Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fall apple cider stew with mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort dish — rich, savory, and perfectly kissed with the sweetness of apple cider. Tender chunks of beef (or pork) simmer in a flavorful broth with carrots, onions, and herbs until melt-in-your-mouth tender, then served over creamy mashed potatoes. The apple cider adds a unique depth — slightly sweet, tangy, and aromatic — that turns a classic stew into something truly special. I made this once on a rainy October evening, and the house smelled incredible for hours. It’s hearty enough for a family dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining. This dish captures everything we love about fall: warmth, comfort, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Fall Apple Cider Stew with Mashed Potatoes: Cozy, Hearty, and Full of Autumn Flavor
- Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash is a cozy, harvest-inspired dish that combines tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich apple cider gravy with a side of buttery mashed potatoes. The cider adds a subtle sweetness and depth, making this stew mash a perfect comfort meal for cool autumn nights.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
- 2 tbsp butter
- For the mashed potatoes: 2 lbs potatoes (peeled and cubed), 1/2 cup milk, 2 tbsp butter, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle in flour and stir to coat the vegetables.
- Pour in apple cider and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Return the beef to the pot and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Meanwhile, prepare the mashed potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes, until fork tender. Drain, then mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Serve the apple cider stew over a bed of mashed potatoes, spooning extra sauce on top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For a hint of sweetness, add diced apples to the stew during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
- You can make the stew ahead of time — it tastes even better the next day.
- Use sweet potatoes for a fall twist on the mash.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braise
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef stew meat or pork shoulder — Slow-cooked until fork-tender, forming the base of the stew.
Olive oil or butter — For browning the meat and developing deep flavor.
Onions — Add sweetness and body to the stew.
Garlic — Brings warmth and aromatic depth.
Carrots and parsnips — Add earthy sweetness that complements the apple cider.
Celery — For texture and balance.
Apple cider — The star ingredient, providing a subtle sweetness and autumnal aroma.
Beef or chicken broth — Deepens the flavor and creates a rich stew base.
Tomato paste — Adds umami and color.
Fresh thyme and rosemary — Infuse the stew with savory herbal notes.
Bay leaves — For classic stew aroma and flavor.
Salt and black pepper — To season and balance the sweetness.
Cornstarch or flour (optional) — For thickening the stew to a velvety consistency.
Mashed potatoes — Creamy and buttery, the perfect base for soaking up the stew’s flavorful gravy.
Directions
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, and parsnips. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize slightly.
Pour in apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and the browned meat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, prepare creamy mashed potatoes. Spoon generous portions of mashed potatoes into bowls and ladle the apple cider stew over top. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6. Preparation takes 20 minutes, cooking about 2 hours. Total time: approximately 2 hours 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cider if needed. You can also freeze the stew (without the potatoes) for up to 3 months. The flavors deepen beautifully after a day or two, making it even better as leftovers.
Variations and Customizations
Pork and Apple Stew — Substitute beef with pork shoulder for a sweeter flavor.
Chicken Cider Stew — Use boneless chicken thighs for a lighter version.
Spiced Cider — Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice for extra fall warmth.
Cider-Bacon Stew — Add crispy bacon pieces for smoky depth.
Vegetarian Option — Use hearty mushrooms, potatoes, and lentils in place of meat.
Hard Cider Twist — Replace some of the apple cider with hard cider for a richer taste.
Cranberry Addition — Add a handful of dried cranberries for tart contrast.
Creamy Cider Gravy — Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a luxurious finish.
Maple Infusion — Add a tablespoon of pure maple syrup for a sweet, woodsy touch.
Root Vegetable Medley — Include turnips, rutabagas, or sweet potatoes for variety.
FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, sear the meat first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Can I use hard apple cider instead of regular?
Absolutely — it adds depth and a slight tang to the flavor.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer uncovered near the end or use a cornstarch slurry.
What kind of apples work best if I add some?
Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold their shape and add tartness.
Can I skip the tomato paste?
You can, but it adds a nice richness and helps balance the sweetness.
What’s the best way to reheat this stew?
Low and slow on the stovetop for the best texture and flavor.
Can I serve this without mashed potatoes?
Yes, it’s also excellent over rice, egg noodles, or even polenta.
How do I keep the meat tender?
Cook it low and slow — that’s the secret to melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I make it ahead for a dinner party?
Yes, it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Conclusion
Fall apple cider stew with mashed potatoes is a dish that perfectly captures the essence of the season — hearty, comforting, and full of cozy flavor. The tender meat, caramelized vegetables, and sweet-savory cider gravy come together beautifully over buttery mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal. Whether for a family dinner, a festive gathering, or a quiet weekend treat, this stew delivers the warmth and richness that makes fall cooking so special. Once you try it, it’ll become a seasonal favorite you’ll look forward to every year.
Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share