Fall Apple Cider Stew

Featured in: Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This comforting autumn dish showcases top sirloin braised gently in apple cider and beef broth until fork-tender. Onions and carrots add natural sweetness, while the rich sauce thickens with a light flour coating. Served atop creamy mashed potatoes blended with sharp cheddar and fresh chives, it offers a perfect balance of flavors for chilly evenings. Ideal for a cozy main course, this hearty blend combines smooth textures with savory depth, inviting you to enjoy seasonal warmth in every bite.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:34:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash, creamy potatoes topped with savory beef and vibrant chives. Save
Steaming bowl of Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash, creamy potatoes topped with savory beef and vibrant chives. | toastybloom.com

A cozy autumn dish featuring cider-braised beef stew served over creamy cheddar mashed potatoes with fresh chives—comfort food perfect for chilly evenings.

I first served this fall apple cider stew mash to my family and it quickly became a favorite for chilly autumn nights.

Ingredients

  • Stew: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons butter, 340 grams (3/4 pound) top sirloin cut into cubes, salt to taste, black pepper to taste, 2 cups apple cider (preferably freshly pressed), 1/2 cup beef broth, 1 large onion chopped, 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • Mashed Potatoes: 6 large potatoes peeled, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded, 3 tablespoons chives finely chopped, salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and black pepper then add to the hot pan. Sear until browned on all sides about 6 8 minutes.
Step 3:
Add chopped onion and carrots to the skillet with the beef. Sauté stirring occasionally until onions are translucent and carrots are starting to soften about 4 5 minutes.
Step 4:
Sprinkle flour over the beef and vegetables stirring well to coat. Cook for 1 2 minutes.
Step 5:
Pour in apple cider and beef broth scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 6:
Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe Dutch oven or casserole dish. Cover tightly and bake in the preheated oven until beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened 60 90 minutes.
Step 7:
Meanwhile place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender about 20 25 minutes. Drain well and return potatoes to the pot.
Step 8:
Mash the potatoes with milk sour cream shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives until smooth and creamy. Season with salt as needed.
Step 9:
To serve spoon mashed potatoes onto plates and generously top with apple cider beef stew. Garnish with extra chives if desired.
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This recipe brings my family together every fall around the dinner table sharing warmth and stories.

Notes

Substitute Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier mash. To make this dish gluten-free use a gluten-free flour blend in the stew. Pairs beautifully with a dry hard cider or a medium-bodied red wine.

Required Tools

Large skillet, Oven-safe Dutch oven or casserole dish, Large pot, Potato masher, Cutting board and knife, Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter milk sour cream cheddar cheese). Contains gluten (flour). Contains beef. If uncertain about ingredient sources always check product labels for hidden allergens.

Fork-tender Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash presented, showcasing the richness with a rustic appeal in a warm light. Save
Fork-tender Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash presented, showcasing the richness with a rustic appeal in a warm light. | toastybloom.com

This stew is perfect for making ahead and leftovers taste even better the next day.

Recipe FAQs

What cut of beef is best for this dish?

Top sirloin cut into cubes is ideal for tender, flavorful results.

Can I use a different type of apple cider?

Freshly pressed apple cider enhances flavor, but store-bought varieties work well too.

How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?

Using Yukon Gold potatoes and adding sour cream and cheddar creates a smooth, creamy texture.

What is the recommended cooking time for the stew?

Bake covered in the oven for 60–90 minutes until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce thickens.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.

What sides pair well with this main dish?

It pairs beautifully with a dry hard cider or a medium-bodied red wine to complement the flavors.

Fall Apple Cider Stew

Tender beef braised in apple cider served over creamy cheddar mashed potatoes with chives.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Time for Cooking
90 minutes
Complete Time
120 minutes
Recipe Creator Grace Miller

Recipe Group Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Servings Made 4 Portion Count

Dietary Notes None specified

What You Need

Stew

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 3/4 pound top sirloin, cut into cubes
04 Salt, to taste
05 Black pepper, to taste
06 2 cups apple cider, preferably freshly pressed
07 1/2 cup beef broth
08 1 large onion, chopped
09 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
10 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Mashed Potatoes

01 6 large potatoes, peeled
02 1/4 cup milk
03 1/4 cup sour cream
04 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
05 3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
06 Salt, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 02

Sear beef: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 03

Cook vegetables: Add chopped onion and carrots to the skillet. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and carrots begin to soften, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 04

Add flour: Sprinkle flour over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

Step 05

Add liquids and deglaze: Pour in apple cider and beef broth, scraping the pan to loosen browned bits. Bring to a boil.

Step 06

Bake stew: Transfer contents to an oven-safe Dutch oven or casserole dish. Cover and bake in the preheated oven until beef is fork-tender and sauce thickens, approximately 60 to 90 minutes.

Step 07

Cook potatoes: Place peeled potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Drain well.

Step 08

Prepare mashed potatoes: Return drained potatoes to the pot. Mash with milk, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and chopped chives until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.

Step 09

Serve: Plate mashed potatoes and top generously with apple cider beef stew. Garnish with additional chives as desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Oven-safe Dutch oven or casserole dish
  • Large pot
  • Potato masher
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Look over every item for allergens. If unsure, check with your healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk, sour cream, cheddar cheese).
  • Contains gluten (flour).
  • Contains beef.

Nutrition (per portion)

For guidance only: not a replacement for professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 525
  • Fats: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 32 g