Beef Heart Recipe - Went Here 8 This (2024)

By Danielle on , Updated 6 Comments

386 Shares

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

Jump to Recipe

If you are a lover of flavorful, tender, juicy beef, this beef heart recipe is right up your alley! Plus, not only is it super flavorful, it's one of the cheapest cuts of beef!

And...to top it off it is packed full of vitamins and minerals.

Beef Heart Recipe - Went Here 8 This (1)

If you've never tried beef heart before, you MUST. It's like an extra flavorful tenderloin steak without the price.

I also think it has a lot of the same characteristics of beef tongue (try this sous vide beef tongue if you want to blown away) like the meatiness of it.

Best cooked rare to medium rare, this recipe uses an ultra simple cooking method and is just perfection served with one of the sauces to add a pop of freshness:

  • Cilantro chimichurri
  • Argentinian chimichurri
  • Chimichurri Rojo
  • Mint chimichurri
  • Cajun remoulade

We are full in love with this ultra cheap and flavorful cut of beef - this along with my favorite braised pork shanks are my new favorite cheap eats!

Jump to:
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredients
  • Step By Step Instructions
  • Expert Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Storage/Reheating Instructions
  • Recipe
  • 💬 Comments
Beef Heart Recipe - Went Here 8 This (2)

Why This Recipe Works

  • Quick cooking the beef heart allows it to stay tender and juicy.
  • Serving it with a fresh accompaniments like gremolata or chimichurri helps to balance out the hearts meatiness.
  • Simple seasonings allow the full flavor of the beef to shine.
  • It's ultra easy to make, with just a few ingredients.
  • Beef heart is low in fat and high in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthier option than other cuts of beef.

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox.Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Went Here 8 This.

Ingredients

The full list of ingredients and amounts is included in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Beef Heart Recipe - Went Here 8 This (3)

You should be able to get beef heart at your local butcher. Some grocery stores do carry it, but the butcher will be able to trim it up for you so you don't have to do it at home.

I personally tend to get mine at the Asian market, and just trim the ventricles, excess fat and any tough fibrous areas off. It's not hard.

**beef heart is also great ground up and used in burgers, tacos or any dishes using ground beef.

Always use a high smoke point oil when searing a piece of beef to prevent it from smoking and/or burning. I personally like ghee or coconut oil.

Step By Step Instructions

Trim all the arteries, valves, excess fat and gristle off the beef heart if it has not already been done for you. **I recommend buying it trimmed to save time and effort

Slice the heart into 1-1 ½" slices (steak size if you can).

Season the heart and let it sit, uncovered, in the fridge for 8 hours or overnight.

Beef Heart Recipe - Went Here 8 This (4)

Heat a skillet over medium high heat and add the ghee. (can also be grilled on high heat, just brush with ghee).

Place the beef heart steaks in and sear on each side for about 2-3 minutes, depending on thickness.

Beef Heart Recipe - Went Here 8 This (5)

Remove and let sit 5-10 minutes. Serve with chimichurri or a gremolata.

Beef Heart Recipe - Went Here 8 This (6)

Expert Tips

  1. Buying the beef heart pre-trimmed by your butcher will save you some time and effort.
  2. Salting it overnight helps to add flavor and moisture to the meat.
  3. Cut the heart in 1-½ inch pieces for the best results.
  4. Beef heart is best cooked rare to medium rare. Any longer and it can start to get tough.
  5. They can be cooked on the grill instead of the skillet if you prefer. Same amount of time and temperature.

Serving Options

  • I really like to have this beef heart with these creamed pearl onions - it's like a throwback dish.
  • It's always great with Hasselback potatoes, this air fryer baked potato, or these truffle mashed potatoes.
  • Air fryer mac and cheese, air fryer garlic bread and/or air fryer mozzarella sticks.
  • Lighten it up by serving it with this spinach salad, roasted frozen broccoli or honey roasted parsnips.
Beef Heart Recipe - Went Here 8 This (7)

How to Use Leftover Beef Heart

  • Slice it into bite sized pieces and serve it in tacos with this green salsa.
  • Use it in beef stroganoff or this beef massaman curry.
  • Chop it up and use it to make these beef empanadas.
  • Use it to make this Instant Pot Bolognese.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Way to Eat Beef Heart?

It should be cooked rare to medium rare other wise you run the risk of it drying out. Always be sure to let it rest for 5-10 minutes before eating it to let the juices re-distribute. It is best quick-cooked for the most tender results.

Do You Need to Soak Beef Heart Before Cooking?

It is not necessary to soak beef heart before cooking it. You can dry brine it in salt to add extra flavor during the cooking process.

What Does Beef Heart Taste Like?

Beef heart tastes like a combination of beef tongue and filet mignon. It is like an ultra flavorful beef tenderloin.

How Do You Tenderize Beef Heart?

The heart actually comes out quite tender by using a dry brine overnight before cooking. You can also marinade it overnight before cooking to help tenderize it. Cooking it quickly over high heat helps to ensure it stays tender.

Beef Heart Recipe - Went Here 8 This (8)

Storage/Reheating Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in a covered container for 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet or the microwave (be careful to check often until it is just warmed to ensure you don't overcook it).

Leftovers can also be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight then reheat per above instructions.

You may also want to try some of these other cuts of beef that are cheaper but oh-so-delicious and easy to make!

  • Sous vide beef tongue
  • Braised beef short ribs
  • Roasted bone marrow
  • Sous vide oxtails
  • Sous vide beef cheeks

If you love this recipe, leave a comment below and let us know your favorite thing about it. We'd also love to connect on Instagram! Follow us at @went_here_8_this for awesome recipes and all sorts of fun food stuff 🙂

Recipe

Beef Heart Recipe - Went Here 8 This (9)

Beef Heart Recipe

If you are a lover of flavorful, tender, juicy beef for a quarter of the price of filet mignon, this beef heart recipe is right up your alley!

4.75 from 4 votes

Print Rate

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Resting time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 541kcal

Author: Danielle Wolter

Ingredients

  • 1 beef heart 2-3 pounds, trimmed
  • 1-2 teaspoons salt adjust to size of heart
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon ghee substitute avocado or coconut oil

Instructions

  • Trim all the arteries, valves, excess fat and gristle off the beef heart if it has not already been done for you. **I recommend buying it trimmed to save time and effort

  • Slice the heart into 1-1 ½" slices.

  • Season the heart and let it sit, uncovered, in the fridge for 8 hours or overnight.

  • Heat a skillet over medium high heat and add the ghee. (can also be grilled on high heat, just brush with ghee).

  • Place the beef heart steaks in and sear on each side for about 2-3 minutes, depending on thickness.

  • Remove and let sit 5 minutes. Serve with chimichurri or a gremolata.

Expert Tips:

  1. Buying the beef heart pre-trimmed by your butcher will save you some time and effort.
  2. Salting it overnight helps to add flavor and moisture to the meat.
  3. Cut the heart in 1-½ inch pieces for the best results.
  4. Beef heart is best cooked rare to medium rare. Any longer and it can start to get tough.
  5. They can be cooked on the grill instead of the skillet if you prefer. Same amount of time and temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 4ounces | Calories: 541kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 80g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 572mg | Sodium: 1026mg | Potassium: 1303mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 20mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @went_here_8_this or tag #wenthere8this!

Beef Heart Recipe - Went Here 8 This (10)

Beef Heart Recipe - Went Here 8 This (2024)

FAQs

What ingredient is beef hearts? ›

Beef heart meat is the muscle that's been trimmed from the heart wall. "Beef heart" includes the meat and essentially everything else—the blood vessels, fat, and blood chambers. Beef tongue meat does not include the blood vessels or nerves.

Is beef heart healthy to eat? ›

Beef heart is a good sources of mineral metals such as zinc and iron that have been linked to boost our immunity. Zinc has several attributes toward boosting immunity, including; Helps in developing white blood cells that fight pathogens [ disease-causing germs]

How rare can you eat beef heart? ›

Since the muscle is so lean, we like to cook it until rare to medium-rare.

How long to boil beef heart for dogs? ›

Boiling:

Place the beef heart cubes or slices in a pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for around 20-30 minutes until the meat is cooked through. Remove the beef heart from the water and let it cool before serving it to your dog.

What does cooked beef heart taste like? ›

Beef hearts offer a robust beefy flavor comparable to that of a lean steak. You will not have to worry about any weird first bites or smells when first eating a beef heart. It has a slightly gamey taste much like venison. Oxhearts are significantly more mild than other organ meat cuts like beef liver or beef kidney.

Do you soak beef heart? ›

For larger hearts – like lamb or beef – wash thoroughly to remove any blood. There is no need to soak the heart. Remove hard arteries or connective tissue with a knife. Lamb or goat hearts can be served whole.

What is the unhealthiest meat? ›

You have probably heard it many times already: don't eat too much red meat or processed foods. But research shows processed red meats, like bacon, hot dogs, and salami are the biggest problem.

What's the healthiest meat to eat? ›

While meat can be a part of a healthy diet, not all sources are created equal. The leanest and healthiest meats to eat include poultry, pork, fish, and seafood. Eating a balanced diet is one of the keys to a healthy lifestyle, which means choosing various foods from different food groups, like proteins.

Is beef healthier than chicken? ›

Compared to beef, chicken is a better source of protein. As a result of its high-fat content, beef is a higher fat and higher calorie meat. Chicken has more vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B1, B3, and B5. However, beef is significantly higher in folate and vitamin B12.

How to remove gamey taste from beef heart? ›

The distinct game flavor of either birds or animals will be milder after soaking the meat overnight in the refrigerator in either a salt or vinegar solution. 2. Vinegar solution - 1 cup per quart of cold water.

How many times a week can I eat beef heart? ›

When pondering "how often should you eat organ meat," think of it as part of a varied diet. Including organ meats 1-2 times per week can strike the right balance between reaping the benefits and avoiding the consumption of excess nutrients, such as vitamin A.

Can dogs eat beef heart? ›

Yes, dogs can eat beef heart every day if it's incorporated into a larger, complete meal. Beef hearts help meet your dog's muscle meat minimum requirements for the day, along with other essential vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Is beef heart high in cholesterol? ›

While organ meats are highly nutritious foods, they also contain a lot of cholesterol (especially the liver and heart). High cholesterol levels raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, it's recommended that organ meats be eaten in moderation.

Can dogs eat hearts? ›

Heart. The heart is both a muscle and an organ, so it's similar to feeding your dog a steak with an extra punch of protein and vitamins. Both chicken and beef hearts are excellent sources of B vitamins, iron and essential fatty acids, keeping your dog's coat silky smooth for cuddle time!

Can you freeze beef hearts? ›

It's great served warm; it slices so easily. Sometimes, as above, I reduce some of the stock from the pot and make a gravy. Once cooked, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days and it also freezes really well.

What type of meat is the heart? ›

Organ meats, also known as “offal,” are the consumable organs of animals. Organ meats include livers, hearts, brains, and intestines, to name a few. There are many health benefits to eating organ meats, but there are also some downsides. Today in the U.S., livestock is generally harvested for its muscle meat.

Is beef heart considered organ meat? ›

However, beef heart is extremely unique because it's an organ meat, as well as a muscle meat! Meaning, it's more nutritionally dense than a typical steak. Organ meats in general are a nutritional powerhouse; basically, think of them as mother nature's multivitamin to help support optimal health!

Does beef heart have collagen? ›

Grassfed beef heart is especially rich in the supernutrient CoQ10, vitamin B12, collagen and elastin, proteins, peptides, enzymes and cofactors that are exclusively expressed in heart tissue.

What is heart of cow food? ›

This iron-rich organ is beefy with just a little bit of a gamey flavor. One of the more versatile cuts of offal, it's tough and low in fat but can be cooked in a variety of ways. Lean, flavorful, and economic, beef heart can be a great introduction to offal if you haven't tried yet.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Margart Wisoky

Last Updated:

Views: 6325

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Margart Wisoky

Birthday: 1993-05-13

Address: 2113 Abernathy Knoll, New Tamerafurt, CT 66893-2169

Phone: +25815234346805

Job: Central Developer

Hobby: Machining, Pottery, Rafting, Cosplaying, Jogging, Taekwondo, Scouting

Introduction: My name is Margart Wisoky, I am a gorgeous, shiny, successful, beautiful, adventurous, excited, pleasant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.