Save A cozy autumn dish featuring cider-braised beef stew served over creamy cheddar mashed potatoes with fresh chives—comfort food perfect for chilly evenings.
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.
Save 
Save Pairs beautifully with a dry hard cider or a medium bodied red wine.
Recipe FAQ
- → What kind of beef works best for this stew?
Top sirloin cut into cubes is ideal due to its balance of tenderness and flavor when slow-braised in cider.
- → Can I substitute the apple cider with something else?
Freshly pressed apple cider enhances the dish's autumnal note, but a dry hard cider or a diluted apple juice can be used as alternatives.
- → How do I achieve creamy mashed potatoes with cheddar?
Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with milk, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese for a smooth, rich texture.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour in the stew with a gluten-free flour blend to maintain thickness without gluten.
- → What is a good beverage pairing for this dish?
A dry hard cider or medium-bodied red wine complements the rich flavors and enhances the autumnal experience.