Name: Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 40 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb. beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes; Salt and black pepper to taste; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large white onion, chopped; 4 medium white potatoes, peeled and chopped; 3 medium carrots, sliced; 2 celery ribs, chopped; Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 cups apple cider juice; 3 cups beef broth; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; 2 bay leaves

Ingredients

Beef

2 lb. beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 large white onion, chopped
4 medium white potatoes, peeled and chopped
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery ribs, chopped
Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Liquids & Seasonings

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups apple cider juice
3 cups beef broth
½ teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves

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Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef stew meat dry using paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
Sear the Beef: Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, searing all sides until nicely browned. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
Sauté Onions: Add the remaining olive oil to the pot and sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Deglaze and Thicken: Stir in the apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually pour in the apple cider juice and beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the dried thyme, bay leaves, and return the seared beef to the pot.
Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add Vegetables: Stir in the potatoes, carrots, and celery. Continue to simmer covered for another 30 to 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is cooked through.
Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Garnish the stew with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve warm alongside crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Notes

Cut vegetables into larger chunks to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
Searing the beef thoroughly locks in moisture and boosts flavor.
If apple cider is unavailable, natural apple juice without added sugars can be used as a substitute.

Author: Amelia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American