Best 2 Homemade Cider Beef Stew Recipes

With its rich, hearty flavors and incredibly tender meat, homemade cider beef stew is a classic comfort food that's perfect for cold weather dining. Easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends, this traditional dish combines lean beef, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and spices with the slightly sweet tang of apple cider to create a delectable stew that's both flavorful and comforting.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested 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: Chuck roast, brisket, and short ribs are all good options for beef stew. These cuts are tough, but they become tender when cooked slowly in liquid.
Brown the beef before stewing: Browning the beef adds flavor and helps to thicken the stew.
Use a variety of vegetables: Carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes are all classic stew vegetables. But you can also add other vegetables, such as parsnips, turnips, or rutabagas.
Season the stew well: Beef stew should be flavorful, so don't be afraid to use plenty of salt and pepper. You can also add other spices, such as garlic, thyme, or rosemary.
Cook the stew slowly: Beef stew needs to simmer for at least 1 hour, and longer is better. This allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
Serve the stew with crusty bread or mashed potatoes: Beef stew is a hearty and filling meal. Serve it with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy.

Conclusion:

Beef stew is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious beef stew that your family and friends will love. So next time you're looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, give beef stew a try!