Fall Apple Cider Stew

Featured in: Hearty Dinners

This dish combines succulent beef braised in fresh apple cider with a rich broth, infused with aromatic carrots and onions. The beef is slow-cooked until tender, offering layers of deep autumnal flavors. Served over smooth mashed potatoes blended with sharp cheddar and fresh chives, it delivers comforting, creamy textures perfect for chilly evenings. Ideal for gatherings, the flavorful blend is both hearty and inviting.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 11:50:00 GMT
Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash: Tender beef stew over creamy mashed potatoes, sprinkled with fresh chives. Save It
Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash: Tender beef stew over creamy mashed potatoes, sprinkled with fresh chives. | sunnyspoonful.com

A cozy autumn dish featuring cider-braised beef stew served over creamy cheddar mashed potatoes with fresh chives—comfort food perfect for chilly evenings.

This dish is a family favorite during the fall months when fresh apple cider is available. I love how the flavors meld together to create a warm comforting meal.

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

Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
Brown beef:
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
Sauté vegetables:
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
Add flour:
Sprinkle flour over the beef and vegetables stirring well to coat. Cook for 1 2 minutes
Add liquids:
Pour in apple cider and beef broth scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil
Bake stew:
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
Cook potatoes:
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
Mash potatoes:
Mash the potatoes with milk sour cream shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives until smooth and creamy. Season with salt as needed
Serve:
To serve spoon mashed potatoes onto plates and generously top with apple cider beef stew. Garnish with extra chives if desired
Warm bowl of Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash with a deep, savory color next to fluffy potatoes. Save It
Warm bowl of Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash with a deep, savory color next to fluffy potatoes. | sunnyspoonful.com

This recipe creates wonderful family moments especially on chilly evenings when everyone gathers for a hearty meal together.

Required Tools

Large skillet, Oven-safe Dutch oven or casserole dish, Large pot, Potato masher, Cutting board and knife, Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter milk sour cream cheddar cheese). Contains gluten (flour). Contains beef. If uncertain about ingredient sources always check product labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories 525, Total Fat 23 g, Carbohydrates 50 g, Protein 32 g

Hearty Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash featuring flavorful beef in a rich apple cider reduction with cheddar mash. Save It
Hearty Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash featuring flavorful beef in a rich apple cider reduction with cheddar mash. | sunnyspoonful.com

This stew pairs beautifully with a dry hard cider or a medium-bodied red wine for the perfect fall meal.

Recipe FAQs

What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Top sirloin cubes are ideal as they hold up well during braising and become tender without falling apart.

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Yes, but freshly pressed cider provides a deeper, more authentic flavor and sweetness to the dish.

How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?

Using Yukon Gold potatoes and incorporating sour cream and cheddar cheese enhances creaminess and adds richness.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend when thickening the stew to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

What wine pairs well with these flavors?

A medium-bodied red wine or a dry hard cider complements the savory and sweet notes beautifully.

Fall Apple Cider Stew

Tender cider-braised beef atop creamy cheddar mashed potatoes with fresh chives for a cozy meal.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
90 mins
Total Duration
120 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Hearty Dinners

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Style American

Recipe Yield 4 Serving Size

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Stew

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 3/4 pound top sirloin, cut into cubes
04 Salt, to taste
05 Black pepper, to taste
06 2 cups apple cider, preferably freshly pressed
07 1/2 cup beef broth
08 1 large onion, chopped
09 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
10 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Mashed Potatoes

01 6 large potatoes, peeled
02 1/4 cup milk
03 1/4 cup sour cream
04 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
05 3 tablespoons chives, finely chopped
06 Salt, to taste

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for cooking the stew.

Step 02

Sear beef: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season sirloin cubes with salt and pepper, then sear until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 03

Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onion and carrots to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and carrots begin to soften, roughly 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 04

Incorporate flour: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the beef and vegetables, stirring constantly to coat evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

Step 05

Add liquids: Pour in the apple cider and beef broth, scraping the pan to loosen browned bits. Bring mixture to a boil.

Step 06

Bake stew: Transfer contents to an oven-safe Dutch oven or casserole dish, cover tightly, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 60 to 90 minutes, or until beef is fork-tender and sauce has thickened.

Step 07

Boil potatoes: Place peeled potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 20 to 25 minutes, then drain thoroughly.

Step 08

Mash potatoes: Return drained potatoes to the pot and mash with milk, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives until creamy and smooth. Season with salt as needed.

Step 09

Assemble and serve: Spoon mashed potatoes onto serving plates and top generously with the cider-braised beef stew. Optionally garnish with additional chives.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Oven-safe Dutch oven or casserole dish
  • Large pot
  • Potato masher
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk, sour cream, cheddar cheese).
  • Contains gluten (all-purpose flour).
  • Contains beef.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 525
  • Fats: 23 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 50 grams
  • Proteins: 32 grams