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Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe

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4.4 from 20 reviews

This Apple Cider Beef Stew is a comforting, slow-cooked dish featuring tender beef cubes simmered with fresh vegetables and sweet apples in a flavorful apple cider broth. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and a touch of apple cider vinegar, this stew offers a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors. Ideal for a cozy family meal, it’s thickened gently with flour and served best alongside crusty bread or biscuits.

  • Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 pounds Beef Stew Meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 2 large Yellow Onions, diced
  • 3 ribs Celery, diced
  • 3-4 medium Carrots, diced
  • 1 pound Gold Potatoes, diced
  • 1 large Apple, peeled & diced
  • 5 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 4 sprigs Fresh Thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried leaves)
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary (or 1-2 teaspoons dried, minced)
  • 2 Bay Leaves

Liquids & Thickening

  • 3 cups Apple Cider (or juice)
  • 2 cups Beef Broth
  • 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • ⅓ cup All-Purpose Flour

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Brown the beef cubes thoroughly on all sides to develop rich flavor. Once browned, transfer the beef to the crockpot.
  2. Sauté Onions and Celery: In the same skillet, add the diced onions and celery. Cook them until they soften slightly to release their sweetness, then add them to the crockpot with the beef.
  3. Add Vegetables and Seasonings: To the crockpot, add the diced carrots, potatoes, peeled and diced apple, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
  4. Pour in Liquids: Pour the apple cider, beef broth, and apple cider vinegar into the crockpot. Stir gently to combine the liquids with the solids, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
  5. Slow Cook the Stew: Cover the crockpot and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 4-6 hours. Cook until the beef is very tender and the vegetables are cooked to your desired softness.
  6. Prepare Flour Mixture to Thicken: About 45 minutes before serving, place the flour in a small bowl. Gradually add some hot broth from the crockpot to the flour, stirring carefully to create a smooth mixture without lumps.
  7. Thicken the Stew: Stir the flour mixture back into the crockpot stew, mixing thoroughly. Continue cooking on the same setting for the remaining 45 minutes to allow the stew to thicken and finish cooking.
  8. Final Taste and Adjustments: Before serving, stir the stew well. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, apple cider vinegar, or apple cider as desired to balance flavors.
  9. Serve: Serve the hearty beef stew hot, ideally accompanied by crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the flavorful broth.

Notes

  • For best results, use firm apples like Gala or Fuji that hold their shape when cooked.
  • Apple cider can be substituted with apple juice, but cider adds a richer flavor.
  • The apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tanginess that brightens the stew; adjust quantity based on your taste preference.
  • Beef stew meat should be cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and optimal tenderness.
  • Ensure flour is fully incorporated into hot broth to avoid lumps when thickening the stew.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/apple-cider-beef-stew-recipe/