Description
This hearty Apple Cider Beef Stew combines tender beef cubes simmered in a flavorful broth of apple cider juice and beef broth, enhanced with spices like thyme and bay leaves. With comforting vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and celery, this stew is perfect for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 lb. beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooking Bases and Liquids
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups apple cider juice
- 3 cups beef broth
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 large white onion (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 medium white potatoes (peeled and chopped)
- 3 medium carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery ribs (chopped)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Beef: Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Generously season the beef stew meat 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, searing all sides until browned to lock in juices. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: Add the remaining olive oil to the pot and sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 3–4 minutes, which builds flavor for the stew base.
- Deglaze and Thicken: Stir in the apple cider vinegar, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat, cooking for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Herbs: Gradually pour in the apple cider juice and beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add dried thyme, bay leaves, and the seared beef back into the pot.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to meld and beef to become tender.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the potatoes, carrots, and celery. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 30–40 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and beef is fully cooked.
- Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaves. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve the stew warm with crusty bread or over rice for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For thicker stew, mash some potatoes into the broth to naturally thicken the sauce.
- Use fresh herbs for garnish to add brightness to the rich stew.
- The stew can be made a day ahead; flavors deepen when refrigerated overnight.
- Adjust seasoning at the end with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Brown the beef in batches to avoid crowding and ensure proper searing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
