Carbonnade Flamande(Round Steak With Gravy)
A hearty Belgian-inspired beef stew with caramelized onions, rich gravy, and subtle spices, perfect for comforting dinners and suitable for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 medium onions, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 2.5 pounds round steak, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 pint beer ⓘ
- 2 cups meat stock or bouillon ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook onions in butter in a heavy pan until tender.
- Remove and set aside.
- Brown the meat on all sides.
- Add cooked onions, salt, pepper, garlic, nutmeg, thyme, bay leaf, beer, and meat stock to the pan.
- Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours until the meat is tender.
- Remove the meat and keep hot.
- Discard garlic and bay leaf.
- Blend flour, butter, and sugar together to form a paste.
- Add the paste to the pan juices and cook until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Pour the gravy over the meat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with boiled potatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the round steak in beer overnight. If round steak isn't available, chuck roast can be a suitable substitute. For those looking to lighten the dish, you can use olive oil instead of butter when cooking the onions. Adding a splash of vinegar or Worcestershire sauce can also enhance the gravy's depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Carbonnade Flamande with boiled potatoes or Spaetzle to soak up the rich gravy. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a hearty bread to mop up the sauce, or even a glass of the same beer used in cooking.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Carbonnade Flamande can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef stock or water to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carbonnade Flamande(Round Steak With Gravy) contains roughly 855 calories, with 24g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (266% of the Daily Value), iron (110% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (99% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 709mg per serving (31% 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 meat for this recipe?
Yes, while round steak is traditional, cuts like chuck roast or brisket work well due to their marbling and ability to become tender with slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time based on the cut you choose.
Is it necessary to use beer in this dish?
Beer adds a unique depth of flavor to the dish, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with additional beef stock or a non-alcoholic beer for a similar effect.
How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
If the gravy is thinner than desired, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce while simmering until thickened. Alternatively, simmering it longer can also help concentrate the flavors and thicken the gravy naturally.
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).