Carbonade Flamande – The Belgian Stew That Warms the Heart
Looking for a dish that’s rich, cozy, and full of comforting flavors?
Carbonade Flamande is the perfect choice — a traditional Belgian beef stew simmered in dark beer, onions, and aromatic spices.
It’s tender, sweet-salty, and deeply satisfying — exactly what you want on a cold day!
Would you serve it with crispy fries, warm mashed potatoes, or fresh bread?
Ingredients
(Serves 4–6)
2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into large cubes
3 large onions, thinly sliced
3 tbsp butter or oil
2 tbsp flour
1 cup beef broth
2 cups dark beer (Belgian ale preferred)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 bay leaves
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
2 slices of bread (or 1 thick slice), spread with mustard
Preparation
Brown the beef
Heat butter or oil in a large pot. Add beef cubes and sear on all sides until beautifully browned. Remove and set aside.
Caramelize the onions
In the same pot, add sliced onions and cook until soft and golden.
Add flour
Sprinkle flour over onions and stir for 1 minute to thicken the base.
Return the beef
Put the meat back into the pot and stir well.
Add liquids and spices
Pour in the dark beer and beef broth. Add brown sugar, thyme, bay leaves, pepper, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil.
Add the mustard bread
Place the mustard-coated bread on top of the stew — it will melt during cooking and thicken the sauce.
Slow cook
Cover and simmer on low heat for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce becomes rich and thick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
Belgian fries
Mashed potatoes
Buttered noodles
Fresh crusty bread
Extra Tips
A dark beer like Leffe Brune, Chimay, or any brown ale gives the best flavor
Add a splash of vinegar for extra balance if you like slightly tangy sauces
Even better the next day — the flavors become deeper and richer!