Quick Beef Carbonnade with Apple Cider

Quick Beef Carbonnade with Apple Cider

Prep: 25 min • Cook: 90 min. A weeknight-friendly version of the classic Carbonnade Flamande, this recipe uses tender beef sirloin and a flavorful blend of Belgian ale and apple cider for a stew that's both rich and slightly sweet, perfect for a comforting meal.

Preparation time
25 min
Cooking time
1 hr 30 min
Total time
1 hr 55 min
Servings
4

Instructions

Beef Preparation

  1. 1Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. 2Toss the beef cubes with the all-purpose flour until evenly coated.

Searing and Sautéing

  1. 1In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. 2Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Do not overcrowd the pot. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
  3. 3Add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter to the pot. Add the sliced onions and sauté over medium heat until softened and lightly caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.

Braising

  1. 1Return the browned beef to the pot with the onions.
  2. 2Pour in the Belgian ale, apple cider, and beef broth. Stir in the Dijon mustard and brown sugar.
  3. 3Add the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. 4Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.

Finishing

  1. 1Remove and discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
  2. 2Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it.

Nutrition Information

Calories
650 kcal
Protein
45 g
Fat
30 g
Carbs
50 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories650 kcal
Protein45 g
Fat30 g
Carbs50 g

Tips

  • For deeper flavor, consider marinating the beef overnight in a mixture of Belgian ale and spices before cooking.
  • Ensure a good sear on the beef; this step is crucial for developing rich flavor and texture in the final dish.
  • Serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or frites to soak up the delicious sauce.

By Chef Michael Ilin