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Beef Carbonnade Recipe

4.5 from 116 reviews

A rich and hearty Beef Carbonnade recipe featuring tender beef short ribs slow-baked with caramelized onions, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs in a savory beef broth. This classic Belgian-inspired stew is perfect for cozy dinners, delivering deep flavors and melt-in-your-mouth meat.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Coating

  • 1.5 kg beef short ribs (3.3 lbs), cut into individual ribs
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 2 brown onions, sliced
  • 300 g button mushrooms
  • 2 fresh garlic cloves, crushed

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
  • Fresh thyme and rosemary (to taste)
  • 350 ml beef broth
  • 500 ml beef stock

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 160°C (320°F) to get it ready for slow baking the dish.
  2. Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef short ribs into individual ribs and lightly dust each piece with all-purpose flour. This helps in browning and thickening the sauce later.
  3. Brown the Ribs: Heat the olive oil in a large casserole dish over medium-high heat. Brown the ribs in batches without crowding the pan to achieve a good sear on all sides. Remove the ribs once browned and set aside.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same casserole dish, add the diced carrot, sliced onions, and button mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
  5. Add Tomato Paste and Garlic: Stir in the tomato paste and crushed garlic cloves, cooking for approximately 30 seconds to release their flavors.
  6. Add Liquids and Herbs: Pour in the beef broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Season with wholegrain mustard, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Return the browned ribs to the casserole, nestling them into the liquid and vegetables.
  7. Bake the Stew: Cover the casserole dish tightly and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about two hours or until the beef is tender and falling off the bone.
  8. Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot with your choice of sides.

Notes

  • For extra depth of flavor, you can marinate the ribs in mustard and herbs a few hours before cooking.
  • Using a heavy, oven-safe casserole dish like a Dutch oven works best for even cooking.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors meld.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the cooking liquid on the stovetop after baking.

Keywords: Beef Carbonnade, Belgian Stew, Slow-Baked Beef, Comfort Food, Beef Short Ribs