Description
This Belgian-style slow-cooked beef stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. The beef is tender, the sauce is rich, and the flavors are enhanced by the dark ale used in cooking. This ultimate recipe will impress your family and friends with its depth of taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Stew:
- 2½ pounds beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large onions thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 cups Belgian-style beer (like a dark ale or dubbel)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
For Serving:
- 2 slices hearty country bread
- 1 tablespoon softened butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry and season with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches in a Dutch oven. Set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In the same pot, cook the onions until golden. Add garlic, tomato paste, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar. Cook until fragrant.
- Cook the Stew: Return beef to the pot. Add beer, broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer covered for 2½ to 3 hours.
- Thicken and Serve: Discard bay leaf. Stir in softened bread. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- This stew tastes even better the next day.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, fries, or crusty bread.
- For a more traditional twist, use Trappist ale and authentic Dijon from France.
- Slow cooker option: Cook on low for 8 hours after browning beef and sautéing onions.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Belgian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of stew
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
