Description
A rich and savory beef stew with the subtle sweetness of apple cider. Perfect for cozy autumn dinners and hearty weekend meals.
Ingredients
Beef Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 2 cups apple cider (not vinegar)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Seasonings:
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat beef dry and season generously with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches, then set aside.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and flour (if using). Cook 1–2 minutes.
- Deglaze with apple cider, scraping up browned bits from the pot.
- Return beef to pot, then add beef broth, potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 2–2½ hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
- Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, uncover during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for brightness.
- Pairs wonderfully with crusty bread.
- Can be made in a slow cooker (low 7–8 hours / high 4–5 hours).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Stew
- Method: Stovetop, Slow Cooker (optional)
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg