Homemade Apple Cider Beef Stew – A Cozy, Comforting Fall Favorite

When the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, there’s nothing more comforting than a hearty bowl of Homemade Apple Cider Beef Stew. This rustic, soul-warming dish combines the richness of tender beef, the earthiness of root vegetables, and the sweet, tangy notes of fresh apple cider—creating the ultimate cozy meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving comfort food with a seasonal twist, this stew is the perfect answer. One pot, simple ingredients, and deep, robust flavor make this a must-have for your fall and winter recipe collection.

🧂 Ingredients for Apple Cider Beef Stew

For the Stew:

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
2–3 ribs celery, chopped
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled and diced
3 cups apple cider (unfiltered, not apple juice)
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water, for thickening (optional)
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

🍎 Pro Tip: Use unfiltered apple cider for a deeper, more robust apple flavor. Avoid apple juice—it’s too sweet and lacks the depth needed for this savory stew.

🍲 How to Make Homemade Apple Cider Beef Stew

1. Sear the Beef for Deep Flavor

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.

Pat the beef cubes dry and season with salt and pepper.
In batches, sear the beef until browned on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per batch.
Transfer to a plate and set aside.

🔥 Don’t skip this step! Browning the meat adds rich umami flavor to your stew.

2. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies

In the same pot, reduce heat to medium.

Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute more until fragrant.

3. Deglaze with Apple Cider

Pour in 1 cup of apple cider, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. This is where much of the flavor lives.

4. Add Remaining Ingredients

Return the beef to the pot. Add:

Remaining apple cider
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Potatoes, diced apples, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf

Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer uncovered for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors are well developed.

5. Thicken the Stew (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew:

Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water to make a slurry.
Stir into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking, and let it simmer until thickened.

6. Finish and Serve

Discard the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, alongside crusty bread, buttered biscuits, or mashed potatoes.

🥄 What Makes This Beef Stew So Special?

🍂 Seasonal Sweetness

The apple cider introduces a delicate sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the beef.

🥔 Hearty and Filling

Loaded with potatoes, carrots, and celery, this stew is a full meal in one pot.

🕰️ Slow-Simmered Goodness

Cooking low and slow allows the beef to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.

🔁 Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

Make-Ahead:

Apple cider beef stew tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead and let it sit overnight to enhance flavor.

Storage:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

Let the stew cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair your Homemade Apple Cider Beef Stew with:

Rustic bread or sourdough toast
Buttery mashed potatoes
Pumpkin cornbread
A crisp green salad with apple vinaigrette
A mug of warm spiced cider or red wine

🍷 Pairing Idea: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the richness of this stew beautifully.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! After searing the beef and sautéing veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Chuck roast is ideal for its marbling, but stew meat, brisket, or bottom round will also work.

Can I make it alcohol-free?

Absolutely. This recipe does not require alcohol. All the depth comes from cider, broth, herbs, and tomato paste.

What apples work best?

Use firm, slightly sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Avoid overly tart apples like Granny Smith for this savory dish.

🍁 Final Thoughts

This Homemade Apple Cider Beef Stew is the definition of comfort food with a seasonal twist. Perfectly suited for autumn gatherings, weeknight dinners, or simply warming up on a cold day, it’s a recipe that will earn its spot in your fall cooking rotation.

With bold, rich flavors, a hint of sweetness from the cider, and fork-tender beef, this stew is as nourishing as it is delicious.

Make a big batch — your future self will thank you.