5 Easy Chef Mickey Beef Recipes to Try at Home

When it comes to Disney dining, few experiences can compare to the magical meal served at Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Known for its character dining with beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, the restaurant is also celebrated for its delicious buffet that includes an array of flavors from around the world. Among the standout dishes is the Chef Mickey Beef, which has captivated many a diner's heart. If you're looking to recreate that Disney magic at home, here are 5 easy Chef Mickey beef recipes you can try:

Braised Beef Short Ribs

Braised beef short ribs are a Chef Mickey specialty, known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. Here’s how to make them:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 beef short ribs (4-6 lbs)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 carrots, chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Brown the ribs on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove ribs and set aside.
  4. In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
  6. Pour in the beef broth and wine (if using), scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Return the ribs to the pot.
  7. Add the thyme and bay leaf. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
  8. Cover and place in the oven, braising for about 3 hours or until the meat is tender.
  9. Once cooked, remove the ribs and optionally strain the sauce or use it as is for a rustic texture.

👨‍🍳 Note: Short ribs can be quite fatty. Skimming the fat off the sauce after refrigeration will yield a cleaner, healthier dish.

Beef Bulgogi

Chef Mickey’s Beef Bulgogi brings a taste of Korea with its sweet and savory flavors. Here’s how to prepare this delightful dish:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin works well)
  • ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small Asian pear, grated
  • 1 tbsp mirin
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, grated pear, mirin, sesame seeds, green onions, and black pepper to make the marinade.
  2. Add the beef to the marinade, ensuring each slice is well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Stir-fry until the beef is nicely caramelized, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Serve hot with rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a Korean BBQ experience.

Beef and Vegetable Skewers

These skewers, inspired by Chef Mickey’s grilling station, are perfect for a barbecue or a quick family dinner.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb beef steak (like sirloin or tenderloin), cut into chunks
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into squares
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into squares
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the marinade.
  2. Marinate the beef chunks in this mixture for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  3. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  4. Thread the beef and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating as desired.
  5. Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
  6. Grill or broil for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef is cooked to your liking and the vegetables are tender.

Slow-Cooked Beef Stew

Recreate Chef Mickey’s comforting Beef Stew with this easy slow cooker recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 carrots, cut into chunks
  • 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
• Instructions:
  1. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and toss in flour to coat.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the beef on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and tomato paste until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with beef broth and wine, if using.
  4. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add carrots, potatoes, rosemary, and bay leaf.
  5. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef and vegetables are tender.

👉 Note: For a richer stew, consider browning the vegetables along with the beef before adding them to the slow cooker.

Beef Empanada Filling

While Chef Mickey might not serve empanadas, their beef recipes can inspire a delicious empanada filling. Here’s how to do it:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ¹⁄₂ cup tomato sauce
  • ¹⁄₂ cup pitted green olives, chopped
  • 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pastry dough or empanada wrappers
• Instructions:
  1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add onions and garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent.
  3. Stir in tomato sauce, olives, hard-boiled egg, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. Let the mixture cool. Fill your empanada wrappers with the beef mixture, seal edges, and either bake or fry until golden.

Recreating the magic of Chef Mickey's beef recipes at home is not only a delightful culinary adventure but also a wonderful way to bring a bit of Disney magic to your dinner table. Whether you're braising short ribs, grilling skewers, or slow-cooking a hearty stew, these dishes promise to deliver the flavor and fun that Chef Mickey's is known for. Enjoy your cooking, and remember, with a little creativity, every meal can be a celebration.

Can I substitute the beef with other meats in these recipes?

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Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even lamb in most of these recipes. Just adjust cooking times as different meats might cook faster or slower than beef.

How can I make these recipes vegetarian?

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Replace beef with meat alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or a hearty vegetable like mushrooms or lentils. Adjust flavors to suit the new ingredients. For example, in the Beef Bulgogi, use soy sauce and a bit of liquid smoke for that meaty flavor.

Can I make these dishes in advance?

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Absolutely! Dishes like the Braised Beef Short Ribs and Beef Stew can be made in advance, allowing flavors to meld overnight. Just reheat gently before serving. The Beef Bulgogi and Skewers are best cooked fresh but can be marinated ahead of time for convenience.