Description
This Authentic Belgian Slow-Cooked Beef Stew, also known as Carbonnade Flamande, is a rich and comforting dish made with tender beef, caramelized onions, and Belgian dark beer. Slow-simmered to perfection, it’s hearty, savory, and full of rustic charm. Perfect for cozy evenings or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
2.5 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 cups Belgian dark beer (like Chimay Blue or Leffe Brune)
1 cup beef stock
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 slices thick country-style bread
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
1. Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil or butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned. Set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add more oil if needed. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until caramelized. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
4. Pour in the beer to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Return beef to the pot. Add beef stock, brown sugar, thyme, and bay leaves.
6. Spread mustard over bread slices and place them mustard-side down into the pot.
7. Cover and cook on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours (stovetop or 325°F oven) until beef is fork-tender.
8. Discard bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Use dark Belgian ale for the most authentic flavor. Avoid hoppy beers.
Don’t skip caramelizing the onions — this adds essential sweetness and depth.
The bread thickens the stew naturally, but mashed potatoes can work in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow-cooked (Stovetop or Oven)
- Cuisine: Belgian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Belgian beef stew, carbonnade flamande, slow cooked stew, dark beer stew, cozy dinner