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How to Cook Beef Heart the Right Way Step by Step
Discover a flavorful and nutritious beef heart recipe that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for hearty family meals. Try it today!
Why you will love this recipe
Discover the delicious potential of this beef heart recipe, a dish that transforms an often-overlooked ingredient into a tender, flavorful meal. Packed with protein, iron, and essential vitamins, beef heart is as nutritious as it is budget-friendly, making it a fantastic choice for health-conscious cooks and adventurous food lovers alike. Whether you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons or incorporate nutrient-dense options into your weekly rotation, this recipe delivers rich, savory flavors that pair beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, it’s a hearty, satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again.
For us, this beef heart recipe isn’t just about cooking; it’s about honoring traditions and reconnecting with humble, heartfelt meals. Growing up, many of us recall family dinners where nothing went to waste, and dishes like this showcased the resourcefulness and love that defined home cooking. The rich, savory aroma of this stew brings back memories of gathering around the table, sharing stories, and celebrating simple yet nourishing food. Today, we love sharing this recipe as a way to inspire others to embrace the beauty of lesser-known cuts, proving that with a little care, they can create unforgettable meals.
How to Cook Beef Heart: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: MediumServings
4
servingsPrep time
20
minutesCooking time
1
hour30
minutesCalories
250
kcalIngredients
1 beef heart (approximately 1.5–2 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Beef Heart: To eliminate any excess blood, wash the beef heart with cold water, rinse the beef heart with cool water. Trim any visible fat or connective tissue. Cut the heart into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Warm the olive in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium hat. Add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Season and Brown: Add the beef heart pieces to the skillet. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Sear the meat for 5–7 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the red wine vinegar and scrape the bottom of the pan to release browned bits, enhancing the dish's flavor.
- Simmer the Dish: Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, and celery to the pan. Stir well to combine. Heat the mixture until it reaches a boiling point, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Check and Adjust: After 1 hour, check the meat for tenderness. If it’s still tough, simmer for an additional 15–20 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the beef heart is tender and flavorful, transfer it to a serving dish. Add freshly chopped parsley for garnish and serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Substitutions: If red wine vinegar isn’t available, use apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter profile.
- Variations: Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
Calories: 250
Macronutrients:
Amount
%DV
Total Fat
10g
15%
Saturated Fat
2g
10%
Unsaturated Fat
8g
–
Cholesterol
100mg
33%
Sodium
500mg
22%
Total Carbohydrate
12g
4%
Dietary Fiber
3g
12%
Sugars
4g
–
Protein
26g
52%
Key Vitamins and Minerals:
Amount
%DV
Iron
4mg
20%
Vitamin B12
2.88mcg
120%
Vitamin A
90mcg
10%
Potassium
450mg
15%
Magnesium
30mg
8%
Additional Notes
This beef heart recipe is a great source of lean protein, essential iron, and vitamin B12, which support energy production and red blood cell health. The added vegetables, including carrots and celery, contribute dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin A, making this dish both hearty and nutritious.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.
Please note: The nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used.
FAQ
1. What does beef heart taste like?
Beef heart has a mild, beefy flavor with a slightly firmer texture than regular cuts of meat. When cooked properly, it’s tender and flavorful.
2. How do I clean a beef heart before cooking?
Rinse the heart under cold water, remove any visible fat, and trim off the tough outer membrane and connective tissue for better texture.
3. Can I cook beef heart in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the meat and aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until tender.
4. Is beef heart healthy?
Absolutely! Beef heart is rich in protein, iron, and essential vitamins like B12. It’s also lower in fat compared to other cuts of beef.
5. Can I substitute beef heart for other organs in recipes?
Beef heart works best in recipes specifically designed for it due to its firmer texture. However, it can replace liver in some dishes for a milder flavor.
6. How do I know when the beef heart is cooked properly?
Properly cooked beef heart should be tender and flavorful. If it’s still chewy, continue cooking on low heat until the texture improves.
Conclusion
We hope this beef heart recipe inspires you to try something new in the kitchen! It’s a flavorful, nutritious dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends while helping you make the most of every ingredient. If you loved this recipe, why not share it on social media and spread the word? We’d also love to hear about your experience—tag us so we can see your delicious creations! Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more unique recipes, cooking tips, and inspiration. Let’s keep cooking together and turning everyday meals into something truly special!
