Filipino Beef Giniling Recipe with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers simmered in a savory tomato and soy sauce blend.
This dish takes me straight back to my mom’s kitchen. You know that feeling when you walk into a room, and the smell instantly transports you to another time? That’s exactly what Filipino Beef Giniling does for me. The garlicky, savory aroma, the way the soy sauce and tomato sauce blend so perfectly—it’s pure comfort food.
Growing up, giniling was a weeknight lifesaver. My mom could whip it up in no time, and somehow, it always tasted amazing. She’d make it with peas and raisins, which—let’s be real—weren’t my favorite as a kid. (Who thought raisins in savory dishes were a good idea, anyway?) Now, when I make it for my own family, I keep it simple: just beef, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. It’s hearty, flavorful, and always gets a “Wow, this is good!” at the dinner table.
If you’ve never made giniling before, don’t worry—it’s super easy. And the best part? You can tweak it however you like. Want it spicier? Add chili flakes. Prefer pork over beef? Go for it. This dish is as versatile as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Filipino Beef Giniling Recipe?
- Quick and easy: It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in just 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, onion, soy sauce, and tomato sauce creates a rich, savory base that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable: Don’t like bell peppers? Leave them out. Want to sneak in some green peas? Do it.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will love this. Trust me, I’ve tested it on mine!
- Great leftovers: The flavors get even better the next day—if there’s any left, that is.
Ingredient Notes:
The beauty of this Filipino Beef Giniling Recipe is its simplicity. Here’s why these ingredients work so well together:
- Ground Beef: It’s hearty and soaks up the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Lean or regular works—just drain the excess fat if needed.
- Potatoes and Carrots: These add a bit of sweetness and bulk to the dish. Dice them small so they cook evenly.
- Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers not only add color but also bring a mild sweetness that balances the savory sauce.
- Onion and Garlic: These two are the flavor foundation. Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant, and you’ve already got half the battle won.
- Soy Sauce: The salty, umami-rich base that ties everything together. Use low-sodium if you prefer.
- Tomato Sauce: The tangy, slightly sweet element that gives the dish its signature flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning everything to perfection.
How To Make Filipino Beef Giniling?
If you’ve got a skillet and some basic ingredients, you can totally make this. Here’s how:
Step 1. Prep the Veggies
Dice the potatoes and carrots into small cubes. Soak them in water to keep them from browning and to help them cook more evenly later.
Step 2. Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over high heat and cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. This should take about 7 minutes. Drain off most of the fat, but leave a little—about 2 tablespoons—for sautéing.
Step 3. Sauté the Garlic and Onion
Add the garlic and onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and the garlic is golden. This step makes your kitchen smell incredible—trust me, it’s worth savoring.
Step 4. Add the Potatoes and Carrots
Drain the soaking water from the potatoes and carrots, then toss them into the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for about a minute to start softening the veggies.
Step 5. Toss in the Bell Peppers
Add the red and green bell peppers, stirring them into the mix. They add a nice sweetness and a pop of color.
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Step 6. Add the Seasonings and Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce and tomato sauce, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir well so all the flavors get evenly distributed.
Step 7. Simmer to Perfection
Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to make sure nothing sticks. By the end, the potatoes and carrots should be tender, and the sauce should have thickened slightly.
Step 8. Serve and Enjoy
Dish up your giniling with a generous helping of steamed rice, or enjoy it on its own as a low-carb option. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish keeps beautifully:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezer: Let the giniling cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll last up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions:
One of the best things about Filipino Beef Giniling is how flexible it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Add Peas or Raisins: For a touch of sweetness, throw in a handful of peas or raisins.
- Swap the Protein: Ground pork, turkey, or even chicken are all great alternatives to beef.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Go Saucier: If you like it with extra sauce, add an extra 1/2 cup of tomato sauce or a splash of beef broth.
What to Serve with Filipino Beef Giniling?
This dish is so versatile, you can pair it with all kinds of sides. Here are a few favorites:
- Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Garlic Fried Rice: For a little extra flavor, try serving it with garlicky rice.
- Eggs: Top your giniling with a fried or sunny-side-up egg for a breakfast twist.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp, simple salad balances the hearty flavors beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Giniling actually tastes better after a day in the fridge because the flavors deepen.
Can I use other vegetables?
Definitely! Try adding green beans, corn, or zucchini. Adjust the cooking time so everything cooks evenly.
Is ground pork a good substitute for beef?
Yes! Ground pork is a classic choice for giniling and works just as well as beef in this recipe.
Ready to give this Filipino Beef Giniling Recipe a try? It’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. Let me know how it turns out—did you stick to the recipe or add your own twist? I’d love to hear all about it!
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 medium carrots diced into small pieces
- 3 medium potatoes diced into small pieces
- 1 large red bell pepper diced
- 1 large green bell pepper diced
- 1 cup water
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- Dice the potatoes and carrots into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Place them in a bowl of water and set aside to prevent browning and to help soften them slightly.
Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over high heat until it is no longer pink, approximately 7 minutes. Drain excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet for sautéing.
Sauté Aromatics
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is lightly golden.
Add Potatoes and Carrots
- Drain the potatoes and carrots, discarding the water, and add them to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the sautéed aromatics and beef.
Incorporate Bell Peppers
- Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers, mixing thoroughly to combine them with the other ingredients.
Add Seasonings and Sauce
- Pour in the soy sauce and tomato sauce, then sprinkle with salt and ground black pepper. Stir to ensure the beef and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
Simmer Until Tender
- Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the mixture simmer for approximately 15 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. The potatoes and carrots should be tender, and the sauce should thicken slightly as it cooks.
Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the giniling hot over steamed rice. Alternatively, it can be enjoyed as a standalone dish for a lighter meal.
Notes
- Replace soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
- Verify that the tomato sauce does not contain any gluten additives, as some brands may include flour or other thickeners.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!