Stoofvlees, also known as Flemish Beef Stew, is a beloved Belgian dish featuring tender beef slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful beer sauce. Infused with mustard, onions, and a hint of sweetness, this hearty stew is traditionally served with crispy fries (frites) or mashed potatoes. Perfect for a cozy meal, this dish embodies the essence of Belgian comfort food.

Ingredients:

2 lb (900 g) beef chuck, cut into chunks

2 tablespoons (30 g) butter

2 large onions, sliced

2 cups (500 ml) dark Belgian beer

1 slice of bread, spread with 2 tablespoons (30 g) Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon (15 g) brown sugar

1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions:

Step 1: Sear the Beef In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Onions In the same pot, add the sliced onions and sauté until soft and caramelized.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Stew Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beer and add the mustard-covered bread on top. Stir in brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and thyme. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 2.5–3 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Serve Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve hot with crispy Belgian fries or mashed potatoes.

Serving: Stoofvlees pairs perfectly with Belgian fries, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley for extra flavor.

This traditional Belgian Stoofvlees is the ultimate comfort dish, bringing rich flavors and tender beef to your table. Perfect for family dinners, this stew is a must-try for lovers of hearty, slow-cooked meals.