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Crockpot Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe

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4 from 57 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This comforting Crockpot Apple Cider Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for slow-cooked meals. Tender beef cubes are browned and combined with a colorful mix of vegetables and apples, simmered in a rich apple cider and beef broth base infused with fresh herbs. Finished with a simple flour slurry to thicken, this stew offers a delightful balance of savory and subtly sweet flavors, making it an ideal cozy dinner especially during cooler months.

Ingredients

Meat and Oil

  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 pounds Beef Stew Meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)

Vegetables and Fruit

  • 2 large Yellow Onions, diced
  • 3 ribs Celery, diced
  • 3-4 medium Carrots, diced
  • 1 pound Gold Potatoes, diced
  • 1 large Apple, peeled and diced
  • 5 cloves Garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 4 sprigs Fresh Thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried leaves)
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary (or 1-2 teaspoons dried, minced)
  • 2 Bay Leaves

Liquids

  • 3 cups Apple Cider (or juice)
  • 2 cups Beef Broth
  • 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar

Thickener

  • ⅓ cup All-Purpose Flour

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Brown the beef cubes on all sides until nicely seared. Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onions and celery. Sauté until they begin to soften and become fragrant. Then add them to the crockpot with the beef.
  3. Add Vegetables and Herbs: To the crockpot, add the diced carrots, potatoes, apple, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
  4. Pour in Liquids: Pour the apple cider, beef broth, and apple cider vinegar over the ingredients in the crockpot. Stir to evenly distribute the liquids and seasonings.
  5. Cook the Stew: Cover the crockpot and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 4-6 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables reach your preferred tenderness.
  6. Prepare Thickening Mixture: About 45 minutes before serving, in a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and some of the hot broth from the crockpot until smooth with no lumps.
  7. Thicken the Stew: Stir the flour and broth mixture back into the crockpot. Continue cooking the stew for the last 45 minutes to thicken and finish cooking.
  8. Final Seasoning and Serve: Before serving, stir the stew well, then taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, vinegar, or apple cider as desired. Serve hot with crusty bread, biscuits, or a crisp green salad.

Notes

  • The apple adds a subtle sweetness and texture contrast; use a firm variety like a Granny Smith or Golden Delicious for best results.
  • If you prefer a sweeter stew, use apple cider instead of juice for a richer flavor.
  • Adjust apple cider vinegar to taste; it brightens and balances the stew’s flavors.
  • Be sure to brown the beef well for deeper flavor development before slow cooking.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/crockpot-apple-cider-beef-stew-recipe/