Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mind-blowing Slow Cooker Apple Cider Beef Stew! Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef cubes swimming in a rich, slightly sweet apple cider broth, surrounded by perfectly cooked vegetables that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This isn't just another stew - it's a warm hug in a bowl that promises to become your new cold-weather obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 4 cups apple cider
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the beef by patting the chuck roast cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. This step helps seal in the meat's juices and adds rich caramelized flavor to the stew.
- Transfer the browned beef cubes to the slow cooker insert, creating an even layer at the bottom.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly translucent. Deglaze the pan with a splash of apple cider to capture all the flavorful browned bits.
- Add the chopped carrots and diced potatoes on top of the beef in the slow cooker.
- Pour the apple cider over the meat and vegetables, ensuring everything is mostly covered. Sprinkle dried thyme evenly across the surface.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 7-8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
- After cooking, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The stew should have a rich, slightly sweet flavor from the apple cider.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mix of meat, vegetables, and broth. Optionally, garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley.
Tips
- Pat the beef dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in maximum flavor.
- Take time to brown the meat in batches - this extra step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors.
- Use fresh, high-quality apple cider for the best taste. Avoid overly sweet varieties.
- Don't rush the cooking process. The slow, low heat is what makes the beef incredibly tender.
- If the stew seems too thin at the end, you can create a quick slurry with cornstarch and water to thicken it.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of apple brandy or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.
- This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
