Description
A hearty beef stew made with tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and rich flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds beef chuck or stewing beef (Brisket can work as a substitute.)
- 2 tablespoons butter (Can use olive oil as a lighter option.)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (Any neutral oil can be used.)
- 2 large onions (Shallots can be used for a different flavor.)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (Opt for gluten-free flour if needed.)
- 1 bottle Belgian brown ale (Preferably Trappist or Dubbel.)
- 3 cups beef stock (Homemade or low-sodium is healthier.)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (Can substitute with lemon juice.)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (Regular mustard can be used if necessary.)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (Maple syrup can be a suitable alternative.)
- 2 bay leaves (Remove before serving.)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (Dried thyme can be used if fresh isn’t available.)
- 1 slice country bread (Any crusty bread can be used.)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (Optional for deepening flavor.)
Instructions
- Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add butter and vegetable oil. Season and brown the beef cubes until caramelized and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes; then set aside.
- In the same pot, add onions and sauté until they turn golden, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the Belgian brown ale, stirring vigorously to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the browned beef back to the pot, along with beef stock, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Stir until combined.
- Toss in tied bay leaves and thyme, then place a piece of mustard-covered country bread on top.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer gently for about 2 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- If using cocoa powder, stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- This stew is perfect for cold weather and can be made in larger batches for leftovers.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stewing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg