Brugse Zot Beef Carbonade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, beer-infused beef stew with caramelized onions and herbs, inspired by Bruges’ iconic Brugse Zot beer. This belgian-inspired beef ready in about 145 minutes pairs cubed Beef chuck, Brugse Zot beer, sliced Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Belgian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes in batches for 3 minutes per side, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 sliced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp tomato paste to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until onions are golden.
  3. Step 3: Return beef to the pot, add 12 oz Brugse Zot beer, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then cook uncovered for 1.5 hours until beef is tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 sliced carrots and 2 sliced celery stalks, cooking for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender. Garnish with thyme and serve with mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Brugse Zot Beef Carbonade take to make?

Total time is about 145 minutes (25 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Brugse Zot Beef Carbonade?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cubed beef chuck from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brugse Zot Beef Carbonade?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Brugse Zot Beef Carbonade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Brugse Zot Beef Carbonade?

Belgian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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