Apple Cider Stew
Apple Cider Stew offers a hearty and comforting blend of tender beef, sweet apple cider, and flavorful vegetables. Perfect for cozy gatherings, this dish combines savory and slightly sweet notes, making it a satisfying choice for family dinners or weekend meals that warm the soul.
Ingredients
- 3 large onions, sliced ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 lb beef, cut in chunks ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider or juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp ketchup ⓘ
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut in chunks ⓘ
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut in chunks ⓘ
- 1 small (7 oz) can whole kernel corn (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown sliced onions in hot vegetable oil; push them aside and brown the beef chunks.
- Combine flour, salt, pepper, and thyme; add to the pan and stir well.
- Stir in apple cider or juice and ketchup.
- Add water if necessary to thin the mixture.
- Cover and cook slowly until the meat is almost tender, about 2 hours.
- Add peeled and cut potatoes, carrots, and optional corn; simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of beef cuts, such as chuck and brisket. If you don't have apple cider, apple juice works as a substitute, though it may be sweeter. Adding a splash of vinegar can help balance the sweetness. For a thicker stew, allow it to simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes like Yankee Pot Roast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Apple Cider Stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the stew. This dish also holds up well as leftovers for lunch the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave, covered, for about 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Cider Stew contains roughly 941 calories, with 17g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (270% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (164% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (81% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1641mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables in this stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with seasonal vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or green beans. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so add them accordingly to ensure everything is tender by the end.
How can I make this stew spicier?
For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during the cooking process. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side to allow guests to adjust the heat to their liking.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of apple cider. Adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors, and consider adding beans for protein.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).