Both nutritious and delicious, this pan-seared Beef Heart Recipe with garlic butter is rich, flavorful, and shockingly tender! If you’ve never tried beef heart before, don’t be intimidated it’s lean, protein-packed, and tastes like an ultra-tender steak when cooked properly.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is hearty and satisfying, especially when paired with a garlic butter sauce infused with rosemary and lemon.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Tender & Juicy : With proper prep and cooking, beef heart becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
✔ Quick & Easy : A delicious dinner with minimal effort, ready in just 25 minutes.
✔ Nutritional Powerhouse : High in protein, iron, and essential nutrients, a great way to enjoy organic meats.
✔ Herby, Savory Butter Sauce : The garlic butter elevates the beef heart to restaurant-quality taste!
Ingredients
For the Beef Heart:
- Beef Heart : Lean, nutrient-dense muscle meat that becomes incredibly tender when cooked properly.
- Olive Oil : Enhances richness and helps seasonings stick.
- Salt & Black Pepper : Essential for amplifying the meaty flavor.
- Smoked Paprika : Adds a subtle smokiness and depth.
- Garlic Powder : Provides a savory, aromatic touch.
- Dried Oregano : Adds an earthy, herbal balance to the dish.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Unsalted Butter : Creates a rich, silky sauce for the beef heart.
- Garlic (Minced) : Enhances the sauce with bold, savory flavor.
- Fresh Rosemary or Thyme : Adds herbal brightness to balance the richness.
- Lemon Juice : Brings a touch of acidity to brighten the dish.
Optional Sides:
- Roasted Vegetables : A perfect, flavorful side to complement the richness.
- Mashed Potatoes : Buttery, creamy, and ideal for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.
- Fresh Parsley : Adds a pop of freshness and color.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
How to Make Beef Heart with Garlic Butter
Step 1: Trim & Slice the Beef Heart
1️⃣ Rinse the beef heart under cold water and pat dry.
2️⃣ Trim away tough connective tissue, sinew, and excess fat.
3️⃣ Slice into ½-inch thick pieces for even cooking.
Step 2: Season the Beef Heart
4️⃣ In a bowl, mix the beef heart slices with: ✅ Olive oil
✅ Salt & black pepper
✅ Smoked paprika
✅ Garlic powder
✅ Oregano
5️⃣ Marinate for 15 minutes to enhance flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Beef Heart
6️⃣ Heat a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil.
7️⃣ Place the slices in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan).
8️⃣ Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, letting them develop a deep brown sear.
9️⃣ Remove from heat and let them rest while you make the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
🔟 In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and melt the butter.
1️⃣1️⃣ Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
1️⃣2️⃣ Stir in rosemary or thyme and lemon juice, letting the flavors meld for 30 seconds.
Step 5: Coat the Beef Heart in Sauce
1️⃣3️⃣ Return the beef heart slices to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter sauce.
1️⃣4️⃣ Plate and Serve : Drizzle extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor.
1️⃣5️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
Pro Tips for Perfect Beef Heart
✔ Trim the Heart Properly : Removing tough connective tissue ensures a tender bite.
✔ Don’t Overcook : Since it’s lean meat, overcooking can make it tough. Aim for a quick sear!
✔ Use a Cast Iron Skillet : It helps seal in flavor and creates a beautiful crust.
✔ Let it Rest : Resting the beef locks in the juices, making each bite more flavorful.
How to Serve
This garlic butter beef heart pairs beautifully with:
🥔 Mashed Potatoes : Creamy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
🥕 Roasted Vegetables : Try asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.
🍚 Rice or Quinoa : A lighter option that still absorbs the delicious juices.
🥖 Toasted Bread : Crispy bread for sopping up the garlic butter goodness.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Freeze cooked beef heart in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat, adding a little butter or broth to keep it moist.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Avoid overcooking.
For more creative ways to use budget-friendly ingredients, visit our recipe guide for Ground Beef Bulgogi.
FAQs
1. What does beef heart taste like?
When cooked properly, beef heart has a mild, meaty flavor similar to filet mignon. It’s not gamey—just lean, tender, and delicious!
2. How do you make beef heart more tender?
Proper trimming and quick cooking are key! For extra flavor, you can also marinate the slices overnight.
3. Can I make beef heart in a slow cooker?
Yes! Slow-cooking beef heart makes it even more tender. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours with broth, onions, and garlic for a stew-like dish.
4. Is beef heart healthy?
Absolutely! Beef heart is packed with protein, iron, B vitamins, and CoQ10, making it one of the most nutrient-dense meats.
Conclusion
This pan-seared beef heart with garlic butter is rich, bold, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re new to organ meats or already a fan, this dish will win you over with its tender texture and savory flavor.
🔥 Try it today and enjoy a nutrient-packed meal in under 30 minutes! 😋
Beef Heart Recipe
Equipment
- Cast-Iron Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
For the Beef Heart
- 1 beef heart about 2-3 lbs, trimmed and cleaned
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Serving (Optional)
- roasted vegetables
- mashed potatoes
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the beef heart and trim any excess fat or tough connective tissue.
- Slice into ½-inch thick strips for quicker cooking.
- In a bowl, coat the beef heart strips with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and oregano. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Set a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil to coat the pan.
- Add the beef heart slices and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through but still tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and add garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in rosemary and lemon juice, then return the beef heart to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Serve hot with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, and garnish with fresh parsley.