Description
Carbonnade Flamande is a rich and comforting Flemish beef stew with tender braised beef, caramelized onions, and a savory sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions, it’s a true Belgian classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Aromatics:
- 2 1/2 lbs (1.1 kg) beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2–3 thick slices rustic bread (optional, for thickening)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra mustard, on the side
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season beef generously with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate.
- Build the Flavor Base: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and onions, sautéing until golden and caramelized, about 10–15 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over onions and stir, cooking 1–2 minutes.
- Braise the Beef: Return beef to the pot. Add beef stock, brown sugar, vinegar, thyme, allspice, bay leaves, and mustard. Lay bread slices on top if using. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 2–2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaves and bread if desired. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use beef chuck for the best marbling and tenderness.
- Brown beef well before braising for maximum flavor.
- Cook low and slow for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- For crockpot: transfer seared beef and sautéed onions to slow cooker, add remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Braised
- Cuisine: Belgian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Carbonnade Flamande, Flemish Beef Stew, Braised Beef Stew Recipe, Belgian Beef Recipes, Old Time Beef Stew Recipes