Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash

Featured in: Classic Comfort Foods

This comforting fall dish features tender beef braised slowly in apple cider and broth, offering rich, seasonal flavors. It’s served atop creamy mashed potatoes blended with sharp cheddar and fresh chives, balancing hearty and smooth textures. The warm spices and fresh ingredients create a satisfying plate ideal for cool evenings. With simple preparation and oven-baked tenderness, this dish showcases the best of autumn’s bounty in every bite.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 11:17:00 GMT
Tender apple cider beef stew ladled over creamy cheddar mashed potatoes, a comforting dinner. Save to Pinterest
Tender apple cider beef stew ladled over creamy cheddar mashed potatoes, a comforting dinner. | krispyrecipes.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 comforting stew brings warmth to any chilly night and has become a favorite in my family for fall dinners.

Ingredients

  • 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
  • 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

Preheat:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sear Beef:
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.
Sauté Vegetables:
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.
Add Flour:
Sprinkle flour over the beef and vegetables, stirring well to coat. Cook for 1 2 minutes.
Add Liquids:
Pour in apple cider and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Bake Stew:
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.
Cook Potatoes:
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.
Mash Potatoes:
Mash the potatoes with milk, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives until smooth and creamy. Season with salt as needed.
Serve:
To serve, spoon mashed potatoes onto plates and generously top with apple cider beef stew. Garnish with extra chives if desired.
Hearty fall apple cider stew with fork-tender beef and a side of creamy mashed potatoes. Save to Pinterest
Hearty fall apple cider stew with fork-tender beef and a side of creamy mashed potatoes. | krispyrecipes.com

Sharing this stew with my family during cool evenings warms both our bodies and hearts.

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) and gluten (flour). Contains beef. Check product labels to avoid hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

A close-up view of the delicious apple cider stew, ready with fresh chives to serve. Save to Pinterest
A close-up view of the delicious apple cider stew, ready with fresh chives to serve. | krispyrecipes.com

This fall apple cider stew is the perfect dish to cozy up with and enjoy all season long.

Common Recipe Questions

What type of beef works best for the stew?

Top sirloin cut into cubes is ideal, as it becomes tender and flavorful after braising in the cider and broth.

Can I substitute the apple cider with something else?

Freshly pressed apple cider adds a unique sweetness and depth, but dry hard cider or a mild apple juice can be alternatives.

How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?

Using a combination of milk, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a rich and smooth texture in the mashed potatoes.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend when coating the beef and vegetables.

What wine pairing complements this dish?

A medium-bodied red wine or a dry hard cider pairs beautifully, enhancing the dish's autumn flavors.

Should the stew rest before serving?

Allowing the stew to rest 10 minutes after baking deepens the flavors and makes it easier to serve.

Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash

Comforting autumn stew with cider-infused beef and creamy cheddar mashed potatoes topped with fresh chives.

Prep Duration
30 minutes
Cooking Duration
90 minutes
Overall Time
120 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Classic Comfort Foods

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Total Portions 4 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations None specified

What You’ll Need

Stew

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 3/4 pound top sirloin, cut into cubes
04 Salt, to taste
05 Black pepper, to taste
06 2 cups fresh apple cider
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

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle flour over the beef and vegetables, stirring thoroughly to coat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

Step 05

Add Liquids and Boil: Pour in apple cider and beef broth, scraping the pan to release browned bits. Bring mixture to a boil.

Step 06

Bake Stew: Transfer contents to an oven-safe Dutch oven or casserole. Cover tightly and bake until beef is fork-tender and sauce thickens, approximately 60 to 90 minutes.

Step 07

Cook Potatoes: Place peeled potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 20 to 25 minutes. Drain well.

Step 08

Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Return drained potatoes to pot and mash until smooth. Incorporate milk, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and chopped chives. Season with salt to taste.

Step 09

Serve Dish: Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates and ladle the apple cider-braised beef stew on top. Garnish with additional chives if desired.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk, sour cream, cheddar cheese)
  • Contains gluten (all-purpose flour)
  • Contains beef

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 525
  • Total Fat: 23 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 50 grams
  • Protein Content: 32 grams