Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is hearty, comforting, and perfect for cooler weather. It uses simple ingredients, fills the kitchen with cozy aromas, and delivers a balanced mix of savory richness and gentle autumn sweetness. It is ideal for family meals and leftovers.
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Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash: A Cozy, Comforting Dish Perfect for Crisp Autumn Days
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A cozy fall-inspired stew made with tender meat and vegetables simmered in apple cider, served over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting seasonal meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup apple cider (not vinegar)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add beef and brown on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Return beef to the pot and pour in apple cider and beef broth.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 1.5–2 hours until beef is tender.
- Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and mash with butter and milk until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning on stew and mash as needed.
- Serve the apple cider stew over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor.
- The stew tastes even better the next day.
- You can substitute beef with chicken thighs if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Stewing beef or lamb
Provides tender, rich protein that becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft when slow-cooked.
Apple cider
Adds subtle sweetness and seasonal depth to the stew base.
Onion
Builds a savory foundation and enhances overall flavor.
Carrots
Add sweetness, color, and hearty texture.
Celery
Balances the stew with mild, aromatic freshness.
Garlic
Infuses the dish with savory warmth.
Tomato paste
Adds richness and depth to the stew sauce.
Beef or vegetable broth
Creates a flavorful liquid base for slow simmering.
Thyme
Adds earthy, herbaceous notes that pair well with apple cider.
Bay leaves
Enhance the stew with gentle aromatic depth.
Salt
Balances and enhances all flavors.
Black pepper
Adds mild warmth and seasoning.
Potatoes
Form the creamy, comforting mashed base.
Butter
Adds richness and smooth texture to the mash.
Milk or cream
Creates fluffy, velvety mashed potatoes.
Directions
Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Brown the stewing meat until well-seared, then remove and set aside. In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring briefly to deepen flavor.
Return the meat to the pot and pour in apple cider and broth. Add thyme, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook slowly until the meat is tender and the stew thickens into a rich sauce.
While the stew cooks, prepare the mashed potatoes. Boil peeled potatoes until fork-tender, then drain. Mash with butter and milk or cream until smooth and fluffy. Season lightly with salt.
To serve, spoon generous portions of mash onto plates and top with the warm apple cider stew. Allow the sauce to soak into the potatoes before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Large pot or Dutch oven
Medium pot for potatoes
Potato masher
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon
Servings and timing
Serves 4–6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total time: about 2 hours
Storage/reheating
Store stew and mash separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed. This dish freezes well, especially the stew portion.
Variations and Customizations
Chicken Apple Cider Stew Mash
Use chicken thighs for a lighter but comforting version.
Vegetarian Fall Stew
Replace meat with mushrooms and root vegetables.
Sweet Potato Mash Base
Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes for extra autumn flavor.
Extra Herb Version
Add rosemary or sage for deeper seasonal aroma.
Creamy Stew Finish
Stir in a splash of cream before serving.
Cider Mustard Stew
Add a spoon of whole-grain mustard for tang.
Slow Cooker Method
Cook stew on low for 6–8 hours.
Spiced Autumn Stew
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Garlic Mash Upgrade
Roast garlic and mash it into the potatoes.
Rustic Style
Serve stew directly mixed into the mash for a shepherd’s pie feel.
FAQs
Does the apple cider make the stew sweet?
No, it adds depth and warmth rather than sweetness.
Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Apple cider is preferred for richer flavor, but juice works if needed.
What meat works best?
Beef chuck or lamb shoulder are ideal for slow cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and comforting.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, especially the stew portion.
What potatoes are best for mash?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well.
Can I add other vegetables?
Parsnips, turnips, or peas are great additions.
How thick should the stew be?
Rich and spoonable, not soupy.
What pairs well with this dish?
Crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Conclusion
Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash is the ultimate comfort food for the autumn season, combining tender slow-cooked stew with creamy mashed potatoes and a subtle hint of apple cider warmth. Hearty, nourishing, and full of seasonal flavor, it is perfect for cozy family dinners and make-ahead meals. This dish captures everything comforting about fall in one satisfying plate.
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