Okay, picture this: it’s a crisp autumn evening, leaves are crunching underfoot, and there’s a slight chill in the air. What’s the *perfect* thing to warm you up from the inside out? For me, it’s gotta be a hearty stew! And this isn’t just *any* stew, friends. We’re talking about Apple Cider Beef Stew – a flavor combo that’ll knock your socks off.
Seriously, the sweet tang of apple cider with the rich, savory beef? It’s a match made in cozy food heaven. Trust me, this Apple Cider Beef Stew is surprisingly easy to throw together, even on a busy weeknight. It bubbles away on the stove, filling your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. I remember the first time I made this; my family devoured it! We were all practically licking our bowls clean! So, if you’re craving some serious comfort food with a unique twist, this recipe is totally for you.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Beef Stew
Fall Flavors in Every Bite
The apple cider isn’t just *there*, you know? It actually makes the beef taste *better*. It’s like they were meant to be together! The sweetness balances the richness so perfectly.
A Hearty and Comforting Meal
Seriously, this stew is *filling*. It’s packed with beef, potatoes, and veggies, so it’s a meal in itself. Plus, it warms you right down to your toes. Perfect for those chilly evenings!
Easy to Make
Don’t let “stew” scare you! This isn’t one of those recipes that takes all day. It’s mostly hands-off simmering, so you can relax while it cooks. I promise, it’s easier than you think!
Ingredients for Apple Cider Beef Stew
Okay, so here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Apple Cider Beef Stew! Don’t worry; it’s mostly stuff you probably already have. You’ll need: 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp dried rosemary; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups beef broth; 2 cups apple cider; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; and salt to taste. Got it? Good!
How to Make Apple Cider Beef Stew: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to business! This Apple Cider Beef Stew recipe is super simple once you break it down. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of warm, cozy goodness in no time. Ready? Let’s do this!
Preparing the Beef and Vegetables
First things first, you’ll want to season your beef with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! Now, heat up that olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The key here is to brown the beef *in batches*. Trust me; don’t overcrowd the pot, or it’ll steam instead of brown! Remove the browned beef and set it aside. Next, add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook ’em until they’re nice and softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary and cook for just a minute more. Mmm, that smells amazing!
Building the Apple Cider Beef Stew Base
Okay, now comes the fun part. Stir in the flour until everything’s well combined. This helps thicken the stew later, so don’t skip it! Then, gradually whisk in the beef broth and apple cider. Make sure you whisk it in slowly to avoid any lumps. We want a smooth, delicious base for our Apple Cider Beef Stew! Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
Simmering to Perfection
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the potatoes and apples. Now, cover the pot and let it simmer for a good 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are super tender. This is where the magic happens! The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it gets. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft. Keep an eye on it, and give it a stir every now and then to make sure nothing’s sticking to the bottom.
Finishing Touches for Your Apple Cider Beef Stew
Almost there! Stir in the apple cider vinegar. This adds a little tang that really brightens up the whole dish. Finally, season with salt to taste. Give it a good stir, and then give it a taste. Does it need a little more salt? Maybe a pinch of pepper? Adjust it to your liking! Now, you’re ready to serve up your delicious Apple Cider Beef Stew. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Beef Stew
Want to take your Apple Cider Beef Stew from “good” to “OMG AMAZING”? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! These little tips make a HUGE difference, so pay attention!
Achieving the Perfect Thickness
Sometimes, you want that stew extra thick, right? If it’s not quite there, don’t worry! I like to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Then, just stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Boom! Perfectly thickened Apple Cider Beef Stew.
Browning the Beef for Maximum Flavor
Seriously, don’t skip browning the beef in batches! It might seem like extra work, but it’s SO worth it. Overcrowding the pot steams the beef instead of browning it, and you miss out on all that delicious, caramelized flavor. Trust me on this one! A good sear makes all the difference in this Apple Cider Beef Stew.
Apple Cider Beef Stew Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the basic Apple Cider Beef Stew, and you’re loving it! But maybe you’re feeling a little adventurous? Let’s spice things up! Here are a few fun variations you can try. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Sweet Potato Apple Cider Beef Stew
Swap out the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes! Seriously, it adds a whole new level of sweetness that works so well with the apple cider. I love it!
Adding Different Herbs and Spices to Your Apple Cider Beef Stew
Feeling a little wild? Try adding a bay leaf or some smoked paprika! Or, how about a pinch of cayenne for a little kick? Ooh, that’s good! Experiment and see what you like best in your Apple Cider Beef Stew!
Changing up the Beef
Not a beef fan? No problem! You could totally use lamb or even chicken thighs in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. It’s your Apple Cider Beef Stew, make it your own!
Serving Suggestions for Apple Cider Beef Stew
Alright, you’ve got this amazing Apple Cider Beef Stew bubbling away. Now, what should you serve with it? Here are a couple of my favorite ideas. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
Bread
Gotta have some crusty bread for dipping! Seriously, it’s a must. The bread soaks up all that yummy stew broth. Mmm!
Side Dishes
A simple green salad is always a good idea. It adds a little freshness and balances out the richness of the Apple Cider Beef Stew. Plus, it’s easy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Beef Stew
Got questions about making the *perfect* Apple Cider Beef Stew? I get it! Here are a few of the most common questions I hear, answered just for you!
Can I use a different type of apple cider?
Totally! I usually use regular, unfiltered apple cider. But if you only have sparkling apple cider, that’ll work too! Just be aware it might add a *teeny* bit more sweetness. You can even use hard apple cider for a more adult twist, but be careful with the alcohol content if you’re serving kids!
Can I make Apple Cider Beef Stew in a slow cooker?
You bet! Slow cookers are perfect for stews! Just brown the beef and sauté the veggies as directed, then dump everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Just make sure the beef is super tender before serving. Easy peasy!
How long does Apple Cider Beef Stew last?
This Apple Cider Beef Stew is usually GONE in my house within a day or two! But, if you have leftovers, they’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave. It actually tastes even *better* the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together! Yum!
Nutritional Information for Apple Cider Beef Stew
Heads up! The nutrition info below is just an estimate. It’ll change depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use for your Apple Cider Beef Stew, so it’s not a precise measurement, okay?
Enjoy Your Homemade Apple Cider Beef Stew!
And there you have it! Your very own, delicious Apple Cider Beef Stew! I really hope you love it as much as my family does. Don’t forget to leave a comment and rate the recipe below! And hey, if you make it, share a pic on social media and tag me! I’d love to see your creations!
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Disgustingly Delectable Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stewing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Warm and hearty apple cider beef stew.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Season beef with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches. Remove beef and set aside.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in flour until well combined. Gradually whisk in beef broth and apple cider.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Return beef to the pot. Add potatoes and apples.
- Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 – 2 hours, or until beef and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- You can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
