ORDER BOOKLET
Baby at the Table Starting solids? Relax and take joy in feeding your baby family-friendly meals that offer the nutrients their growing bodies need. Nourishing recipes for tiny tummies.
Iron matters. By 6 months, your baby needs iron from solid foods. Health Canada recommends babies start off with foods such as meats, fortified cereals, and legumes to support this need. Beef is one of the best food sources of heme iron, the type of iron that is easiest for our bodies to absorb. These recipes were developed thoughtfully with your baby and family in mind. With some slight modifications, your baby can eat the same meal as the rest of the family! Not only is this easier on you, as a parent, this means you also get the opportunity to model healthy eating habits to your baby. As you introduce foods to your baby, gradually change the texture from puréed to lumpy, minced, grated, and bite-sized soft foods. Some babies like to self-feed from the start. Gently challenging your baby with textures may prevent picky eating in the future.
Babies learn by watching and imitating others. It all starts at the table.
Prep Time: 25 minutes l Cook Time: 2 hours 11 minutes l Serves: 8 Per serving*: 350 Calories, 26 g Protein, 23 g Fat, 11 g Carbohydrate, 470 mg Sodium %DV: Iron 19% (Good Source), Zinc 73% (Excellent Source), Vitamin B12 85% (Excellent Source) *Adult serving size and made with measured salt in beef and Almond Tahini Sauce.
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Sumac Pulled Beef with Tahini Sauce Paired with the tahini sauce, full of flavour and spices, Sumac Beef is a perfect meal for the entire family - including your baby. 2 tbsp (30 mL) ground sumac 1 tsp (5 mL) EACH ground allspice and coriander ½ tsp (2 mL) EACH ground cardamom, cumin and pepper ¾ tsp (4 mL) *salt (approx, optional) 2 lb (1 kg) Beef Blade Pot Roast 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil 4 red onions, thinly sliced 12 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup (250 mL) beef broth (*see Baby/ Toddler Fast Adapt) ¼ cup (60 mL) fresh lemon juice
Almond Tahini Sauce 1 head garlic ½ cup (125 mL) olive oil, divided ¼ cup (60 mL) tahini 3 tbsp (45 mL) almond butter 2 tbsp (30 mL) fresh lemon juice ½ tsp (2 mL) *salt (optional) To Serve Pitas Diced tomatoes Torn lettuce Sliced almonds Chopped fresh parsley
1. Combine sumac, allspice, coriander, cardamom, cumin, pepper and *salt to your taste (if cooking for baby omit salt at this stage). Set aside. 2. Pat roast dry with paper towel. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven or enamelled cast-iron roaster; brown beef all over, turning with tongs, for about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Add onions, garlic and spice mixture to pot; cook, stirring for 1 minute. Stir in broth and lemon juice. Return meat and any accumulated juices to pot. 4. Cover and cook in preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 2 to 3 hours or until fork-tender. 5. Almond Tahini Sauce: Meanwhile, slice about ¼ inch (5 mm) off head of garlic to expose the cloves. Place garlic on a sheet of foil. Drizzle a little olive oil on the exposed cloves. Fold the foil around the garlic to enclose. Place foil packet in a small baking dish and roast in the oven, alongside the beef, for 45 minutes, until very soft. 6. Unwrap garlic and let cool slightly. Squeeze soft garlic out of the skins into blender; discard skins. Add remaining oil, tahini, almond butter, lemon juice and ¼ cup (60 mL) water. Blend on low speed, then gradually increase to high speed and blend until smooth. Stir in *salt to your taste (if cooking for baby omit salt at this stage). Set aside. 7. Transfer beef roast to a bowl. Cut off strings; use two forks to shred the meat. Skim fat from the sauce and combine with the shredded meat. 8. To serve for Baby/Toddler, see modified textures (below). For the rest of the family, season beef and sauce mixture with salt to taste. Serve in a pita with tomatoes, lettuce, almonds and parsley, as desired. Drizzle with a spoonful of Almond Tahini Sauce. Tip: Extra Almond Tahini Sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Use as a dip for vegetables or to dress a grain salad.
Baby/Toddler Fast Adapt Guiding principles:
• *Prepare the beef and tahini sauce without salt. • *Use no-salt-added beef broth. • Before serving, heat up all baby food until hot, then cool to lukewarm temperature
Puréed Texture Combine shredded beef mixture in a blender or food processor. Blend until you reach a consistency that suits your baby’s ability, adding water, breastmilk or formula if necessary. Serve tahini sauce alongside or fold it into the mixture.
Chunky Mash Place shredded beef mixture in a blender or food processor. Pulse slightly until you reach a consistency that suits your baby’s ability, adding water, breastmilk or formula if necessary. Serve tahini sauce alongside or fold it into the mixture.
Toddler Finger Foods Serve shredded beef mixture with rice or bite-sized pieces of pita. Offer tahini sauce alongside or drizzle it over the beef.
Prep Time: 15 minutes l Cook Time: 10 minutes l Makes: 12 burgers *Per burger (no bun): 100 Calories, 7 g Protein, 4.5 g Fat, 9 g Carbohydrate, 20 mg Sodium %DV : Iron 6 % (Source), Niacin 13% (Source), Zinc 11% (Source), Selenium 8% (Source), Vitamin B12 23% (Good Source) *Made with Regular Ground Beef
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Spiced Prune and Beef Burgers This flavourful and moist burger is designed with your baby’s nutritional needs in mind. You can use any type of ground beef: extra-lean, lean, medium or regular. Babies do need to consume adequate fat for their growth and development so regular ground beef is a good choice for this recipe. When combining the burger ingredients, feel free to set aside some of the beef mix for yourself and add some salt for seasoning to your taste. ¼ cup (60 mL) quick-cooking rolled oats 3 tbsp (45 mL) hemp hearts (optional) 1 pouch (90 mL) prune baby food or unsweetened applesauce 5 pitted prunes, finely chopped 1 tbsp (15 mL) grated gingerroot
1 clove garlic, minced ½ tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon ¼ tsp (1 mL) ground cloves Pinch cayenne pepper 1 lb (500 g) Ground Beef
1. Combine oats, hemp hearts (if using), baby food, chopped prunes, gingerroot, garlic, cinnamon, cloves and cayenne in a bowl. Gently mix in ground beef with a fork (careful not to over-mix). 2. Gently form into 12 small patties, each about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick. Press a dimple into the centre of each patty. Alternatively, for kofta shapes, shape into twelve ovals (about 3 to 4 inches/8 to 10 cm long). 3. Grill patties and/or kofta shapes in a closed preheated barbecue over medium-high heat (400°F/200°C) for 10 to 14 minutes, turning twice or more, until digital instant-read thermometer inserted sideways into centre of each patty reads 160°F (71°C). To serve for Baby/Toddler, see modified textures (below). Tip: If you don’t have a barbecue, roast in the oven instead: Place patties or kofta shapes onto a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake in preheated 375°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes or until digital instant-read thermometer inserted sideways into centre of each patty or kofta reads 160°F (71°C).
Baby/Toddler Fast Adapt Guiding principles:
• Prepare recipe without adding salt, except for Toddler stage • Cook beef to 160°F (71°C) • Before serving, heat up all baby food until hot, then cool to lukewarm temperature
Puréed Texture Place cooked beef burger or kofta into a blender or food processor. Blend until you reach a consistency that suits your baby’s ability, adding water, breastmilk or formula if necessary.
Chunky Mash Place cooked beef burger or kofta into a bowl. Mash with the back of a spoon or fork until you reach a consistency that suits your baby’s ability, adding water, breastmilk or formula if necessary.
Toddler Finger Foods Place cooked beef burger or kofta into a bowl whole or chopped into pieces.
Prep Time: 10 minutes l Cook Time: 25 minutes l Serves: 6 Per serving*: 240 Calories, 15 g Protein, 8 g Fat, 26 g Carbohydrate, 500 mg Sodium %DV: Iron 13% (Source), Zinc 27% (Excellent Source), Vitamin B12 46% (Excellent Source) *Adult serving size, made with Regular Ground Beef and measured salt in beef mixture.
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Sofrito Beef, Beans and Rice Here’s a recipe of Latin influence that the whole family can enjoy. DYK that by combining the beef with beans, the meat boosts absorption of the non-heme iron from the beans – that’s a doubled-up iron benefit from beef: heme iron + better absorption of non-heme iron (by 150%!!). 1 lb (500 g) Ground Beef ½ cup (125 mL) EACH finely diced sweet pepper and onion 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ tsp (2 mL) EACH sweet paprika and dried oregano leaves ½ tsp (2 mL) EACH chili powder, onion powder, ground coriander and ground cumin 1½ cups (375 mL) canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14 oz/398 mL) tomato sauce ¾ cup (175 mL) basmati rice ½ tsp (2 mL) *salt (approx, optional) To Serve Chopped fresh cilantro Fresh lime juice Shredded cheese (optional)
1. Cook ground beef, sweet pepper, onion and garlic over medium heat in a large skillet, stirring often and using back of spoon to break up meat into small chunks, for 5 to 7 minutes or until beef is browned. Drain, if necessary. 2. Stir in paprika, oregano, chili powder, onion powder, coriander and cumin and *salt (if cooking for baby omit salt at this stage); cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in pinto beans, tomato sauce, rice and 1 cup (250 mL) water; bring to a boil. 3. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 to 18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Let stand for 5 minutes. 4. To serve for Baby/Toddler, see modified textures (below). For the rest of the family, stir in salt to taste. Garnish with cilantro, lime juice and cheese (toddler/adult) as desired.
Baby/Toddler Fast Adapt Guiding principles: • *Prepare recipe without adding salt except for Toddler stage • Cook beef to 160°F (71°C) • Before serving, heat up all baby food until hot, then cool to lukewarm temperature
Puréed Texture Place beef mixture into a blender or food processor. Blend until you reach a consistency that suits your baby’s ability, adding water, breastmilk or formula if necessary.
Chunky Mash Place beef mixture into a bowl. Mash with the back of a spoon or fork until you reach a consistency that suits your baby’s ability, adding water, breastmilk or formula if necessary.
Toddler Finger Foods Place beef mixture in a bowl. Allow child to choose their toppings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes l Cook Time: 11 minutes l Makes: 8 small tacos Per serving (1 taco)*: 320 Calories, 20 g Protein, 14 g Fat, 28 g Carbohydrate, 500 mg Sodium %DV: Iron 17% (Good Source), Zinc 36% (Excellent Source), Vitamin B12 50% (Excellent Source) * made with no-salt Tex-Mex seasoning and Lean Ground Beef
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Beef Tacos Taco night is often the ‘Tuesday’ special at Canadian tables. Perhaps this dish is popular since it gets everyone involved in customizing dinner. If you are introducing your baby to solids around the 6-month mark, read on for ideas on how you can introduce your baby to foods the whole family already loves – like tacos! Note: For the Puréed Texture stage use thawed frozen spinach instead of lettuce. 1 lb (500g) Ground Beef 1 small onion, diced 2 tbsp (30 mL) Tex-Mex seasoning* 8 small (6-inch/15 cm) whole wheat flour tortillas 1 cup (250 mL) canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup (250 mL) shredded lettuce or thawed frozen chopped spinach 1 cup (250 mL) diced tomatoes ½ cup (125 mL) EACH shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, diced ripe avacado or guacamole
1. Cook ground beef over medium-high heat in a large skillet, stirring often and using the back of a spoon to break up meat into small chunks, for 8 minutes or until browned. Stir in onion and Tex-Mex seasoning, cook, stirring for 3 to 5 minutes or until onion is tender.
2. To serve for Baby/Toddler, see modified textures (below). For the rest of the family, serve as a “make your own meal” with tortillas, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, Cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, avacado or guacamole. *Tip: Look for a no-sodium version of Tex-Mex seasoning in the spice section at the grocery store or make your own: 1 tsp (5 mL) EACH chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ½ tsp (2 mL) EACH garlic powder and dried oregano leaves. Store in a sealed container for up to 6 months.
Baby/Toddler Fast Adapt Guiding principles: • Prepare recipe without adding salt except for Toddler stage • Cook beef to 160°F (71°C) • Before serving, heat up all baby food until hot, then cool to lukewarm temperature
Puréed Texture Combine ¼ cup (60 mL) EACH cooked Tex-Mex beef mixture and beans, 2 tbsp (30 mL) EACH thawed frozen spinach and diced tomatoes and 1 tbsp (15 mL) EACH salsa and water in a small food processor; process for about 1 minute or until you reach a consistency that suits your baby’s ability. Tip: This mixture may make more than enough for one meal. Any extra that has not been offered to baby can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Chunky Mash Combine ¼ cup (60 mL) EACH cooked Tex-Mex beef mixture and beans, 2 tbsp (30 mL) EACH frozen spinach, diced tomatoes and water and 1 tbsp (15 mL) EACH sour cream and salsa in a serving bowl. Use two knives to chop ingredients into smaller pieces and mix together. Tip: This mixture may make more than enough for one meal. Any extra that has not been offered to baby can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Toddler Finger Foods Arrange cooked Tex-Mex beef mixture, beans, tortilla, torn into pieces, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream and salsa in a bowl. Optional: mix salsa and sour cream together and offer as a dip.
Prep Time: 10 minutes l Cook Time: 25 minutes l Serves: 4 Per serving*: 410 Calories, 27 g Protein, 18 g Fat, 36 g Carbohydrate, 620 mg Sodium %DV: Iron 19% (Good Source), Zinc 55% (Excellent Source), Vitamin B12 94% (Excellent Source) *Adult serving size, made with 2% milk, salted butter and Lean Ground Beef
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Upside-Down Shepherd’s Pie This quick version of Shepherd’s Pie gives you all the delicious flavours of the traditional version without the hassle of layering. Mashed potatoes are topped with the ground beef and veggie mixture combined with a simple but delicious pan gravy. 1 lb (500 g) potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter 3 tbsp (45 mL) milk 1 lb (500 g) Ground Beef 1 small onion, diced
¾ tsp (4 mL) *salt ½ tsp (2 mL) EACH pepper, dried rosemary (crumbled) and dried thyme leaves 2 cups (500 mL) frozen peas and carrots mix 2 tbsp (30 mL) cornstarch
1. Place potatoes in a large pot and add cold water to cover by 1 inch (2.5 cm). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and boil gently for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well and return to the pot. Mash potatoes with potato masher until no lumps remain. Add butter and continue mashing, gradually adding milk to make potatoes smooth and creamy.
2. Meanwhile, cook ground beef and onion over medium-high heat in a large skillet, stirring often and using the back of a spoon to break up meat into small chunks, for 8 minutes or until beef is browned. 3. Stir in *salt (if cooking for baby, omit salt at this stage), pepper, rosemary, thyme, and frozen vegetables; cook, stirring, for 3 to 5 minutes, until vegetables are thawed and heated through. Whisk together cornstarch and 1½ cups (375 mL) cold water in a measuring cup or bowl. Gradually pour this slurry into the beef mixture, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil; rreduce heat to medium or medium-low and simmer, stirring, 2 minutes or until thickened. 4. To serve for Baby/Toddler, see modified textures (below). For the rest of the family, spoon mashed potatoes into serving bowls and top with a spoonful of beef mixture.
Baby/Toddler Fast Adapt Guiding principles: • *Prepare recipe without adding salt except for Toddler stage • Cook beef to 160°F (71°C) • Before serving, heat up all baby food until hot, then cool to lukewarm temperature
Puréed Texture Combine ¼ cup (60 mL) cooked beef and vegetable mixture and 3 tbsp (45 mL) mashed potatoes in a small food processor; blend until you reach a consistency that suits your baby’s ability, adding water, breastmilk or formula if necessary.
Chunky Mash Combine ¼ cup (60 mL) cooked beef and vegetable mixture and 3 tbsp (45 mL) mashed potatoes in a bowl; mash together with the back a spoon until you reach a consistency that suits your baby’s ability, adding water, breastmilk or formula if necessary.
Toddler Finger Foods Spoon beef mixture and mashed potatoes in a serving bowl.
Prep Time: 10 minutes l Cook Time: 8 minutes l Serves: 4 Per serving*: 420 Calories, 33 g Protein, 8 g Fat, 53 g Carbohydrate, 520 mg Sodium %DV: Iron 19% (Good Source), Zinc 64% (Excellent Source), Vitamin B12 79% (Excellent Source) *Adult serving size.
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Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Bowl Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry is a classic quick and easy meal that your whole family can enjoy. Tender beef cooked with broccoli and a nice savoury sauce with some rice is perfect for serving as a Bowl. For some extra crunch and a few more nutrients, you can also top it with shredded carrots or sliced water chestnuts. 1 tsp (5 mL) vegetable oil 1 lb (500 g) Beef Strip Loin or Tenderloin Steak, 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick, cut into ¼-inch (5 mm) thick strips 1 small onion, diced 5 cups (1.25 L) frozen broccoli florets
½ tsp (2 mL) garlic powder 2 tbsp (30 mL) *soy sauce 1 tbsp (15 mL) cornstarch 1 cup (250 mL) cold water 4 cups (1 L) hot cooked rice
1. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Cook beef strips, turning once, for about 4 minutes, until browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Add onions to skillet and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add broccoli and stir-fry for 4 minutes or until heated through. 3. Whisk together garlic powder, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water in a measuring cup or bowl. Gradually pour into pan, stirring constantly, and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until thickened. Return browned beef strips and accumulated juices to pan; cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes to heat through, cooking beef to medium doneness for baby. 4. To serve for Baby/Toddler, see modified textures (below). For the rest of the family, serve rice in bowls and spoon stir-fry over top. *Tip: Use sodium-reduced soy sauce to help limit the sodium content for baby and the whole family.
Baby/Toddler Fast Adapt Guiding principles: • Cook beef to 160°F (71°C) • Before serving, heat up all baby food until hot, then cool to lukewarm temperature
Puréed Texture Combine ¼ cup (60 mL) of the cooked Stir-fry with 2 tbsp (30 mL) of the rice in a small food processor; process for about 1 minute or until you reach a consistency that suits your baby, adding water, breastmilk or formula if necessary.
Chunky Mash Combine ¼ cup (60 mL) of the cooked Stir-fry with 2 tbsp (30 mL) of the rice in a small food processor; pulse 3 to 5 times or until you reach a consistency that suits your baby’s ability, adding water, breastmilk or formula if necessary.
Toddler Finger Foods Chop the cooked Stir-fry into small, bite-size pieces and place on a plate with some rice.
Feeding is an important part of parenting. And since your child will grow to enjoy the foods your family takes joy in eating it is important to have baby at the table. Iron supports your baby’s growth and development. As a way to reduce the risk of iron deficiency for your baby, Health Canada recommends between six and 12 months, infants be offered iron-rich foods two or more times a day. From 12 to 24 months of age, iron-rich foods should be offered at each meal. Iron-rich foods include meats such as beef, lamb, game, poultry, and fish. Meat alternatives include eggs, tofu, and legumes such as beans and lentils. Iron-fortified infant cereal is also a common first food.
For more resources and family recipes adapted for Baby, visit thinkbeef.ca/resource-centre/infants-children.