Ingredients
Stew
- 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
- 1 tablespoon 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for slow cooking the stew later on.
- Brown the Beef: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sirloin cubes with salt and pepper and add them to the hot pan. Brown the beef on all sides for about 6-8 minutes to develop rich flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion and carrots with the beef and cook them together for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Thicken Stew Base: Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetables, stirring continuously to coat and cook the flour for 1-2 minutes, which helps thicken the stew later.
- Add Liquids and Boil: Pour in the apple cider and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil on the stovetop.
- Oven Cook Stew: Transfer the skillet contents to an oven-safe pan if needed, cover it, and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for 1 to 1 ½ hours until the beef is tender and flavors meld beautifully.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the stew cooks, peel and cut the potatoes, then boil them in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and return them to the pot.
- Mash and Mix: Mash the cooked potatoes thoroughly and stir in milk, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped chives until creamy and smooth.
- Serve: Spoon the rich apple cider beef stew over a generous bed of creamy mashed potatoes and enjoy your hearty, comforting fall meal.
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider for the best natural fall sweetness and flavor.
- Be sure to brown the beef well to maximize flavor depth in the stew.
- Cover the stew while oven cooking to retain moisture and tenderness.
- You can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture in the mashed potatoes.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, increase the flour to 2 tablespoons.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food, Fall