Apple Cider Stew

Inspired by my mother-in-law, this is a warm, sweet, fall favorite! I make this for my husband and I, so half saved for another meal. We've found that it tastes even better the second day!

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 35 mins
• Total Time: 2 hr 5 mins
• Calories: 635 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 3 potatoes, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped (Optional)
• 2 ½ cups apple cider
• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
• ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme (Optional)
• 2 small Fuji apples - peeled, cored, and chopped
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine the beef stew meat with the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, the black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon thyme in a bowl; toss to coat evenly.

Step 2

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a pot; cook the stew meat in the hot oil until completely browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour the apple cider over the beef, reduce heat to medium low, and simmer the mixture until the beef is tender, about 1 hour.

Step 3

Add the carrots, potatoes, apples, onion, water, celery, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon thyme to the pot; continue cooking at a simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes more.