Carbonnade Flamande (Beef in Beer Sauce)

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef braised in a rich beer sauce with onions, mustard, and herbs, a hearty staple of Belgian cuisine. This belgian-inspired beef ready in about 175 minutes blends cubed beef chuck, beer (Belgian ale), sliced onions into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 160 min Serves 6 Belgian cuisine 520 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add onions to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until caramelized. Stir in brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
  3. Step 3: Return beef to the pot. Pour in beer and beef broth, adding thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover, and braise for 2.5 hours until beef is tender.
  4. Step 4: In a small pan, melt remaining 1 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually add 1/2 cup of the braising liquid, stirring until thickened. Stir roux into the pot and simmer 10 minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes or bread.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Carbonnade Flamande (Beef in Beer Sauce) take to make?

Total time is about 175 minutes (15 min prep + 160 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Carbonnade Flamande (Beef in Beer Sauce)?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Carbonnade Flamande (Beef in Beer Sauce)?

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 Carbonnade Flamande (Beef in Beer Sauce) for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Carbonnade Flamande (Beef in Beer Sauce)?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes