Description
A rich Belgian-style beef stew, slow-cooked in beer until fall-apart tender. Perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lbs (454 g) stewing beef, cubed
- 1 Tbsp oil
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 large onions, sliced
- salt and pepper
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp flour
- 1/2 bottle of Rodenbach (or comparable sour beer such as a Flanders Red or Brown)
- 1/2 bottle of Westmalle Dubbel (or comparable dubbel)
- 1 cup (237 ml) beef stock
- 1 large bay leaf
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 Tbsp spicy mustard
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or to taste)
Instructions
- Season the beef with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat (approximately 375°F/190°C), add a tablespoon of oil, and then the beef.
- Brown the beef on all sides.
- Remove the beef and deglaze the pan with a bit of beef broth.
- Remove any beef bits and pour the mixture over the resting meat.
- Turn down the heat to medium-low (approximately 300°F/150°C).
- Add the butter and onions. Sauté the onions gently for about 15 minutes, or until softened. Add the brown sugar to the onions after about 10 minutes to help them caramelize.
- Add the flour to the onion mixture and stir well.
- Add the beef to the onions and turn the heat up.
- Slowly pour the beer into the pot.
- Once the bubbling has subsided, add just enough beef broth to fully cover the beef and onions. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to low (approximately 200°F/93°C) and simmer for two hours, or until the meat is tender. Stir as needed to prevent burning.
- Remove the thyme and bay leaf, and stir in the chopped parsley and mustard.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, sear the beef in batches to ensure a good crust and even browning.
- To adjust the stew’s thickness, simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and are even more flavorful the next day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Belgian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 100