made with beef chuck or beef shank, slowly simmered until fork-tender. The sauce is built with tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, onions, soy sauce, and beef broth, then enriched with liver spread, which gives Caldereta its signature creamy texture and deep savory flavor. Potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and green peas add sweetness, color, and heartiness, while optional chili peppers provide gentle heat.
Unlike ordinary beef stew, Filipino Beef Caldereta has a uniquely rich taste from the combination of tomato sauce and liver spread. Some families also add olives, grated cheese, or peanut butter for regional variations, making the dish even more indulgent.
Whether prepared for a festive celebration or a cozy family dinner, Beef Caldereta is a flavorful one-pot meal that captures the warmth and tradition of Filipino home cooking.
Cooking Method
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef cubes for 5–7 minutes until lightly caramelized.
- Add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the soy sauce and tomato paste, stirring for 1 minute.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth.
- Add the bay leaves, black pepper, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 1½–2 hours, or until the beef becomes tender.
- Add the potatoes and carrots, cooking for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the liver spread until fully dissolved into the sauce.
- Add the bell peppers, green peas, olives, and chilies (if using).
- Simmer for another 5–10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the grated cheese, if using, until melted.
- Remove the bay leaves.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with steamed rice.
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