Name: Filipino Beef Giniling
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 brown onion finely chopped; 3 cloves of garlic finely chopped; 2 tablespoon tomato paste; 500 g beef mince; 400 g tinned chopped tomatoes 1 tin; 1 carrot cut into small cubes; 1 potato cut into small cubes; 1 pepper cut into small cubes; 50 g butter; 100 g garden peas frozen; 2 tablespoon soy sauce; ½ lime juice only; 60 g Cheddar grated; 2 hard-boiled eggs optional

When it comes to cozy, budget-friendly meals, Beef Giniling checks all the boxes. This Filipino ground beef stew is loaded with tender vegetables, simmered in a savory tomato sauce, and topped with a few unexpected (but delightful) touches like peas, cheddar, and sometimes even hard-boiled eggs. It’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to make — perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Filipino Beef Giniling is like the best parts of a beef stew, picadillo, and bolognese all in one dish — but faster, brighter, and packed with veggies. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

One-pan wonder: Simple ingredients, minimal cleanup.
Hearty but healthy: Loaded with veggies and lean ground beef.
Family favorite: Mildly spiced and easy to customize — great for kids and adults alike.
Versatile: Serve over rice, stuff into empanadas, or use it as a filling for omelets or wraps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Oil: Use vegetable, sunflower, or any neutral oil.
Garlic & Onion: Fresh aromatics for the flavor base.
Tomato Paste + Tinned Tomatoes: Rich and bright tomato flavor with a little sweetness.
Ground Beef: Lean (5% fat) works best for a less greasy finish.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth — sub tamari for gluten-free.
Lime Juice: Brings balance and brightness.
Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies.
Veggies: Carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers are classic.
Green Peas: Frozen or fresh for that final pop of color and sweetness.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce for a creamy finish.
Hard-Boiled Eggs (optional): Traditional topping that adds protein and texture.

How to Make Filipino Beef Giniling

Sauté the aromatics:
Start by softening finely chopped onion in oil, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Build the sauce:
Stir in tomato paste and a pinch of sugar. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Pour in the canned tomatoes and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes.

Add the chopped veggies:
Dice the carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers into small, even cubes. Stir them into the beef mixture along with a pat of butter. Cover and cook for 25 minutes until everything is tender.

Finish with peas and seasoning:
Toss in the peas and let it cook a few more minutes. Add soy sauce, lime juice, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Optional cheesy touch:
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. For a traditional finish, top with sliced hard-boiled eggs before serving.

Serving Suggestions

White rice: The classic pairing — it soaks up all that savory tomato goodness.
Polenta or couscous: A fun twist for when you want something different.
With a poached or fried egg on top: For an extra-cozy brunch-style meal.
In a bowl, just as it is: With all the veggies and protein, it’s filling enough on its own.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Make it with ground pork, chicken, or turkey — all are traditional and just as tasty.
No canned tomatoes? Use more tomato paste + water (and a pinch of sugar).
Add sweetness: A handful of raisins or diced pineapple for that sweet-savory combo found in many Filipino dishes.
Spicy version: Add a touch of chili flake or chopped red chilies for heat.
Egg ideas: Nestle raw eggs into the stew near the end, cover, and poach until the whites are just set.

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cools beautifully and freezes well for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Warm on the stove or microwave until piping hot. Add a splash of water if needed.

Leftover ideas:

Tortang Giniling (beef omelet): Pour beaten eggs over reheated Giniling in a pan and cook until set.
Empanada or samosa filling: Fold into pastry dough and bake or fry.
On pizza or flatbread: Scatter drained Giniling on naan or pita with cheese for a Filipino-inspired pizza night.

Final Thoughts

Beef Giniling is Filipino comfort food at its best — rich, filling, and perfect for stretching a pound of ground meat into a full meal. It’s endlessly adaptable, freezer-friendly, and always hits the spot on a cold night or a busy day. Whether you enjoy it over rice, tucked into a wrap, or straight from the pan, it’s a recipe that earns a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

Yield: 4