Comforting Belgian Beef Stew Recipe for a Cozy Dinner
This comforting Belgian beef stew is a traditional Flemish dish known for its tender beef, caramelized onions, and unique addition of beer and mustard-covered bread. Perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings, this hearty dish offers an irresistible depth of flavor and warms you up on the coldest evenings. Try this classic recipe to experience the magic of Belgian carbonnade flamande!
Equipment
- Dutch oven or a large, heavy-bottomed pot
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ⅜ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup butter
- 4 onions, diced
- 1 ⅔ cups water
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 12-ounce can or bottle brown beer
- 1 slice bread
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 2 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Coat the beef cubes in the flour until evenly covered. This will help create a rich, thick stew.
- Heat the butter over medium heat in a Dutch oven. Add the floured beef and brown on all sides. Once browned, add the diced onions and cook until the onions are soft and lightly caramelized.
- Stir in the water and vinegar. Season with the fresh thyme, bay leaves, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 minutes over low heat.
- Pour the brown beer into the pot, stirring to combine. The beer adds a distinct flavor and depth to the dish.
- Spread the mustard over the slice of bread. Add the bread and the carrots to the pot. Cover again, and let it simmer for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Stir in the brown sugar to lighten the savory taste with a touch of sweetness. You can start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to your preference. Give everything a good stir and simmer for another few minutes. Your Belgian beef stew is ready to serve!
Notes
For best results, serve with a side of crispy French fries, fresh green beans, or crusty bread to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.