Cider Beef Stew Dinner
A hearty cider beef stew with tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and a hint of vinegar and thyme, perfect for comforting family dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper; add beef and toss to coat.
- In a large pan, brown beef in oil.
- Add cider, water, vinegar, and thyme; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour and 45 minutes or until meat is tender.
- Add carrots, celery, potato, and onion; return to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker stew, you can mix in a bit more flour or use cornstarch as a substitute. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, try adding a splash of maple syrup or honey to the cider. Using beef broth instead of water can enhance the richness of the stew. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand; parsnips or turnips work well too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty cider beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a filling meal. Pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. It also pairs beautifully with Ralph'S Roast for a comforting dinner spread or can be served alongside a glass of apple cider.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cider Beef Stew Dinner contains roughly 471 calories, with 10g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (201% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (111% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2068mg per serving (90% 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 a different type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute pork or chicken for beef. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Chicken will require less time, while pork may need a similar cooking duration as beef to become tender. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the different meats.
What can I use instead of apple cider?
If you don't have apple cider, you can use apple juice or a mixture of apple juice and a splash of vinegar for a similar flavor. Alternatively, some prefer using a light beer or even white wine, which will change the flavor but still create a delicious stew.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the stew up to the point of adding the vegetables and then refrigerate it overnight. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove and add the vegetables, cooking until tender. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and can save time on busy days.
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).