Best 2 Homemade Cider Beef Stew Recipes

Dive into the hearty goodness of our homemade cider beef stew, a classic dish that promises to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. This savory stew features tender chunks of beef braised in a rich, flavorful broth infused with the tangy sweetness of apple cider. The beef is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs perfectly with the medley of vegetables, including carrots, celery, and onions. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and spices, each spoonful of this stew delivers a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you're seeking a comforting meal on a chilly evening or a delightful dish to share with loved ones, our cider beef stew is sure to hit the spot. Additionally, we've included a vegetarian variation of this recipe for those seeking a meatless alternative, along with a slow-cooker adaptation for effortless preparation.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HOMEMADE APPLE CIDER BEEF STEW

Homemade Apple Cider Beef Stew image

It's especially nice to use this recipe in fall, when the weather gets crisp and Nebraska's apple orchards start selling fresh apple cider. This entree's subtle sweetness is a welcome change from other savory stews. We enjoy it with biscuits and slices of apple and cheddar cheese. -Joyce Glaesemann, Lincoln, Nebraska

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 2h15m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

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, optional

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, brown beef on all sides in oil over medium-high heat; drain. Add the cider, broth, vinegar, salt, thyme and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/4 hours. , Add the potatoes, carrots, celery and onions; return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until beef and vegetables are tender. , Combine flour and water until smooth; stir into stew. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. If desired, serve with fresh thyme.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 330 calories, Fat 12g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 72mg cholesterol, Sodium 628mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

HOMEMADE CIDER BEEF STEW

Homemade Cider Beef Stew image

This stew is great on cool evenings served with biscuits. The cider and vinegar tenderize the meat and provide wonderful flavor to this hearty stew.-Carol Hendrickson, Laguna Beach, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 2h50m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/2 cup apple cider
1/4 cup water
1-1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 large carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 celery rib, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small potato, peeled and cubed
1/2 medium onion, sliced

Steps:

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, salt and pepper. Add the beef, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat. In a large saucepan, brown beef in oil; drain. Stir in the cider, water, vinegar and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour and 45 minutes or until the meat is tender. , Add the carrot, celery, potato and onion; return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 373 calories, Fat 15g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 70mg cholesterol, Sodium 668mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

Tips:

Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Opt for chuck roast, brisket, or short ribs for a tender and flavorful stew.
Brown the Beef: Searing the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the stew pot enhances its flavor and creates a rich fond.
Use a Variety of Veggies: Incorporate a mix of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, along with hearty vegetables like onions, celery, and mushrooms.
Enhance the Flavor with Herbs and Spices: Add a bouquet garni of thyme, bay leaves, and parsley for aromatic depth. You can also include spices like paprika, cumin, and black pepper.
Deglaze the Pan: After browning the beef, deglaze the pan with cider to dissolve the flavorful browned bits, adding complexity to the stew.
Simmer Slowly and Long: Allow the stew to simmer gently for at least 1-2 hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender.
Balance the Flavors: Taste the stew and adjust seasonings as needed. A touch of sweetness from brown sugar or honey can help balance the tartness of the cider.
Thicken the Stew (Optional): If desired, thicken the stew with a cornstarch or flour slurry for a richer consistency.
Serve with Accompaniments: Pair the cider beef stew with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Conclusion:

Homemade cider beef stew is a classic dish that combines the warmth and comfort of a hearty stew with the unique tanginess of apple cider. By following these tips and carefully executing the steps, you can create a flavorful and satisfying stew that will delight your taste buds. Whether you serve it as a main course for a cozy dinner or as a comforting dish on a chilly day, this cider beef stew is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you with a pot of pure culinary bliss.