Description
This hearty Apple Cider Beef Stew combines tender beef cubes simmered in a flavorful mix of apple cider, beef broth, and cider vinegar, enriched with a medley of vegetables. It’s a comforting, rustic dish perfect for cool weather, thickened to a luscious consistency and optionally garnished with fresh thyme for an aromatic touch.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Oil
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
Liquids and Seasoning
- 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
Vegetables
- 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
Thickening Mixture
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
Optional Garnish
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat the canola oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides to develop flavor and seal in juices. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the apple cider, reduced-sodium beef broth, and cider vinegar. Stir in the salt, dried thyme, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine and start the cooking process.
- Simmer the beef: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the Dutch oven, and let the stew simmer gently for 1 hour and 15 minutes. This slow simmering tenderizes the beef and melds the flavors.
- Add vegetables: After the initial simmer, add the peeled and cubed potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion wedges to the pot. Return the stew to a boil, then reduce heat again to low, cover, and simmer for an additional 30 to 35 minutes until the beef and vegetables are tender.
- Thicken the stew: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and water, stirring until smooth to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the simmering stew, then bring it back to a boil. Cook and stir the stew for about 2 minutes or until it thickens to the desired consistency.
- Serve: Remove the stew from heat. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for added aroma and visual appeal. Serve the stew hot, perfect for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute apple juice for apple cider if preferred, but cider adds a richer flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper at the end to taste.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully, allowing flavors to deepen.
- Fresh thyme is optional but enhances the overall flavor and aroma of the stew.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
