Save A cozy autumn dish featuring cider-braised beef stew served over creamy cheddar mashed potatoes with fresh chives—comfort food perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- Stew: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons butter, 340 grams (3/4 pound) top sirloin cut into cubes, Salt to taste, Black pepper to taste, 2 cups apple cider (preferably freshly pressed), 1/2 cup beef broth, 1 large onion chopped, 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped, 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
- Mashed Potatoes: 6 large potatoes peeled, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded, 3 tablespoons chives finely chopped, Salt to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Season the beef with salt and black pepper then add to the hot pan. Sear until browned on all sides about 6 8 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Add chopped onion and carrots to the skillet with the beef. Sauté stirring occasionally until onions are translucent and carrots are starting to soften about 4 5 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle flour over the beef and vegetables stirring well to coat. Cook for 1 2 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Pour in apple cider and beef broth scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 6:
- Transfer the mixture to an oven safe Dutch oven or casserole dish. Cover tightly and bake in the preheated oven until beef is fork tender and the sauce has thickened 60 90 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Meanwhile place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender about 20 25 minutes. Drain well and return potatoes to the pot.
- Step 8:
- Mash the potatoes with milk sour cream shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives until smooth and creamy. Season with salt as needed.
- Step 9:
- To serve spoon mashed potatoes onto plates and generously top with apple cider beef stew. Garnish with extra chives if desired.
Save 
Save This fall apple cider stew is perfect for warming up chilly evenings and pairs wonderfully with a medium bodied red wine.
Cooking Questions
- → What type of beef works best for this dish?
Top sirloin cut into cubes is ideal for braising as it becomes tender while absorbing rich flavors.
- → Can I use a different kind of cider?
Freshly pressed apple cider adds the best flavor, but any unsweetened apple cider can be substituted.
- → How do I achieve creamy mashed potatoes?
Mash cooked potatoes with milk, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and chopped chives until smooth and velvety.
- → What can I do to thicken the stew sauce?
Sprinkling flour over sautéed vegetables and beef before adding liquids helps create a richer, thicker sauce.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to keep the sauce thick without gluten.
- → How can I enhance the flavors further?
Letting the stew rest after baking allows flavors to meld, resulting in a deeper, richer taste.