This Belgian-style slow-cooked beef stew is perfect for chilly days. It’s loaded with tender beef, carrots, and potatoes, simmered slowly to soak up all the yummy flavors!
Honestly, what’s cozier than a big bowl of stew? I love how it fills the house with delicious smells while it cooks. Serve it with some crusty bread for extra happiness! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for stews, as it becomes tender when slow-cooked. If you can’t find chuck, try using brisket or round, but remember they might need a little more time to tenderize.
Belgian Beer: The dark beer adds a rich flavor. If you want a non-alcoholic option, you can substitute with beef broth mixed with a splash of vinegar for acidity or use a dark non-alcoholic beer.
Onions: Use yellow onions for sweetness. If you’re short on time, you can use shallots or even frozen pearl onions as a quicker alternative.
Capers: These add a nice tang. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave them out or replace them with olives for a different but enjoyable flavor.
Carrots and Potatoes: I love using Yukon Gold potatoes for their creaminess. However, feel free to swap in sweet potatoes or even parsnips for added variety!
How Do I Get Perfectly Seared Beef for My Stew?
Searing the beef adds depth to the stew’s flavor. Here are some tips for getting that nice golden crust:
- Make sure your beef is dry. Pat it with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Heat your pot well before adding oil. You want it hot enough so the meat sizzles as it hits the pan.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot! Cook in batches if necessary. This prevents steaming and helps achieve that beautiful crust.
- Let the beef rest after searing before adding it to the stew. This keeps the juices inside!
What’s the Best Way to Slow Cook This Stew?
Slow cooking is key for tender meat and flavor development. Here are my favorite tips:
- Cook on low heat to allow flavors to mingle well. It’s a longer process but worth it!
- Stir occasionally, as this helps avoid sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning before serving; slow-cooked dishes often need a little extra salt after cooking.
Now you’re ready to enjoy a cozy, flavorful stew! Perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Cozy Belgian-Style Slow-Cooked Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) beef chuck or stew beef, cut into large chunks
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil, divided
- 2 large onions, peeled and halved or quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 cup dark Belgian beer (a Belgian dubbel or dubbbel style beer works best)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp capers (optional, adds a slight tangy flavor)
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1-2 sprigs fresh sage (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into thick slices
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richer finish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy beef stew will take you about 30 minutes to prepare and then around 3 hours to cook. You’ll spend the first hour getting the ingredients ready and cooking, and then let it simmer slowly for the flavors to develop. Perfect for a leisurely weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Beef:
Start by patting your beef chunks dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season the beef chunks generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Searing the Beef:
In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. In batches, sear the beef chunks on all sides until they are dark brown and delicious. Once done, remove them from the pot and set aside.
3. Sautéing the Onions:
In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in your halved onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are softened, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Adding Garlic and Tomato Paste:
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. This will build even more flavor for the stew.
5. Making the Stew Base:
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring well to coat everything. Let it cook for another minute to get rid of any raw flour taste.
6. Deglazing the Pot:
Slowly pour in the dark Belgian beer while scraping the bottom of the pot to release those yummy browned bits. Then add the beef broth and bring everything to a simmer.
7. Adding Herbs and Beef:
Return the seared beef chunks to the pot, and add the fresh thyme, sage, bay leaves, and if you like, capers. Stir everything well to combine.
8. Slow Cooking:
Cover the pot and lower the heat. Let the stew simmer gently for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the stew doesn’t stick to the bottom.
9. Adding Vegetables:
After 2 hours, add your sliced carrots and potato chunks. Cover the pot again and let everything simmer for an additional 45 minutes to an hour, until the beef is tender, and the veggies are cooked.
10. Finishing the Stew:
Once cooked, carefully remove the herb sprigs and bay leaves. If you want a richer taste, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter. Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste.
11. Serving:
Ladle the warm stew into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired. Serve with some crusty bread or boiled potatoes for a cozy, hearty meal.
Enjoy your warm and comforting Belgian-style slow-cooked beef stew! Perfect for sharing with loved ones on a chilly day!
FAQ for Cozy Belgian-Style Slow-Cooked Beef Stew
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness, you can also use brisket or even lamb for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly based on the cut.
What Can I Substitute for Dark Belgian Beer?
If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute with an equal amount of beef broth mixed with a splash of vinegar or Worcestershire sauce for a similar depth of flavor. For a non-alcoholic option, a dark non-alcoholic beer works well too!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. The flavors will often taste even better the next day!
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply follow the first few steps to sear the meat and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.
Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful stew!
