Description
This hearty Apple Cider Beef Stew combines tender beef cubes with a rich, flavorful broth made from apple cider juice, beef broth, and aromatic herbs. Slow-simmered with potatoes, carrots, and celery, this comforting stew delivers a perfect balance of savory and subtly sweet flavors, ideal for cozy meal times.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 lb. beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooking Fat
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large white onion (chopped)
- 4 medium white potatoes (peeled and chopped)
- 3 medium carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery ribs (chopped)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
Liquids and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups apple cider juice
- 3 cups beef broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Season the Beef: Pat the beef stew meat dry using paper towels, then generously season with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear on all sides until browned. Remove the beef pieces and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Add Vinegar: Add the remaining olive oil to the pot. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits which add depth of flavor.
- Add Flour and Liquids: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the apple cider juice and beef broth while stirring constantly to blend smoothly and prevent lumps.
- Add Herbs and Return Beef: Add the dried thyme, bay leaves, and the seared beef back into the pot. Stir gently to combine.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to develop flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 30 to 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve warm with crusty bread or over rice as desired.
Notes
- Drying the beef before seasoning and searing ensures a better caramelized crust and richer flavor.
- Adding apple cider vinegar deglazes the pot and balances the stew’s sweetness and acidity.
- Simmering on low heat helps tenderize the beef and meld flavors thoroughly.
- Removing bay leaves before serving prevents bitterness.
- Serve with crusty bread or rice to soak up the delicious broth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 58 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
