Description
A cozy fall-inspired dish featuring tender beef and vegetables simmered in spiced apple cider, served over creamy mashed potatoes for the perfect comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 2 cups apple cider (not vinegar)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 3 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown beef on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Add diced onion and carrots to the pot and cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic.
- Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
- Return beef to the pot. Pour in apple cider and beef broth.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1.5–2 hours, until beef is tender.
- Meanwhile, boil potatoes until soft. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Remove bay leaves from the stew. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve apple cider stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For thicker stew, remove the lid in the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Add parsnips or sweet potatoes for extra fall flavor.
- Use hard cider for a more savory, adult version.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American