Description

Fall Apple Cider Beef Stew over Mashed Potatoes is a rich, hearty autumn dish featuring tender beef chuck simmered with aromatic spices and crisp apple cider, served atop creamy mashed potatoes. This comforting stew blends sweet, savory, and earthy flavors, making it perfect for chilly evenings and festive family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Broth

2 lbs Beef chuck roast, cut into 1–2 inch cubes
4 cups Beef broth

Vegetables

1 large Onion, chopped
3 cloves Garlic, minced
2 Carrots, chopped
2 Celery stalks, chopped
4 medium Potatoes, peeled and cubed (for mashing and stew)

Liquids and Thickeners

2 cups Fresh apple cider
2 tbsp Butter
2 tbsp All-purpose flour
1/4 cup Cream (for mashed potatoes)

Herbs and Seasonings

2 tsp Fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
2 Bay leaves
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/4 tsp Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional for warm fall twist)

Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef chuck roast into 1-2 inch cubes and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides, creating a rich caramelized crust that deepens the flavor.
Build the Flavor Base: Using the same pot, add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are fragrant and softened, forming a savory aromatic foundation for the stew.
Deglaze with Apple Cider: Pour in the apple cider and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift all browned bits. Let it simmer briefly to reduce slightly, marrying the apple’s sweet tang with the vegetables.
Combine and Simmer: Return the seared beef to the pot. Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, cinnamon or nutmeg (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 hours until the beef is tender and flavors meld beautifully.
Thicken the Stew: Mix flour and butter together to form a smooth paste (beurre manié). Stir this paste into the stew and cook uncovered for 10 minutes until thickened to a luscious consistency that will cling to the mashed potatoes.
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the stew simmers, boil peeled potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper to create a creamy, fluffy base that balances the richness of the stew.
Serve: Spoon the hot stew over a generous mound of creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for brightness and color.

Notes

Brown the beef well to develop deep, rich flavors.
Use fresh apple cider without preservatives for the best taste.
Simmer the stew low and slow for tender meat and fully melded flavors.
Season gradually and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the flavors.
Let the stew rest off heat for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor fusion.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl with mashed potatoes
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: Thirty-five g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: fall stew, apple cider beef stew, autumn recipes, mashed potatoes, hearty stew, comfort food, beef stew