This easy Belgian-style beef stew is a cozy dish that warms you from the inside out. With tender beef and a rich sauce, it’s perfect for chilly days!
I love how the flavors deepen the longer it cooks. Just set it and forget it! Plus, your house will smell amazing. Serve it with some bread, and you’re all set for happiness! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes tender and flavorful. If you can’t find chuck, consider using brisket or round. Both can work well in a stew.
Belgian Beer: While it adds a nice depth, you can substitute with beef broth or a darker beer like stout if you prefer. Non-alcoholic beers can also work if you’re avoiding alcohol.
Capers: These add a unique briny flavor to the stew. If you don’t have capers, green olives can be a decent substitute. Just chop them up a bit!
Fresh Thyme: Fresh herbs make a big difference. If you only have dried thyme, use about one-third of the amount since dried is more concentrated.
How Can I Make Sure My Beef is Perfectly Tender?
The key to tender beef stew is low and slow cooking. Here’s how to ensure your meat turns out perfectly:
- Start by searing the beef to create a nice crust. This step adds flavors! Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Once you add the liquids, make sure it simmers gently. A rolling boil can toughen the meat.
- Cook for at least 2.5 to 3 hours. You want the meat to break apart easily by the end.
Taking your time really pays off, so enjoy the process and savor the aromas wafting through your kitchen!
Easy Belgian-Style Slow-Cooked Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into large cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 large onion, cut into thick rings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp capers
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup Belgian beer (optional, for authentic flavor)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 2.5 to 3 hours of cooking time on low heat. The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop and the beef to become tender and juicy. Perfect for those cozy evenings at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Beef:
Start by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season the cubes generously with salt and pepper for added flavor.
2. Searing the Meat:
In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the beef cubes in batches, searing until they are beautifully browned on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
3. Cooking the Onions and Garlic:
In the same pot, toss in the thick onion rings and sauté until they begin to caramelize, which should take around 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, until fragrant, making sure not to burn it!
4. Adding Depth with Tomato Paste:
Stir in the tomato paste, cooking it for 1-2 minutes. This step enhances the stew’s flavor by deepening it with a rich, savory taste.
5. Deglazing with Beer:
Pour in the Belgian beer (or additional beef broth if you’re not using beer) and deglaze the pot by scraping up the flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom. This adds even more depth to your stew.
6. Combining Ingredients:
Now, return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, and add the capers, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Stir everything together to combine.
7. Slow Cooking:
Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours. During this time, the beef will become tender, and all those flavors will meld together beautifully.
8. Thickening the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, mix the flour with a little cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew in the last 15 minutes of cooking, and let it simmer until thickened to your liking.
9. Final Touches:
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
10. Serving:
Serve your delicious stew hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves. It’s lovely alongside some crusty bread or boiled potatoes to soak up that rich sauce!
Enjoy your hearty and comforting Belgian-style beef stew! It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. 😊
FAQ for Easy Belgian-Style Slow-Cooked Beef Stew
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Yes! While beef chuck is ideal for slow cooking due to its tenderness, you can also use brisket, round, or even short ribs. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time if needed, depending on the cut’s thickness and fat content.
What Can I Substitute for Belgian Beer?
If you prefer to omit beer, you can substitute with additional beef broth or use a dark ale or stout for a similar flavor profile. Non-alcoholic beers are a great alternative too, maintaining that malty flavor without the alcohol.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly.
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender. This method is perfect for busy days!
