Fall Apple Cider Stew over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
A comforting fall-inspired stew featuring tender top sirloin cubes simmered in apple cider and beef broth with onions and carrots, served over creamy mashed potatoes enriched with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and fresh chives. This hearty dish combines savory and subtly sweet flavors perfect for cozy autumn nights.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stew
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Stew Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 3/4 lb top sirloin cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
Mashed Potatoes
- 6 large potatoes
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 Tablespoons chives, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the top sirloin cubes with salt and pepper, then add to the hot skillet. Brown the beef on all sides, about 6-8 minutes, to develop a rich sear.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and carrots to the skillet with the beef. Cook together for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Thicken and Add Liquids: Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Then pour in the apple cider and beef broth, stirring and bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Oven Cook Stew: Transfer the skillet contents to an oven-safe pan if your skillet is not oven-safe. Cover the pan tightly and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for 1 to 1½ hours until the beef is tender and the flavors meld.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the stew cooks, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain thoroughly and return potatoes to the pot.
- Mash Potatoes with Add-ins: Mash the hot potatoes while gradually adding milk, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives. Mix until creamy and smooth with melted cheese incorporated.
- Serve: Spoon the rich apple cider beef stew over a bed of cheesy mashed potatoes and garnish with additional chives if desired. Enjoy warm for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the top sirloin with chuck for a more tender stew, though it may require longer cooking time.
- For a thicker stew, increase the flour to 3 teaspoons or add a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of cooking.
- Use homemade or low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be thickened by simmering uncovered on the stove.
- For a dairy-free mashed potato, omit the cheese and sour cream, replacing milk with a plant-based alternative.
Keywords: apple cider stew, beef stew, mashed potatoes, fall recipe, comfort food, seasonal stew, cheddar mashed potatoes