This Beef Heart Recipe stew is the ultimate comfort food rich, hearty, and packed with nourishing goodness. If you’ve never cooked with beef heart before, trust me, this is the perfect way to start. Slow-simmered to tender perfection with aromatic veggies, herbs, and a touch of red wine, this stew delivers deep, savory flavors that will warm you up from the inside out. It’s budget-friendly, loaded with protein, and a great way to try something new. Plus, once you taste how melt-in-your-mouth delicious beef heart can be, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been cooking it all along!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender & Flavorful : Slow cooking turns beef heart into a melt-in-your-mouth delight, absorbing all the rich flavors of the broth, tomatoes, and herbs.
- Nutritious & Budget-Friendly : Beef heart is an incredible source of protein, iron, and essential nutrients—plus, it’s way more affordable than traditional cuts of beef.
- Cozy & Satisfying : This is the kind of meal you crave on chilly nights—a warm, comforting stew that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to bring this dish to life! Here’s what goes into this cozy stew:
- Beef Heart : The star of the dish! It’s rich, lean, and develops an amazing texture when slow-cooked.
- Olive Oil : Helps brown the meat and build flavor.
- Onion & Garlic : The aromatic base that gives the stew its deep, savory taste.
- Carrots & Celery : Classic stew veggies that add sweetness and texture.
- Diced Tomatoes : Adds acidity and richness to balance the meaty flavors.
- Beef Broth : The key to a flavorful, deeply savory stew.
- Red Wine (Optional) : Gives the stew a luxurious depth (but totally optional!).
- Dried Thyme & Bay Leaf : Essential for that earthy, herbaceous flavor.
- Salt & Pepper : To season everything perfectly.
- Fresh Parsley : A bright, fresh finishing touch.
- Worcestershire Sauce (Optional) : Adds a hint of umami richness.
👉 Note: Full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below!
How to Make Tender Beef Heart Stew
Step 1: Prep the Beef Heart
Start by cleaning the beef heart—trim away any excess fat, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Then, cut it into bite-sized cubes (about 1 inch).
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
Add the beef heart cubes to the pot and sear them on all sides. This locks in flavor and gives the stew a richer taste. Let them brown for 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Veggies & Liquids
Stir in the carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, and red wine (if using). Then, add the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Slowly bring the stew to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef heart should become incredibly tender.
Step 6: Final Touches & Serving
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce (if using) and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf, and you’re ready to serve! Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t rush the simmering : The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful the beef heart becomes. Low and slow is the key!
- Trim the heart well : Removing tough connective tissue ensures a smooth, tender bite.
- Deglaze the pot : If you’re using red wine, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that’s where the flavor lives!
- Make it even richer : For extra depth, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
How to Serve
This hearty stew is satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty Bread : The perfect way to soak up all that flavorful broth!
- Mashed Potatoes : A creamy, comforting side that complements the stew perfectly.
- Rice or Quinoa : For a lighter, grain-based option.
- Steamed Greens : A fresh, healthy balance to the rich flavors of the stew.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the stew to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully! Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers and store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eating Beef Heart Healthy?
Absolutely! Beef heart is packed with essential nutrients like protein, iron, and CoQ10, which are vital for energy production and heart health. It’s also lower in fat compared to many other cuts of beef, making it a lean, nutritious option.
What Does Beef Heart Taste Like?
The flavor of beef heart is similar to a lean steak, with a slightly richer, meatier taste. Unlike liver, it doesn’t have a strong, gamey flavor, making it a great entry point for those new to organ meats.
How Often Can You Eat Beef Heart?
There’s no hard limit on how often you can enjoy beef heart, but moderation is key. As with any meat, balance it with a variety of proteins and vegetables for a well-rounded diet. Incorporating it into your meals once or twice a month is a good starting point.
How Long to Soak Beef Heart in Vinegar?
To tenderize beef heart and reduce any strong flavors, soak it in a mixture of vinegar and water for 30 minutes to an hour. This step is particularly helpful for grilling or frying recipes.
For more creative ways to use budget-friendly ingredients, visit our recipe guide for Ground Beef Bulgogi.
Conclusion
This Tender Beef Heart Stew is the perfect introduction to cooking with beef heart—it’s rich, cozy, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re new to organ meats or a longtime fan, this recipe will show you just how delicious and satisfying they can be. So grab a bowl, dig in, and enjoy every comforting bite! ❤️
Beef Heart Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Beef Heart:
- 1 beef heart about 2-3 lbs, trimmed and cleaned
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- For the Marinade Optional:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Beef Heart
- Trim off any fat, arteries, and silver skin from the beef heart.
- Cut into steak-like slices or bite-sized cubes if grilling or pan-searing.
- Step 2: Marinate (Optional, Recommended for Extra Flavor)
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and oregano.
- Add beef heart slices and let marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
- Step 3: Cooking Methods
- Pan-Seared Method (Quick & Easy)
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat the beef heart dry, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to medium (internal temp 135-140°F).
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
- Grilled Method (Smoky Flavor)
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400°F).
- Grill heart slices for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly and serve.
- Slow Cooker Method (Tender & Juicy)
- Place the whole beef heart in a slow cooker.
- Add 1 cup beef broth, 1 sliced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours until fork-tender.
- Slice and serve with broth.
Notes
For a Peruvian-style dish, serve with chimichurri sauce.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.