Beef Caldereta Recipe (2024)

Published: by Nora Reyes · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

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Beef Caldereta is a classic Filipino stew with tender beef and hearty vegetables in a rich tomato-based sauce. This is a one-pot meal that is satisfying and delicious!

Beef Caldereta Recipe (1)
Jump to:
  • What is Caldereta?
  • Ingredients you'll need
  • How to make this recipe
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Variations of Caldereta
  • Other tomato-based braises and stews
  • More about beef caldereta
  • Other beef recipes you may like
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

What is Caldereta?

Caldereta, or kaldereta, is a Filipino stew traditionally made from goat meat, though beef stew meat is also commonly used. This dish is cooked with a rich tomato sauce that contains liver pate or spread, and sometimes even cheddar cheese.

The name "caldereta" is derived from the Spanish word "caldera," meaning cauldron, referencing the cooking pot. This hearty protein-rich dish is often reserved for special occasions in the Philippines.

Ingredients you'll need

Beef Caldereta Recipe (2)

Notes and substitutions

  • Beef: The best cut is lean with some fat and connective tissue that stays moist after prolonged cooking. Examples include chuck, boneless beef shank, point-cut brisket, and bone-in short ribs.
  • Tomato sauce: You will need a 28 or 29-ounce can of regular tomato sauce, about 3½ cups. In a pinch, you can use half as much tomato puree diluted with water. Tomato paste is an option, but because it is thicker, you'd have to use about ⅓ and the rest with water.
  • Vegetables: I used potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and other vegetables. You can also use cauliflower, green peas,
  • Liver spread: Canned liver spreads can be made with various types of liver (beef, pork, and chicken) and can include other ingredients. Its addition makes the sauce creamy and more flavorful. Alternatively, you can use liver pâté.

How to make this recipe

Step 1: Cut 3 pounds of beef into large chunks and trim off any excess fat—season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set a 4.5-quart heavy-bottomed pot or a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Sear the meat in oil for about 2 minutes on each side.

PRO TIP: For a richer and deeper flavor, brown the beef pieces well before simmering. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, enhances the overall taste and adds a robust depth to the stew.

Beef Caldereta Recipe (3)

Step 3: Transfer the beef chunks to a bowl.

Step 4: Sear 12 ounces of potatoes for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Set aside.

Beef Caldereta Recipe (4)

Step 5: Sear 12 ounces of carrots until slightly caramelized, about 4 minutes. Set aside.

Step 6: Add ½ red and ½ green bell peppers and let them slightly blister for about 2 minutes. Set aside.

Beef Caldereta Recipe (5)

Step 7: Sauté 4 garlic cloves and 1 onion for about a minute. Add ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper and let it bloom for 30 seconds.

Step 8: Add the meat, 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon chicken base dissolved in 1 cup of hot water. You can also use beef broth for the liquid.

Mix while scraping up the fond (the browned bits) from the bottom of the pot for that extra flavor. Let it come to a boil.

Beef Caldereta Recipe (6)

Step 9: Add 3 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 2 tablespoons sugar (or more), a pinch of salt, and pepper to taste. Mix together.

Step 10: Lower the heat to medium. Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, until the meat is fork-tender. Skim off the fat layer that pools on the surface so you won't end up with a greasy stew.

Beef Caldereta Recipe (7)

Step 11: Mix in the potatoes and carrots. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until almost tender.

Step 12: Add the bell peppers, ½ cup sweet pickles, ½ cup olives, ¼ cup liver spread, and ground pepper to taste. Stir and continue cooking for 5 minutes.

Beef Caldereta Recipe (8)

Step 13: Give it a taste and adjust as needed.

Serve your Beef Kaldereta with rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for a longer shelf life.

Beef Caldereta Recipe (9)

Recipe FAQs

What is the substitute for liver spread?

Liver spread adds a distinct flavor and thickens the sauce. Making it from scratch is an option, but it requires more work. You may substitute with liver pâté, liverwurst, or potted meat. Some use peanut butter or cheese in place of liver spread.

Are liver pâté and liver spread the same?

Liver spread and pâté are both made from liver, but differ in texture and ingredients. Liver spread is a spreadable meat product commonly sold in cans in the Philippines. Pâté is a more refined and luxurious dish that may contain butter and cream, typically served as an appetizer.

Can I makecalderetain an instant pot or pressure cooker?

Yes, you can make this Filipino stewin an instant pot or a regular pressure cooker. Since the moisture is locked in, reduce the water called for in the stew. The meat will release more liquid as it cooks.

Variations of Caldereta

  • Beef Caldereta: Uses beef stew meat, popular and widely consumed due to its milder flavor and tender meat.
  • Goat Caldereta: Traditional version made with goat meat, often spicier to complement the gamey taste of the goat.
  • Chicken Caldereta: A poultry version of the classic, using chicken pieces as an alternative to the traditional goat or beef.
  • Pork Caldereta: Made with cuts like pork belly or pork shoulder, offering a different texture and flavor profile.
  • Seafood Caldereta: Includes a mix of seafood, such as fish, squid, shrimp, mussels, or crab, introducing a whole new dimension to the traditional meat-based dish.
  • Veggie Caldereta: Omits the meat and instead uses a medley of vegetables and perhaps tofu, catering to those seeking a vegetarian or lighter alternative to the traditional dish.

Other tomato-based braises and stews

  • Pork Pochero: A stew that combines pork with saba bananas in a light, savory tomato sauce often spiced with chorizo.
  • Chicken Pochero: Similar to the pork version but made with bone-in pieces of chicken.
  • Pork Menudo: A tomato-based stew with diced pork, liver, hotdogs, and a mix of vegetables including peas and raisins.
  • Pork Guisantes: A simple tomato-based stew with pork, green peas (guisantes), and bell peppers.
  • Picadillo: A Filipino version with ground meat, raisins, and diced vegetables cooked in tomato sauce.

More about beef caldereta

Here are more frequently asked questions about Beef Caldereta, including extra tips, troubleshooting, and other information.

Other beef recipes you may like

  • Burger Steak Recipe
  • Bulalo Recipe
  • Ampalaya con Carne Recipe
  • Beef Salpicao Recipe
Beef Caldereta Recipe (14)

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📖 Recipe

Beef Caldereta Recipe (15)

Beef Caldereta

This dish has tender beef and hearty vegetables with a rich tomato-based sauce. It is a one-pot meal that is satisfying and delicious!

5 from 5 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Filipino

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours hours

Total Time: 2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 512kcal

Author: Nora Rey

Cost: $15-$17

Equipment

  • 4.5-quart Dutch oven , a heavy-bottomed pot, or a large sauté pan

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds beef chuck cut into 1½" cubes (see note)
  • 12 ounces Yukon gold or waxy potatoes cut into 1¼" chunks
  • 12 ounces carrots cut into 1¼" chunks
  • ½ red bell pepper cut into 1¼" chunks
  • ½ green bell pepper cut into 1¼" chunks
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce (see note)
  • 1 teaspoon chicken/beef base or bouillon dissolved in 1 cup of water
  • 3 bay leaves dried or fresh
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce sub:soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or more
  • ½ cup sweet pickles or gherkins cut in half, if big
  • ½ cup pitted green olives (Manzanilla or Castelvetrano olives)
  • ¼ cup liver spread or pâté (see note)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Neutral oil for searing and sautéing

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Season meat with salt and pepper. Sear them over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes on each side. Add oil as needed. Set aside.

  • Lightly sear potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Set aside

  • Sauté garlic and onions for about a minute until softened.

  • Add crushed red pepper and toast for 30 seconds.

  • Add meat, tomato sauce, and chicken base dissolved in acup of hot water. Mix while scraping up the fond (the browned bits) from the bottom of the pot for that extra flavor. Let it come to a boil.

  • Add bay leaves, fish sauce, sugar, a pinch of salt, and pepper to taste. Mix together.

  • Lower to medium heat and cover with the lid. Simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, until the meat is tender. Skim off the fat layer that pools on the surface.

  • Mix in potatoes and carrots. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until almost tender.

  • Add bell peppers, pickles, olives, liver spread, and ground pepper to taste. Stir and continue cooking for 5 minutes.

  • Give it a taste and turn off the heat.

Notes

  • Beef: The cuts of beef you can use are lean with some fat and connective tissue, staying moist after prolonged cooking. Examples include chuck, boneless beef shank, point-cut brisket, and bone-in short ribs.
  • Tomato sauce: You will need a 28 or 29-ounce can of regular tomato sauce, about 3½ cups. In a pinch, you can use half as much tomato puree diluted with water. Tomato paste is an option, but because it is thicker, you'd have to use about ⅓ and the rest with water.
  • Liver spread: Canned liver spreads can be made with various types of liver (beef, pork, and chicken) and can include other ingredients. Its addition makes the sauce creamy and more flavorful. Alternatively, you can use liver pâté.

Nutrition

Calories: 512kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 37gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 1458mgPotassium: 1298mgFiber: 5gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 9990IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 82mgIron: 6mg

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided here is solely for informational purposes. I am not a certified nutritionist, and this data hasn't been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other authority. It shouldn't be seen as health or nutrition advice. The figures are estimates calculated from various food composition databases and might vary based on product types, brands, natural variations in produce, and ingredient processing methods. Individual results may differ.

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More Beef Recipes

  • Bistek Tagalog Recipe
  • Korean Beef Stew
  • Kare Kare Recipe

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Andrea

    Beef Caldereta Recipe (20)
    My daughter's favorite ulam! I have made this dish using this exact recipe 3 times already, no fail! Can't wait to try your kare-kare next!

    Reply

    • Nora Reyes

      Hello Andrea, Wow, that's amazing! Thank you for the feedback! And i hope you like the Kare-Kare. =)

      Reply

  2. Jomelyn

    Beef Caldereta Recipe (21)
    A very detailed recipe like this is what I love about your recipes. I love some thick sauce caldereta.

    Reply

    • Nora

      Hi there! Thank you and thanks for noticing. =)

      Reply

Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think:

Beef Caldereta Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What cut of beef is used for caldereta? ›

The best beef parts for caldereta include chuck, sirloin, and short ribs. They're tough, lean cuts with a bit of fat and lots of connective tissues. These work well for stewing because the proteins in their tissues turn into gelatin that makes the beef tender.

What is the difference between beef mechado and beef caldereta? ›

Each dish uses a different choice of meat: Afritada features chicken, Menudo uses pork with chopped hotdogs, and both Kaldereta and Mechado use beef or goat meat. However, Mechado is recognized by its thicker sauce, while Kaldereta incorporates liver spread into the recipe.

What is a substitute for liver spread? ›

Instead of liver spread I use a cornstarch slurry to add thickness to the stew. You can also add some peanut butter to thicken the stew and add a little more flavor. What's the best way to store this stew? Allow the caldereta to cool completely to room temperature before storing.

What does Kaldereta mean in Spanish? ›

Caldereta's name was derived from the Spanish word caldera meaning cauldron. The dish is similar to meat stews from the Iberian Peninsula and was brought to the Philippines by the Spaniards during their 333-year occupation of the Philippines.

What is a substitute for liver spread in caldereta? ›

You can also turn this stew vegan by replacing the liver spread with creamy peanut butter.

What are the 3 tender cuts of beef? ›

Top ten "Tender" and "Tough" cuts in shear force (pounds) from the National Beef Tenderness Survey
"Tender" cutsShear force (pounds)Shear force (pounds)
Tenderloin steak5.711.7
Top blade steak6.710.3
Top loin steak7.29.7
Rib roast7.39.5
7 more rows

What is Filipino beef called? ›

Bistek (from Spanish: bistec, "beefsteak"), also known as bistek tagalog or karne frita, is a Filipino dish consisting of thinly-sliced beefsteak braised in soy sauce, calamansi juice, garlic, ground black pepper, and onions cut into rings.

What is the difference between Kare Kare and caldereta? ›

But where kare kare is traditionally made with oxtail, kaldereta is usually made with beef or goat. And here's the interesting, nutty twist: In Cebu and Mindanao, peanut butter is also added to the sauce for an extra kick of flavor. Chef Dolf uses Lady's Choice brand peanut butter.

What is similar to Kaldereta? ›

Kaldereta, menudo, mechado, afritada and pochero are all visually similar. Can you tell which is which? At any Filipino birthday, baptism or Christmas party, tomato-based meat stews in chafing dishes will undoubtedly make an appearance.

Why don't you put liver in stock? ›

Make stock.

(You don't want to include the liver as it becomes bitter when boiled.)

What is caldereta in English? ›

Caldereta is a Filipino meat stew influenced by Spanish flavours. Its name comes from the Spanish word caldera, meaning cauldron. It is a classic Filipino stew of beef simmered in tomato sauce with lots of potatoes, carrots, capsic*ms and olives. It is hearty, tasty, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

What can I soak beef liver in besides milk? ›

Some chefs insist on soaking in salt and lemon water.

What country is caldereta from? ›

What do Spanish call beef? ›

"Beef" in Spanish is usually translated as la carne de vacuno, but some Spanish speakers refer to it as la carne de res. The following bulleted list contains types of beef meat in Spanish, along with their English translations: beef (general) is la carne de vacuno (or de vaca, de res)

What is cow tongue in Spanish? ›

Lengua, Spanish for "tongue," is the tongue of a beef cow.

What is beef caldereta made of? ›

Beef Kaldereta is a main stay in any Filipino Kitchen. It is a type of beef stew cooked with tomato sauce and liver spread. Ingredients such as potato, carrots, bell peppers, and olives are also utilized when cooking this dish. This is a popular dish is served during special occasions.

What cut of beef is best for sliced beef? ›

A top loin roast is ideal. It's got plenty of brawny flavor, and all of the fat is on the surface, which you can easily trim off after the meat is cooked. Here, the beef is roasted low and slow to ensure rare, juicy meat. This said, if you want a more economical cut, use bottom, top or eye round here instead.

What cut is beef shortplate? ›

Beef plate (also known as the short plate) is a forequarter cut from the abdomen of the cow, just below the rib cut. It is typically a cheap, tough, and fatty meat. In U.K. butchery, this cut is considered part of the brisket. It is used for short ribs and two kinds of steak: skirt and hanger.

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