Description
This Apple Cider Stew is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for fall. It features tender beef, soft potatoes, and carrots simmered in a flavorful apple cider-infused broth with aromatic herbs. This rustic stew offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes, making it an ideal choice for cozy dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds (900g) stew beef, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720ml) apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
- 2 cups (475ml) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- Optional: 1 tablespoon tomato paste or Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Pat the beef dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches, searing for 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer browned beef to a plate.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute to coat.
- Deglaze with Cider: Slowly pour in the apple cider, scraping the bottom of the pot to release flavorful bits. Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the Beef Back: Return the browned beef to the pot. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 1 hour.
- Add the Vegetables: After an hour, add carrots and potatoes. Continue simmering for another 45 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and beef is fall-apart soft.
- Final Seasoning: Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash of cider if desired. Stir in a tablespoon of butter for extra richness.
- Serve: Ladle the Apple Cider Stew into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread or biscuits.
Notes
- Use real apple cider, not apple juice or vinegar.
- Brown beef in batches for maximum flavor.
- Simmer low and slow for tender beef and rich broth.
- Thicken the stew by mashing a few potatoes into the broth near the end or by adding a cornstarch slurry.
- This Apple Cider Stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Soups and Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl