Sablon-Scented Carbonade Flamande

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refined take on Belgium's iconic beef stew, featuring a subtle citrus note that elevates the rich, beer-infused flavors. This belgian-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs chuck roast, all-purpose flour, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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.

★ 3.7 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 4 Belgian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the 1.5 lbs chuck roast cubes dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper. Toss with 3 tbsp all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in a single layer (work in batches to avoid crowding) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned; transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup), 2 carrots diced (about 1 cup), and 2 celery stalks diced (about 1 cup). Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 garlic cloves, minced, and 1 tbsp tomato paste, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the pot, then pour in 1/2 cup Belgian beer and 1/2 cup beef broth. Add 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1/4 tsp orange zest. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  6. Step 6: Cover and simmer gently for 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if the liquid reduces too much.
  7. Step 7: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter until melted and the sauce is glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Step 8: Serve hot over mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sablon-Scented Carbonade Flamande take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Sablon-Scented Carbonade Flamande?

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 chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sablon-Scented Carbonade Flamande?

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 Sablon-Scented Carbonade Flamande 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 Sablon-Scented Carbonade Flamande?

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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