Apple Cider Stew Mash

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This Apple Cider Stew Mash features tender beef simmered in spiced cider and served over mashed potatoes for a cozy fall dinner.

Apple Cider Stew Mash is a cozy, rustic fall and winter dish that combines tender beef stew simmered in spiced apple cider with buttery mashed potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food, savory, slightly sweet, and rich in seasonal flavors. The cider adds a gentle apple tang that enhances the stew’s depth, while the mash brings smooth, creamy balance. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or planning a holiday dinner, this one-dish wonder delivers warm satisfaction with every spoonful.

Ingredients

For the Apple Cider Stew:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds beef stew meat, cubed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cups apple cider (non-alcoholic)
  • 1½ cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper. Sear in batches until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.

Step 2: In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, cinnamon, and bay leaf. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

Step 4: Return beef to the pot. Pour in apple cider and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1½ to 2 hours until beef is fork-tender.

Step 5: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, remove the bay leaf. Mix cornstarch and water into a slurry and stir it into the stew to thicken.

Step 6: Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.

Step 7: Serve the stew ladled over a bed of mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Variations

  • Use pork shoulder instead of beef for a sweeter stew profile
  • Swap apple cider for hard cider to add complexity
  • Add diced apples to the stew during the last 20 minutes
  • Use sweet potatoes in place of white potatoes for the mash
  • Add a dash of smoked paprika for deeper warmth

Cooking Notes

  • Use a Dutch oven or slow cooker for best flavor development
  • Apple cider should be pure, unfiltered, not apple juice
  • Browning the meat first adds rich depth to the dish
  • If stew thickens too much, stir in extra broth
  • Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve in shallow bowls for a rustic presentation
  • Add crusty sourdough or cornbread on the side
  • Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed greens
  • Garnish with cracked pepper and fresh thyme
  • Serve with a warm apple cider drink or dry red wine

Tips

  • Let the stew simmer low and slow for best tenderness
  • Keep mashed potatoes warm in a covered dish before serving
  • Make the stew a day ahead, it gets better with time
  • Freeze leftovers in airtight containers up to 3 months
  • Mash potatoes with sour cream for extra richness

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – serves 6)

Calories: 465
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 9g

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?

  • Yes, but the texture will be more like a skillet dish than a stew. Cubed stew meat is best for braising.

Does this recipe work in a slow cooker?

  • Absolutely. Sear the meat and vegetables, then transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead?

  • Yes, make them the day before and reheat with a splash of milk and a pat of butter.

Is there alcohol in apple cider?

  • No. Be sure to use non-alcoholic apple cider. If using hard cider, the alcohol cooks off but adds a different flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

Apple Cider Stew Mash is the ultimate fusion of fall flavors and homestyle comfort. The savory beef stew, enhanced with the sweetness of apple cider and hearty vegetables, pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes to deliver a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs meal. Ideal for chilly evenings or holiday feasts, this dish brings warmth and nourishment to the table. Make it ahead, serve it fresh, or enjoy the leftovers, either way, it’s a recipe that celebrates the best of the season.

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