Description
A hearty and flavorful slow-cooker beef stew with tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and a touch of apple cider for a subtle sweetness. Perfect for cozy fall dinners.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 cups beef broth
1 cup apple cider
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the beef on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
4. Pour in beef broth and apple cider, stirring to combine.
5. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender.
6. Optional: mix flour with a little water to create a slurry and stir into stew to thicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Serve warm with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Notes
For extra flavor, brown the beef in batches.
Use fresh herbs if available for best aroma.
Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish, Slow Cooker, Fall Recipe
- Method: Slow-Cooked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Apple Cider Beef Stew, Slow Cooker Stew, Fall Comfort Food, Easy Beef Stew