Easy Belgian-Style Slow-Cooked Beef Stew Recipe

Category: Beef Recipes

This hearty Belgian-style beef stew is slow-cooked to perfection! Tender beef, colorful veggies, and a tasty sauce make it a warm hug in a bowl.

What’s great? You just toss everything in the pot and let it work its magic while you kick back. Perfect for chilly nights or when you want to impress your friends! 😊

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Beef Chuck: This cut has great flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked. You can also use brisket or a good quality stew beef if chuck is unavailable.

Onions: Sweet or yellow onions work best for flavor. If you need a milder option, try using shallots instead. They add a nice taste without overpowering.

Belgian-Style Dark Beer: This adds depth to the stew. For a non-alcoholic option, use a non-alcoholic dark beer or beef broth with a splash of vinegar for acidity.

Dijon Mustard: This gives a slight tang. If you don’t have it, yellow mustard works too, although it will change the flavor slightly.

How Can I Ensure My Beef Stays Tender?

Cooking the beef low and slow is key to making it melt-in-your-mouth tender. Here’s how:

  • Brown the beef first: This caramelizes the meat and enhances flavor.
  • Don’t rush cooking: Keep it on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours. This allows the collagen to break down.
  • Check for doneness: The beef should easily shred with a fork when done.

Easy Belgian-Style Slow-Cooked Beef Stew Recipe

Easy Belgian-Style Slow-Cooked Beef Stew

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Stew:

  • 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck or stew beef, cut into large chunks
  • 2 large onions, peeled and cut into thick rings
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup Belgian-style dark beer (or substitute with another dark ale)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp capers
  • 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley or additional thyme leaves

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful stew takes about 20 minutes to prep and 2.5 to 3 hours to slow cook. Perfect for letting the flavors develop while you relax!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sautéing the Beef:

Start by preheating a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up. Season the beef chunks generously with salt and pepper. Carefully add the beef to the hot oil and brown the pieces on all sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

2. Caramelizing the Onions:

In the same pot, add the thick onion rings. Cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until they are nicely caramelized and softened. This step adds a sweet, delicious flavor to the stew!

3. Adding Garlic and Flour:

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.

4. Creating the Sauce:

Slowly pour in the beef broth and dark beer while stirring well to create a smooth sauce. Add in the tomato paste and Dijon mustard, mixing everything together nicely.

5. Combining Ingredients:

Now it’s time to add the browned beef back into the pot. Include any juices that may have collected on the plate. Toss in the capers, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Stir everything to ensure it’s well mixed.

6. Slow Cooking:

Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 2.5 to 3 hours. This slow cooking allows the beef to become fork-tender and the sauce to thicken.

7. Final Touches:

Once cooked, carefully remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

8. Serving the Stew:

Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme leaves before serving. This stew is perfect with crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles. Enjoy a comforting meal!

This rich, deeply flavored Belgian-style beef stew is sure to warm your heart and belly. Ideal for cozy dinners with family and friends! 🍽️

Easy Belgian-Style Slow-Cooked Beef Stew Recipe

FAQ for Easy Belgian-Style Slow-Cooked Beef Stew

Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness, other cuts like brisket or round can work too. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts may need a bit more cooking time.

What If I Don’t Have Beer On Hand?

No worries! You can replace the beer with an equal amount of beef broth or use a mix of broth and a splash of vinegar for acidity. This will still give you a flavorful stew.

How Can I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Can I Freeze This Stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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