03/02/2025
Beef Carbonnade Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 15 min | 🕒 Cook Time: 2.5 - 3 hours | 🍽 Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into chunks
2 tbsp butter or vegetable oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
500ml (2 cups) dark beer (Belgian Dubbel, Brown Ale, or Stout)
250ml (1 cup) beef broth
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaf, and parsley tied together)
1-2 slices of pain d’épices (or toasted bread) spread with mustard (optional, for thickening)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1️⃣ Brown the Beef:
Heat butter/oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Brown the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan), then set aside.
2️⃣ Caramelize the Onions:
In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add sliced onions. Cook until golden brown and soft (about 15 minutes).
3️⃣ Deglaze & Simmer:
Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the beer, scraping up any browned bits. Add the beef broth, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and bouquet garni.
4️⃣ Add the Beef & Simmer:
Return the beef to the pot. If using, place the mustard-spread bread on top (it will dissolve and thicken the stew).
Cover and simmer on low for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
5️⃣ Final Touches & Serve:
Remove the bouquet garni, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with fries, mashed potatoes, or rustic bread.
💡 Tips:
Use a Belgian beer for authenticity—avoid overly hoppy beers.
Let the stew rest for a few hours or overnight for even better flavor!