By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 3, 2026
Serves 5
137 cal · 25 min
Homemade Baby Food with Beef and Vegetables
Recipe GLPR5a1071660598ac
A gentle, nutritious purée designed for babies and young toddlers, combining tender steamed broccoli and cauliflower with soft-cooked beef. This wholesome blend is prepared by steaming the vegetables until fork-tender, then combining them with finely chopped beef and the reserved vegetable water to create a smooth, easily digestible consistency. Perfect for introducing meats and cruciferous vegetables into your baby's diet.
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Ingredients
½ cup Broccoli florets
½ cup Cauliflower florets
2 cups Cooked beef roast, finely chopped
Water for steaming
Directions
Fill a pot with water to just below the steamer basket level, ensuring the water does not touch the basket. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Rinse the broccoli and cauliflower florets thoroughly under clean running water.
Place the rinsed broccoli and cauliflower into the steamer basket. Cover the pot and steam for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are completely tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Carefully remove the steamer basket and allow the vegetables to cool slightly. Pour the steaming water into a separate container to reserve for later use in creating the desired consistency.
Transfer the steamed vegetables and finely chopped cooked beef into a food processor. Begin pureeing on low speed until the mixture begins to break down.
While the food processor is running, gradually add small amounts of the reserved steaming water, one tablespoon at a time. Continue adding water and pureeing until you achieve a smooth, uniform consistency appropriate for your baby's age and developmental stage. For younger infants, a thinner consistency may be preferred; for older babies, a slightly thicker texture works well.
Allow the purée to cool to room temperature before serving. Store leftovers in ice cube trays for convenient single-serving portions, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Comments
The stated 25 minutes ignores the browning and simmering time for beef to reach proper tenderness for a puree—expect closer to 45 minutes start to finish. All ingredients are routinely stocked at every Charlotte chain, and the cost per serving lands around $1.50–$1.75 depending on beef quality, making it economical for baby food. The recipe reheats well and freezes excellently in ice-cube trays, which is perfect for busy parents managing multiple servings. The main caveat is honesty: budget 45 minutes if you want beef cooked through and vegetables soft enough to puree smoothly.
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