Beef Caldereta is different from other stews because it is made with a unique combination of tomato sauce and liver spread (or liver pate), creating a rich and flavorful base. This is enhanced by adding vegetables like potatoes, carrots, green olives, and capsicum, which give the dish texture and nutrition.

Filipino Beef Caldereta

Beef Caldereta, also called Kaldereta, is a traditional Filipino dish that will take your taste buds on a flavorful trip. This hearty and tasty dish is a staple in Filipino cuisine. It is usually served at weddings, birthdays, and other special events.

While it is usually served with white rice, don’t be afraid to get creative and try it with other main dishes. And foodies who like to try new things can try Kaldereta made with goat meat or pork, called Kalderetang Kambing and Pork Kaldereta, respectively, to try out different flavors.

So why not make Beef Kaldereta at home and bring a taste of the Philippines to your family dinner? Your taste buds will love you for it!

Beef Caldereta Ingredients and Substitutions

Here are some juicy details about the ingredients and how they make this Filipino dish taste so good:

Beef: Selecting the appropriate cut of beef is the key to making a tasty Beef Caldereta. Search for lean beef with some fat and connective tissue that will stay moist even after being cooked for a long time. A few great choices are chuck beef, boneless beef shank, point-cut brisket, and bone-in short ribs. So go ahead and add some of these tasty cuts to your Caldereta.

Tomato sauce: The main ingredient here is 1 can of regular tomato sauce. If you don’t have any at hand, you can use half as much tomato puree mixed with water. Another option is tomato paste, but be aware that it’s thicker than sauce, so you’ll only need about a third of the amount and will need to add water to make up the rest. So get some tomato sauce and use it to flavor your Beef Caldereta.

Liver spread: Liver spread may sound like an unusual ingredient, but trust us: it’s what makes your Caldereta go from good to great. Liver spread is a canned mixture of beef, pork, chicken liver, and other parts and fillers. It gives your Caldereta a creamy texture and lots of flavors, making it truly unforgettable. Spread some liver love on your Beef Caldereta and watch it become the star of the dinner table. You can also use liver paté for this dish. 

Can I make Beef Caldereta in an Instant Pot?

You can definitely make Beef Caldereta in an instant pot. Not only is it possible, but it’s also a piece of cake. Just keep in mind that with all that steamy goodness locked in, you’ll need to reduce the amount of water called for in the recipe. But don’t worry, meat lovers, because the beef will release its own juices as it cooks to make up for it.

Beef Caldereta Recipe

Want a hearty, flavorful meal that will make you feel like you’re in the Philippines? Look no further than this Beef Caldereta recipe that will make your mouth water! This Filipino dish is a must-try for anyone who likes food. It has tender chunks of beef, a tasty tomato-based sauce, and veggies that smell great. So put on your apron and get ready to make a feast that will make your family and friends want more.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chuck beef, cut into cubes

• 5–6 garlic cloves, chopped

• 1 medium red onion, diced

• 1 large potato, cut into cubes

• 1 carrot, cut into cubes

• 1 cup pitted green olives

• ½ red bell pepper, sliced

• ½ green bell pepper, sliced

• 4 Tbsp liver spread (or pâté)

• 3–4 Tbsp cooking oil

• 8 oz tomato sauce

• 4 Tbsp brandy

• 2 cups beef broth

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil:
   Place a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 3–4 tablespoons of cooking oil and let it get hot.

2. Sauté Aromatics:
   Toss in the chopped garlic and diced red onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion turns soft and translucent.

3. Brown the Beef:
   Add the cubed beef to the pot. Stir occasionally and cook until the meat is browned on all sides—about 5–7 minutes.

4. Add Brandy and Liver Spread:
   Pour in the brandy and add the liver spread. Stir well so the beef is coated and the liver spread melts into the mixture. Cook for 2 minutes.

5. Simmer with Sauce:
   Add the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and cook on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the beef is tender.
   Tip: If the sauce starts to dry out, add a splash of water as needed.

6. Add Veggies and Olives:
   Stir in the potatoes, carrots, green olives, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Mix everything together, re-cover, and let it cook for another 8–10 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender.

7. Season and Serve:
   Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, ideally with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Video Recipe

Hi there, foodie! If you just had a taste of this Filipino culinary heaven, don’t keep it to yourself. Give your Pinterest board some delight by sharing the image below. And, while you’re at it, why not make your followers’ mouths water as well? Sharing is caring, after all! 🙂