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Beef Carbonnade

Savory Beef Carbonnade: A Hearty Comfort Food Classic

Beef Carbonnade is a comforting embrace in a bowl, featuring tender, slow-cooked beef in a rich stew that elevates comfort food.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Belgian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 2 pounds Beef Short Ribs Choose well-marbled cuts for tenderness and flavor.
For Browning
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with vegetable oil or bacon fat for added flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Plain/All-Purpose Flour Helps to create a nice sear and thickens the sauce.
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Carrot Diced for even cooking, adds sweetness and color.
  • 2 medium Brown Onions Sliced gives a rich, sweet base when caramelized.
  • 8 ounces Button Mushrooms Leave whole if small or slice thickly for texture.
  • 4 ounces Speck (or Bacon) Adds smokiness; can substitute with pancetta or omit for a lighter dish.
For Flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Essential for a rich sauce base, deepens flavor.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Crushed to release oils, enhances the aroma.
  • 2 tablespoons Wholegrain Mustard A key flavor component; simple mustard may be a substitute.
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme Fresh preferred, though dried alternatives can be used.
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary Fresh preferred, though dried alternatives can be used.
For the Liquid
  • 1 bottle Beer Use a lager or beer of your choice; substitutions include red wine mixed with beef stock.
  • 2 cups Beef Stock Ensure low-sodium if preferred, for extra depth.
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • measuring cups
  • Spoon

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Gather your ingredients and ensure your large flameproof casserole or Dutch oven is ready.
  2. Cut the beef short ribs into individual portions if not already done. Lightly dust each piece with plain flour.
  3. Heat a generous splash of olive oil in the casserole over medium-high heat. Add the floured beef ribs in batches, browning on all sides for about 6-8 minutes.
  4. In the same pot, add your diced carrot, sliced brown onions, whole button mushrooms, and chopped speck (or bacon). Sauté over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste and crushed garlic, allowing them to cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Pour in your choice of beer, stirring well to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the beer reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Once the beer has reduced, mix in the wholegrain mustard, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Stir everything together for about 1 minute.
  8. Pour in the beef stock, stir well, and return the browned beef ribs along with any accumulated juices back into the pot.
  9. Cover the casserole with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
  10. Once tender, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor. Serve hot with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 38gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 5mg

Notes

The flavors of Beef Carbonnade deepen and improve over time, making it a delightful choice for meal prep or make-ahead meals.

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