This hearty beef stew is packed with tender meat, carrots, and potatoes, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. The blend of spices gives it a warm flavor that feels like a cozy hug!
I love throwing everything in the slow cooker and letting it do its magic while I kick back and relax. Plus, the smell wafting through the house is just heavenly! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef chuck: This cut is perfect for stew as it becomes tender with slow cooking. You can substitute it with brisket or round if you prefer, but adjust cooking time as they can behave differently.
Belgian-style beer: The beer adds depth of flavor. If you want a non-alcoholic option, use beef broth with a splash of vinegar for acidity, or opt for a non-alcoholic beer.
Carrots and potatoes: While the recipe calls for these veggies, feel free to mix in others like parsnips or sweet potatoes. They add a different flavor profile and texture!
Fresh herbs: If you don’t have dried thyme or parsley, use fresh! A tablespoon of fresh herbs is stronger than dried, so adjust to taste.
What’s the Best Way to Brown Beef for Stew?
Browning the beef is a crucial step. It locks in flavor and gives your stew a rich color. Here’s how to do it right:
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; brown in batches.
- Preheat the oil until it’s hot before adding beef—this prevents sticking.
- Let the beef sit for a minute on each side so it gets that nice golden crust.
Remember, it’s better to take your time here—the extra time will pay off in flavor later!
Easy Belgian-Style Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup Belgian-style beer (a good dark or amber beer works well)
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious stew will take about 20 minutes for preparation and then either 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in your slow cooker. A bit of patience goes a long way for those amazing flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by seasoning the beef cubes generously with salt and black pepper. Once seasoned, toss them in flour until they are evenly coated. This step helps thicken the stew later on!
2. Brown the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s nice and hot, add the beef cubes in batches. Brown all sides until they are golden. This will take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. This mixture will help build a wonderful base of flavor!
4. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker:
Now, transfer the cooked onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker with the beef. Add in the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, Belgian beer, thyme, parsley, coriander, bay leaves, tomato paste, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients together.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. You want the beef to be tender and the vegetables to be cooked through, soaking up all those delicious flavors!
6. Final Touches:
Before you serve, carefully remove the bay leaves from the stew. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the stew into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve it hot. It goes wonderfully with crusty bread or over buttered noodles for a cozy meal!
Enjoy your tasty Belgian-style beef stew, rich in flavors and super comforting after a long day! 🍲
FAQ for Easy Belgian-Style Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Beef?
While this recipe is designed for beef, you can use chicken thighs for a lighter version. Keep the cooking time similar, but check for doneness earlier as chicken cooks faster than beef!
What if I Don’t Have Belgian Beer?
No worries! If you don’t have Belgian beer on hand, you can use any good-quality dark or amber beer instead. For a non-alcoholic option, substitute with beef broth and add a splash of vinegar for a bit of acidity.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up!
Can I Freeze This Stew?
Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove for the best texture.
