Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash

Featured in: Comfort Food

This comforting autumn dish features savory beef slowly braised in fresh apple cider and beef broth, infused with carrot and onion sweetness. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes blended with sharp cheddar and chives, it offers a delightful balance of rich flavors and smooth textures. Perfect for warming up cold evenings, the beef is seared for depth, then baked until fork-tender while the potatoes are whipped creamy with dairy and fresh herbs. Serve with a splash of apple cider or a light red wine for a complete hearty meal.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:24:00 GMT
Tender chunks of the Fall Apple Cider Beef Stew sit atop fluffy, cheesy mashed potatoes. Save
Tender chunks of the Fall Apple Cider Beef Stew sit atop fluffy, cheesy mashed potatoes. | berrycottage.com

A cozy autumn dish featuring cider-braised beef stew served over creamy cheddar mashed potatoes with fresh chives—comfort food perfect for chilly evenings.

This recipe has become a fall favorite in my household, warming us up on chilly evenings with its rich flavors and creamy texture.

Ingredients

  • Stew: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons butter, 340 grams (3/4 pound) top sirloin cut into cubes, salt to taste, black pepper to taste, 2 cups apple cider (preferably freshly pressed), 1/2 cup beef broth, 1 large onion chopped, 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • Mashed Potatoes: 6 large potatoes peeled, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded, 3 tablespoons chives finely chopped, salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and black pepper then add to the hot pan. Sear until browned on all sides about 6 8 minutes.
Step 3:
Add chopped onion and carrots to the skillet with the beef. Sauté stirring occasionally until onions are translucent and carrots are starting to soften about 4 5 minutes.
Step 4:
Sprinkle flour over the beef and vegetables stirring well to coat. Cook for 1 2 minutes.
Step 5:
Pour in apple cider and beef broth scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 6:
Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe Dutch oven or casserole dish. Cover tightly and bake in the preheated oven until beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened 60 90 minutes.
Step 7:
Meanwhile place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender about 20 25 minutes. Drain well and return potatoes to the pot.
Step 8:
Mash the potatoes with milk sour cream shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives until smooth and creamy. Season with salt as needed.
Step 9:
To serve spoon mashed potatoes onto plates and generously top with apple cider beef stew. Garnish with extra chives if desired.
A close-up of a warm bowl of Fall Apple Cider Stew shows savory beef and vegetables. Save
A close-up of a warm bowl of Fall Apple Cider Stew shows savory beef and vegetables. | berrycottage.com

This recipe always brings the family together and creates fond memories around the dinner table every fall.

Required Tools

Large skillet, oven-safe Dutch oven or casserole dish, large pot, potato masher, cutting board and knife, measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter milk sour cream cheddar cheese). Contains gluten (flour). Contains beef. If uncertain about ingredient sources always check product labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 525, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 32 g per serving

This hearty Fall Apple Cider Stew is a comforting dish, perfect for a cold evening's dinner. Save
This hearty Fall Apple Cider Stew is a comforting dish, perfect for a cold evening's dinner. | berrycottage.com

Savor this comforting stew on a crisp autumn night—it's sure to become a beloved seasonal tradition.

Recipe FAQ

What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Top sirloin cubed is ideal for slow braising, providing tenderness and rich flavor.

Can I use a different type of potato for the mash?

Yes, Yukon Golds can be substituted for a creamier, buttery mash texture.

How does apple cider affect the flavor?

Fresh apple cider adds a subtle sweetness and tang that complements the savory beef and vegetables.

Is there a way to make it gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour in the stew with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.

What side beverage pairs well with this meal?

A dry hard cider or medium-bodied red wine complements the hearty flavors beautifully.

Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash

Tender cider-braised beef served on creamy cheddar mashed potatoes garnished with fresh chives.

Prep duration
30 min
Cook duration
90 min
Complete duration
120 min
Created by Lily Anderson


Complexity Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Stew

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 2 tablespoons butter
03 3/4 pound top sirloin, cut into cubes
04 Salt, to taste
05 Black pepper, to taste
06 2 cups apple cider, preferably freshly pressed
07 1/2 cup beef broth
08 1 large onion, chopped
09 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
10 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Mashed Potatoes

01 6 large potatoes, peeled
02 1/4 cup milk
03 1/4 cup sour cream
04 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
05 3 tablespoons chives, finely chopped
06 Salt, to taste

Directions

Direction 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Direction 02

Sear beef: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and black pepper, then sear until browned on all sides, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.

Direction 03

Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onion and carrots to the skillet with the beef. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and carrots soften, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Direction 04

Incorporate flour: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the beef and vegetables, stirring constantly to coat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

Direction 05

Add liquids and deglaze: Pour in apple cider and beef broth, scraping browned bits from the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Direction 06

Bake stew: Transfer contents to an oven-safe Dutch oven or casserole dish. Cover tightly and bake at 375°F for 60 to 90 minutes until beef is fork-tender and sauce thickens.

Direction 07

Cook potatoes: Place peeled potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Drain thoroughly.

Direction 08

Prepare mashed potatoes: Mash potatoes with milk, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.

Direction 09

Plate and serve: Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates and top generously with apple cider beef stew. Garnish with additional chives if desired.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet
  • Oven-safe Dutch oven or casserole dish
  • Large pot
  • Potato masher
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if you have concerns.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk, sour cream, cheddar cheese).
  • Contains gluten (all-purpose flour).
  • Contains beef.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 525
  • Fats: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 32 g