Apple Cider Beef Stew (Slow Cooker Recipe) 🍎🥩🍂
Cozy, hearty, and full of autumn warmth, this Apple Cider Beef Stew combines tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and a subtly sweet apple cider-infused broth for a fall-inspired twist on a classic comfort dish. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s rich, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious — the ultimate cold-weather meal!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups apple cider (not vinegar)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
Instructions
Season beef cubes with salt, pepper, and flour until evenly coated. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and brown the beef on all sides for about 4–5 minutes. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.
Add carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, apple cider, and beef broth. Mix everything gently to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft. Thirty minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl, then stir it into the stew to thicken the broth. Cover and cook for the remaining time.
Remove the bay leaf and taste to adjust seasoning.
Tips for Success
- For richer flavor, use a mix of apple cider and a splash of dry red wine.
- Browning the beef before slow cooking adds depth to the stew.
- Granny Smith apples can be added in the last hour of cooking for extra tartness.
Serving Ideas
Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread, cornbread, or a side of buttered noodles. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top adds the perfect finishing touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: ~460 kcal | Protein: 38g | Carbs: 25g | Fat: 20g
Conclusion
The Apple Cider Beef Stew is pure fall comfort — slow-simmered, aromatic, and beautifully balanced between savory and sweet. Each spoonful captures the cozy essence of the season, making it the perfect meal to enjoy by the fire or serve at family dinners when you want something wholesome, hearty, and unforgettable.