Slow Cooker Apple Cider Beef Stew

 

This slow cooker Apple Cider Beef Stew is comfort food at its best. Tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions cook low and slow in apple cider and beef broth for a rich, hearty meal.

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The slow cooker does all the work, letting the flavors meld together over several hours. A small amount of the cooking liquid is whisked with flour and stirred back in near the end to thicken the broth without diluting the rich, apple-cider flavor.

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What You Need

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 cups apple cider
• 1 can (14.5 oz) reduced-sodium beef broth
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar
• ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper (or to taste)
• ½ tsp dried thyme or tarragon
• 2 tsp dried celery flakes
• 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes 
• 4 medium carrots, cut into ¾-inch pieces
• 2–3 medium onions, cut into wedges
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• Fresh thyme sprigs or tarragon, optional for garnish

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How to Make It

1. Add beef, apple cider, beef broth, cider vinegar, dried celery, salt, pepper, and dried thyme or tarragon to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Add the baby potatoes (halving larger ones), carrots, and onions. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beef and vegetables are tender.
3. 20–30 minutes before serving, ladle 1 to 1½ cups of hot liquid from the slow cooker into a bowl. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Pour the mixture back into the slow cooker and stir well.
4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes, or until the stew thickens to your desired consistency. Garnish with additional herbs if desired.

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Tips:

• Optional searing: Browning the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker adds extra flavor and color, but it is not required.

• Apple juice instead of cider? Apple cider gives deeper flavor, but apple juice works well too.

• Freezing: The stew can be frozen, though the potatoes may soften. Freeze in airtight containers and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

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I like to serve this Homemade Apple Cider Beef Stew with sweet potato biscuits. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a chilly evening. If you give it a try, be sure to leave a comment or a star rating on the recipe card.

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 cups apple cider
• 1 can (14.5 oz) reduced-sodium beef broth
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar
• ½ tsp salt and pepper (or to taste)
• ½ tsp dried thyme or tarragon
• 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes
• 4 medium carrots, cut into ¾-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons dried celery flakes
• 2 medium onions, cut into wedges
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening, if desired)
• Additional thyme or tarragon for garnish

Instructions

1. Add beef, apple cider, beef broth, cider vinegar, dried celery, salt, pepper, and dried thyme or tarragon to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Add the baby potatoes (halving larger ones), carrots, and onions. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beef and vegetables are tender.
3. 20–30 minutes before serving, ladle 1 to 1½ cups of hot liquid from the slow cooker into a bowl. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Pour the mixture back into the slow cooker and stir well.
4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes, or until the stew thickens to your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Adapted from: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-apple-cider-beef-stew/