Savory Apple Cider Beef Stew
Warm up your kitchen with this delicious and hearty Savory Apple Cider Beef Stew, where tender chunks of beef collide with a medley of vibrant vegetables and an elegant blend of apple cider and spices. This delightful stew not only offers a burst of flavor from the apple cider but is also enriched with the comforting taste of beef broth and hearty tomato sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or chilly evenings, this stew is sure to impress your loved ones and leave them craving seconds. Prepare this dish in your slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours, resulting in a rich, satisfying meal that's best enjoyed with crusty bread to soak up the savory goodness.
N/A
Servings
221
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen mixed vegetables
4 cups (about 24 oz) (thawed)
Sliced water chestnuts
1 (8 ounce) can (drained)
Sliced mushrooms
1 (4 1/2 ounce) jar (drained)
Dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon
Brown gravy mix
2 (8 ounce) envelopes
Onion soup mix
2 tablespoons
Steak seasoning
2 teaspoons
Ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon
Beef stew meat
2 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Beef broth
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can
Apple cider or unsweetened apple juice
1 1/4 cups
Tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can
Bay leaf
1
Cornstarch
3 tablespoons
Cold water
1/3 cup
Instructions
1
In a 5-quart slow cooker, add the thawed frozen vegetables, drained water chestnuts, drained mushrooms, and dried onion flakes. Mix well to combine.
2
In a large resealable plastic bag, mix the brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, steak seasoning, and ground cinnamon. Add the beef stew meat a few pieces at a time, shaking the bag to coat each piece thoroughly in the spice mixture.
3
Transfer the coated beef into the slow cooker, layering it over the vegetables.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, apple cider (or unsweetened apple juice), and tomato sauce until well combined. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
5
Add the bay leaf to the pot. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.
6
Once the stew is cooked, combine the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl, stirring until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the stew and cover. Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes, or until the stew thickens.
7
Before serving, be sure to remove and discard the bay leaf. Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
19g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Apple Cider Beef Stew?
It is a hearty slow cooker meal featuring tender beef cubes, mixed vegetables, and a savory broth flavored with apple cider, tomato sauce, and spices.
What kind of meat is used in this stew?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes.
Can I substitute apple cider with something else?
Yes, you can use unsweetened apple juice if apple cider is unavailable.
How long does this stew need to cook?
The stew should cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, plus an additional 15 minutes on high after adding the thickener.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 5-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
How do I thicken the beef stew?
Mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/3 cup of cold water, stir into the stew, and cook on high for 15 minutes.
What vegetables are included in the Savory Apple Cider Beef Stew?
The recipe uses 4 cups of frozen mixed vegetables, sliced water chestnuts, and sliced mushrooms.
Should I thaw the frozen vegetables before cooking?
Yes, the instructions specify using thawed frozen vegetables.
Do I need to brown the beef before putting it in the slow cooker?
No, the recipe instructs you to coat the raw beef in the spice mixture and place it directly into the slow cooker.
How do I coat the beef in the seasoning?
Place the gravy mix, soup mix, seasoning, and cinnamon in a large resealable plastic bag, add the beef a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat.
What spices are used to season the beef?
The seasoning includes brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, steak seasoning, and a hint of ground cinnamon.
Is there cinnamon in this beef stew?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is used to add a subtle warmth to the flavor profile.
What is the purpose of the bay leaf?
The bay leaf is added during the slow cooking process to enhance the depth of flavor in the broth.
Should I remove the bay leaf before eating?
Yes, you must remove and discard the bay leaf before serving the stew.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 221 calories.
What is the protein content of this stew?
This recipe provides 30g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 7g of fat per serving.
What are the carbohydrate levels for this recipe?
Each serving contains about 19g of carbohydrates.
Does this stew contain mushrooms?
Yes, it includes one 4 1/2 ounce jar of drained sliced mushrooms.
Why are water chestnuts used in this recipe?
Water chestnuts add a unique, crunchy texture to the otherwise tender stew ingredients.
What liquid base is used for the stew?
The base consists of beef broth, apple cider, and tomato sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for autumn?
Yes, the combination of beef, apple cider, and cinnamon makes it a perfect autumn or chilly-weather dish.
What should I serve with Savory Apple Cider Beef Stew?
It is best enjoyed with crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
Can I use dried onion flakes if I don't have fresh onions?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes.
Is there tomato in this recipe?
Yes, an 8 ounce can of tomato sauce is mixed into the broth.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 15 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is a hearty and flavorful meal designed to impress family gatherings.
Can I substitute the steak seasoning?
While the recipe calls for steak seasoning, you could use a mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder if needed.
How do I prepare the cornstarch slurry?
Stir 3 tablespoons of cornstarch into 1/3 cup of cold water until smooth before adding it to the pot.
What makes the beef tender in this recipe?
The long, slow cooking process on low heat for 6-7 hours ensures the beef becomes tender and falls apart easily.