Name: Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 3 cups apple cider or juice; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium beef broth; 2 tablespoons cider vinegar; 1-1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 medium carrots, cut into 3/4-inch pieces; 3 celery ribs, cut into 3/4-inch pieces; 2 medium onions, cut into wedges; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup water; Fresh thyme sprigs

Jump to Recipe·5 from 103 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, cozy comfort meal with a little twist, you’ve got to try this Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe. It’s not your typical beef stew — the apple cider brings this subtle sweetness and tang that just brightens up the whole dish in the best way possible. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the cider adds depth without overpowering the rich, tender beef and veggies. Grab your coziest sweater and a big spoon — you’re in for a fan-freaking-tastic meal!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Boost: The apple cider adds a deliciously subtle sweetness and acidity that pairs beautifully with savory beef.
Simple Ingredients: You can find everything easily at the store — no specialty items needed.
Perfectly Tender Beef: Slow-simmered to melt-in-your-mouth goodness every time.
Great for Meal Prep: This stew tastes even better the next day, making leftovers a real treat.

Two white bowls filled with beef stew are placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl contains visible layers of rich brown beef pieces, bright orange carrot chunks, pale yellow potato cubes, and green celery pieces, all mixed in a thick brown broth sprinkled with small green herbs. Next to the bowls are a pair of shiny golden spoons resting on the surface near a blue and white striped cloth. A small bowl of fresh green herbs and two green-tinted glasses add color to the scene, with natural light highlighting the textures and colors vividly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cider Beef Stew, hearty beef stew with apple cider, cozy apple cider beef recipe, easy beef stew with apple cider, comfort food beef stew

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together for an unbeatable balance of flavors and textures. When shopping, I recommend opting for good-quality stew meat — it really makes a difference in tenderness.

Flat lay of fresh cubed beef stew meat, a small pool of golden canola oil in a white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with clear amber apple cider, a small white bowl of rich brown beef broth, a small white bowl holding pale golden cider vinegar, a small white bowl of coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl with dried thyme leaves, a small white bowl of cracked black peppercorns, peeled cubed potatoes arranged neatly, vibrant orange carrot pieces cut into chunks, fresh green celery ribs cut into pieces, wedges of white and purple onions, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of clear water, and a few fresh green thyme sprigs, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cider Beef Stew, hearty beef stew with apple cider, cozy apple cider beef recipe, easy beef stew with apple cider, comfort food beef stew

Beef stew meat: Look for chuck roast cut into cubes; its marbling keeps the meat juicy and flavorful during long cooking.
Canola oil: Neutral flavor oil that’s perfect for browning the beef without burning.
Apple cider or juice: Use raw apple cider for best flavor; if unavailable, an unsweetened apple juice works fine.
Reduced-sodium beef broth: Adds savory depth without making the stew too salty.
Cider vinegar: A little acidity helps balance sweetness and tenderize the beef.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with both beef and apples.
Potatoes: I like Yukon Gold for their creamy texture after cooking.
Carrots: Sweet and tender, they’re a classic stew staple.
Celery ribs: Brings freshness and crunch to balance the hearty meat.
Onions: I use yellow onions for their sweetness once softened.
All-purpose flour: Combines with water to thicken the stew to that perfect stew consistency.
Water: Mixes with flour to prevent lumps when thickening the stew.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. You can swap veggies, up the herbs, or even switch the acidity depending on what you have on hand.

Vegetable swaps: I’ve tried adding parsnips or turnips instead of celery for an earthier flavor, which worked wonderfully.
Herb variations: Fresh rosemary or sage can be great substitutes for thyme if you want a slightly different aroma.
Make it spicier: Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika gave my last batch a pleasant, warming kick my family adored.
Slow cooker adaptation: After browning, I transfer everything to a slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours with similar results.

How to Make Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef Beautifully

The first thing I do is heat up some canola oil in my Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then toss in the beef cubes. Browning every side until they develop that rich, caramelized crust is key—it locks in flavor and makes the stew taste incredible. Don’t overcrowd the pot or you’ll end up steaming instead of browning. I usually do this in batches and drain any excess fat before moving on.

Step 2: Add the Liquids and Seasonings

Once the beef is browned, pour in the apple cider and reduced-sodium beef broth. Then splash in cider vinegar and sprinkle with salt, thyme, and pepper. Bringing the mixture to a boil before lowering the heat ensures all those flavors start mingling right away. I love this part because the aroma starts filling my kitchen—comfort in the making!

Step 3: Simmer Low and Slow

I cover the Dutch oven and let everything simmer gently for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This slow cooking tenderizes the beef so it’s melt-in-your-mouth, and the cider’s sweetness subtly infuses every bite. It’s tempting to peek, but patience here really pays off.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Next comes the colorful part—I add potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions. Bringing everything back to a boil, then lowering the heat to a simmer, I cover it again and cook for another 30–35 minutes. During this final cook, the veggies soften perfectly without getting mushy.

Step 5: Thicken the Stew

To get that luscious, thick stew consistency, I mix flour with water until totally smooth, then slowly stir it into the stew. I bring it back to a boil and cook, stirring for about 2 minutes until beautifully thickened. This step gives the stew a silky finish that clings to every piece of tender beef and veggie. At this point, tossing in a few fresh thyme sprigs is my favorite touch—optional, but highly recommended.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe

Brown in Batches: Crowding the pan steams the meat rather than browns it—take your time for rich flavor.
Use Raw Apple Cider: It offers a more complex, natural flavor than processed juice.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: Slow cooking builds tender meat and deep flavor — trust me, it’s worth it!
Gradual Thickening: Mix flour with water first to avoid lumps and stir continuously when adding to the stew.

How to Serve Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe

A blue pot filled with thick brown stew containing large chunks of tender dark brown meat, orange carrot pieces, light yellow potato chunks, and light green celery in a rich brown broth, with a small green sprig of thyme floating on the left side. The pot is placed on a wooden surface with a beige striped cloth beside it, holding a large silver ladle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cider Beef Stew, hearty beef stew with apple cider, cozy apple cider beef recipe, easy beef stew with apple cider, comfort food beef stew

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or some fresh thyme sprigs on top—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that contrasts beautifully with the rich stew. Sometimes, I even throw in a little cracked black pepper on each bowl for an extra kick.

Side Dishes

This stew stands tall on its own, but my favorite sides are crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to sop up the sauce. We also love it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette—that fresh acidity balances the hearty stew perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this stew in mini cast iron pots, which keeps it warm and looks super charming. Sometimes, I’ll add a dollop of sour cream on top for creaminess, plus a few crispy shallots for crunch — my guests always ask for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate. This stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to blend. I usually eat leftovers within 3-4 days and just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

I’ve freezed this Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe multiple times, and it freezes very well. Just portion into freezer-safe containers and it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of broth or water helps restore any thickness you might have lost. Microwave works too, but I find low-and-slow stovetop reheating preserves the texture best.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider for this stew?

Yes, you can substitute apple juice if you don’t have apple cider, but I recommend using unsweetened or raw apple cider if possible. It offers a richer, more natural flavor and less added sugar, which balances the stew better.
What cut of beef is best for Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe?

Chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes is ideal because it has enough fat marbling to stay tender and flavorful after long simmering. Avoid lean cuts as they can dry out.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the beef and combining the ingredients, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until beef is tender. Add the vegetables halfway through cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
How do I thicken the stew without flour?

You could use cornstarch mixed with cold water as a gluten-free alternative. Add it gradually to the simmering stew until desired thickness is reached.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe turns out every single time. It’s a little bit unexpected with that apple spark, but it still feels like home. Whether you’re warming up after a chilly day or serving friends and family, this stew feels like a hug in a bowl. Give it a try — I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!