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–+ servings
Belgian Beef Stew

Belgian Beef Stew

Discover the rich flavors of Belgian Beef Stew, a hearty dish with tender beef, caramelized onions, and a savory-sweet beer sauce. Perfect for cozy nights!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg beef (gîte, paleron, or macreuse), cut into chunks
  • 3 onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
  • 50 g butter
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 30 g brown sugar (cassonade)
  • 500 ml Belgian brown beer
  • 2 slices gingerbread bread
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 sprigs thyme
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • as needed Fries (homemade or store-bought)

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Frying pan (if making homemade fries)

Method
 

  1. Heat butter and oil in a large pot over medium heat and sear beef chunks until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add sliced onions and cook slowly until soft and translucent. Sprinkle brown sugar over the onions to caramelize.
  3. Return the beef to the pot and stir in mustard, vinegar, beer, bay leaves, and thyme. Scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate browned bits.
  4. Spread mustard on the gingerbread slices and place them mustard-side down on top of the stew.
  5. Cover and let the stew simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  6. While the stew simmers, prepare fries as desired, homemade or store-bought.
  7. Serve the stew piping hot alongside the fries, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 30gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 780mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 20mg

Notes

This stew tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
If you want to freeze it, portion it out into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing fries; they lose their crunch!
Experiment with different dark ales for a unique flavor. A splash of brandy can also enhance the taste before adding the beer.
Don't rush the caramelization of the onions; it significantly contributes to the stew's depth of flavor.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!