Description
A hearty and flavorful Belgian-style slow-cooked beef stew, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup Belgian ale (or dark beer)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add this mixture to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms to the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and Belgian ale. Stir in the tomato paste, brown sugar, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste the stew. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Substitute the beef with chicken thighs for a lighter version, and use chicken broth instead of beef broth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Belgian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: varies
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: varies
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: varies