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If you are craving a stew that bursts with rich, comforting flavors yet offers a subtle twist, this Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Tender cubes of beef meld perfectly with earthy root vegetables and a warm apple cider-infused broth that’s both hearty and slightly sweet. Every spoonful feels like a cozy hug, making this stew a delightful way to welcome family and friends around the table any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl full of raw red meat chunks placed on a wooden cutting board at the center. Below it, there is an orange carrot, sliced into thick rounds, laid diagonally on the board next to a small knife with a wooden handle. Surrounding the board on the white marbled surface are several small white bowls containing different ingredients: sliced carrots, cubed yellow potatoes, chopped light green celery, flour, a dark powdered spice, a brown liquid, a yellow liquid, and white onion pieces. There are a few sprigs of thyme and two bay leaves near the bowls, and a glass jug with a yellow liquid is visible on the top right. A gray striped cloth is partially underneath the jug. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each element is chosen to build depth, from the tender beef to the bright splash of apple cider that lifts the whole dish elegantly.

2 lb. beef stew meat: Cubed into 1-inch pieces, this is the hearty centerpiece that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
3 tablespoons olive oil: Used for searing the beef and softening aromatics, adding a subtle fruity richness.
1 large white onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth to the stew as it cooks down.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy contrast that balances the savory notes.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the stew, giving the broth a luscious texture.
3 cups apple cider juice: The star ingredient that imparts a gentle fruitiness and complexity.
3 cups beef broth: Provides a savory base that deepens the stew’s meaty flavor.
½ teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy herbal aroma that complements the beef beautifully.
2 bay leaves: Infuse subtle warmth and fragrance throughout the cooking process.
4 medium white potatoes, peeled and chopped: Tender and comforting, they soak up the flavorful broth.
3 medium carrots, sliced: Add sweetness, vibrant color, and texture.
2 celery ribs, chopped: Contribute a mild, aromatic crunch that enhances the stew’s overall profile.
Fresh thyme sprigs: Used as garnish for a pop of greenery and fresh herbal notes.

How to Make Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef

Start by patting your beef stew meat dry with paper towels. This step is key to getting a beautiful sear, which locks in those savory juices. Then, season the meat generously with salt and black pepper. Heat half of the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, making sure never to crowd the pan—this helps each piece brown evenly for maximum flavor. Once beautifully caramelized on all sides, remove the beef and set it aside for now.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Add Vinegar

Into the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and toss in the chopped onion. Let it sauté until the onions turn soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Then pour in the apple cider vinegar, which brightens the base and lifts the caramelized bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Scrape those up gently to incorporate all that delicious flavor back into the stew.

Step 3: Create the Stew Base

Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cooking for about a minute helps cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the apple cider juice and beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and to blend the ingredients into a smooth, rich broth. This step builds the luscious body of the stew.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Add the dried thyme, bay leaves, and the browned beef back into your pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it stew away for an hour. This slow cooking allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully. Remember to stir occasionally to keep everything cooking evenly and to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Finish Cooking

After the initial simmer, stir in the potatoes, carrots, and celery. These hearty vegetables absorb the stew’s wonderful flavors and add needed texture and balance. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30 to 40 minutes or until the vegetables are fork-tender and the beef is cooked through to perfection.

Step 6: Final Touches

Before serving, carefully remove the bay leaves—they’ve done their job infusing the stew with subtle fragrance. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs to add a beautiful touch of color and a fragrant herbal note that’s fresh and inviting. Now your Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe is ready to be enjoyed.

How to Serve Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe

A white pot filled with a broth that has a dark brown color with tiny black specks, floating with thick slices of bright orange carrots and pale green celery pieces. There are also chunks of yellow potatoes and some pieces of browned meat. A wooden spoon is resting inside the pot on the right side. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme sprigs is an excellent way to finish this stew, bringing a fresh, green aroma that contrasts beautifully with the rich broth. You can also add a crack of black pepper or a small handful of chopped parsley for extra color and brightness at the table.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs wonderfully with something simple yet substantial—think crusty artisan bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping into the flavorful broth. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, which soak up those delicious juices and make every bite even more comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic charm, serve the stew directly from your Dutch oven in the center of the table so everyone can ladle their portions. If you’re going for a cozy dinner vibe, dish it into deep bowls, topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a side of homemade pickles or a crisp salad to balance the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe keeps beautifully refrigerated for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and moisture. The stew often tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to deepen and mingle.

Freezing

Freezing the stew is a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade meal on a busy day. Let the stew cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. Properly stored, it keeps well for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container if using freezer bags, as the stew will expand when frozen.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm it slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring every minute to ensure even heating. Add a splash of broth or water if the stew thickens too much during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for this Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! While beef stew meat provides the classic texture and flavor, you can try chuck roast or even lamb for a twist. Just keep in mind, cooking times may vary depending on the cut and size of the meat chunks.

Is apple cider vinegar necessary?

Apple cider vinegar adds a crucial tang that highlights the sweetness of the apple cider and balances the stew’s richness. If you don’t have it, a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice can work, but the flavor profile may shift slightly.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! After searing the beef and sautéing the onions, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, adding the vegetables partway through the last hour. This method yields wonderfully tender beef but skip the flour or add it at the end to avoid over-thickening.

What type of apple cider should I use?

Choose a good-quality, unsweetened apple cider juice for best results. It should have natural apple flavor without added sugars, as the stew already has layers of savory and mild sweetness from the other ingredients.

Can I adjust the thickness of the stew?

Definitely! If you prefer a thicker stew, sprinkle an additional tablespoon of flour or cornstarch dissolved in cold water into the simmering pot and cook until thickened. For a soupier consistency, add more broth or apple cider in small amounts while simmering.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about an Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe that blends comfort cooking with a touch of vibrant flavor. Whether you need a memorable family meal, a dish to warm you on chilly days, or simply a new favorite to fall in love with, this stew checks all the boxes. So gather your ingredients, get cozy in your kitchen, and give this wonderful recipe a whirl—you won’t regret it!

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