Apple Cider Beef Stew

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Apple cider beef stew is a yummy twist on a classic dish. It’s perfect for cold days when you want something warm and filling. This recipe adds apple cider to give the stew a sweet and tangy flavor.

You can make this stew in about 2 hours. It serves 6 people and has 428 calories per serving. The meat gets tender as it cooks with carrots, potatoes, and onions in a tasty broth. Give it a try for your next family dinner!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty apple cider beef stew:

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 large potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 medium onions, halved and sliced

You’ll mix the flour, salt, and pepper to coat your beef. The oil is for browning the meat.

The apple cider, water, and vinegar make up the flavorful liquid base. Thyme and bay leaves add extra taste.

For veggies, you’ve got carrots, potatoes, and onions. They’ll soak up all the yummy flavors as they cook.

With these simple ingredients, you’ll create a warm and comforting stew perfect for chilly days.

Instructions

Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat beef cubes in this mixture.

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Pour apple cider into the pot. Scrape the bottom to loosen browned bits. Add water, vinegar, thyme, and bay leaves.

Return beef to the pot and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.

Cut carrots and potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Slice onions.

After 1 hour, add vegetables to the stew. Stir well.

Bring back to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.

Check if meat and veggies are tender. If not, cook a bit longer.

Remove bay leaves before serving. Enjoy your tasty apple cider beef stew!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily switch up this apple cider beef stew to suit your tastes or use what’s in your pantry. Here are some ideas:

Meat options:

• Pork shoulder
• Lamb stew meat
• Chicken thighs (reduce cooking time)

Veggie swaps:

• Sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes
• Parsnips or turnips for carrots
• Add mushrooms or celery

Try using hard apple cider for a more complex flavor. Or swap half the cider for beef broth if you want less sweetness.

For herbs, rosemary or sage work well in place of thyme. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can add depth.

To thicken the stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it in near the end of cooking.

For a fall twist, add 1 diced apple in the last 30 minutes of cooking. The apple will soften and add extra sweetness.

You can also make this in a slow cooker. Brown the meat first, then cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the most flavorful stew, use a mix of sweet and tart apples in your cider. This adds depth to the dish.

Brown the meat in small batches. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of browning.

Don’t rush the cooking process. Slow simmering helps tenderize the meat and blend the flavors.

Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or a splash of cider vinegar.

To store leftovers, let the stew cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can freeze this stew for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick.

For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir this into the simmering stew.

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy. A side salad makes for a complete meal.