Cozy Apple Cider Beef Stew Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and hearty winter meal? Look no further than this Cozy Apple Cider Beef Stew recipe. Made with tender beef, root vegetables, and a generous pour of apple cider, this stew will warm you up from the inside out. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make it!

Ingredients

To make this Cozy Apple Cider Beef Stew, you will need:

– 2 pounds beef stew meat
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 4 parsnips, peeled and chopped
– 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and chopped
– 2 cups sweet potato, peeled and chopped
– 2 cups apple cider
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Once browned, remove from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the carrots, parsnips, butternut squash, and sweet potato. Stir to combine.
5. Add the browned beef cubes back into the pot.
6. Pour in the apple cider and beef broth. Stir to combine.
7. Add the bay leaves and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes and Serving Suggestions

This Cozy Apple Cider Beef Stew is a great dish to make in advance and reheat for dinner throughout the week. It can also be frozen for later use.

For a heartier meal, serve the stew on a bed of mashed potatoes or with a slice of crusty bread. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Variations

There are a few variations you can make to this Cozy Apple Cider Beef Stew to suit your taste preferences:

– Swap out the beef for chicken or pork.
– Add in other root vegetables such as turnips or celery root.
– For a smoky flavor, add in a few slices of cooked bacon to the pot.
– For a spicier stew, add in a diced jalapeño pepper or red pepper flakes to the pot.

The Benefits of Apple Cider

In addition to adding delicious flavor to this Cozy Apple Cider Beef Stew, apple cider also offers several health benefits.

Apple cider is high in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from harmful free radicals. It is also rich in acetic acid, which has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve heart health.

Apple cider vinegar has also been found to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a natural remedy for various health issues.

Conclusion

The Cozy Apple Cider Beef Stew recipe is a hearty and delicious winter meal that is perfect for warming up on a cold day. With its tender beef cubes, root vegetables, and delicious apple cider broth, it is sure to become a family favorite. Try making it this week and enjoy!