Belgian Beef
Belgian Beef is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender beef chunks simmered in beer with onions, spices, and a hint of mustard, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 2 pounds beef round in 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 medium onions sliced thin ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- sprig of parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 6 to 8 bread squares spread with dry mustard ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups hot water ⓘ
- 1 cup beer ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic minced ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons salad oil in a large skillet. Brown beef, a few pieces at a time, quickly and remove from pan.
- Add 2 tablespoons salad oil and sliced onions to the skillet. Brown the onions well.
- Stir in remaining ingredients, except bread squares.
- Mix the beef with the onion mixture in the skillet and bring to a boil.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2 to 2 1/2-quart casserole.
- Cover and bake at 325°F until the beef is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef in the beer overnight. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an extra tablespoon of flour when mixing the ingredients. You can substitute the beef round with chuck roast for a more tender texture. Adjust the herbs and spices according to your taste; adding a bit of thyme or rosemary can enhance the dish further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Belgian Beef over a bed of mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A fresh side salad or steamed vegetables can complement the richness of the dish. For an authentic experience, consider serving it alongside Halupkes (Cabbage Rolls) for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, in short intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Belgian Beef contains roughly 995 calories, with 40g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (185% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (165% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1490mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef round is commonly used, cuts like chuck roast or brisket work well too. They provide more marbling, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the cut you choose.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and onions as directed, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.
What type of beer is best for this recipe?
A dark beer, such as a stout or a brown ale, works best, as it adds depth and richness to the sauce. However, a light beer can also be used if you prefer a milder flavor. Avoid overly hoppy beers, as they can alter the dish's taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).