There is a certain scene in countless holiday movies. It is in a home perfectly decorated for the season. The table is set meticulously with fine china, seasonal linens, and mouth-watering food. People dressed in designer fashion are gathered around it looking polished and perfect. It is a scene of pure elegance that involves a whole lot of stress to make it happen in reality. However holiday entertaining does not have to be difficult, stressful, or in a perfect scene. It could be an easy, casual meal where the star of the show is cider beef stew. Simple and comforting is a hit every time.
A few relaxing moments can make someone's day. This is easily done by inviting them to a hearty homemade meal. You can make cider beef stew a day or so ahead and then all you have to do is re-heat it on the stove. Serve it with cornbread and perhaps spiced or spiked cider. All you have to do is use holiday bowls and plates to add a festive touch.
Beef is always a part of my holiday meals. I think it makes the meals extra special. The great thing is it doesn't have to be an expensive cut either. Inexpensive stew beef becomes so tender and flavorful after simmering for hours. For this stew, beef is simmered in apple cider, beef broth, and a load of vegetables including onion, celery, carrots, and potatoes. There's even an apple in it too.
Do you prefer formal or casual meals? I prefer casual for the majority of the time and yet I have to go all out for certain special occasions. No matter the scene or the time of day, beef can be a part of your gathering. Scroll down to see a list beef recipes for appetizers, breakfast or brunch, main dish, or potluck-style. My fellow Sunday Supper contributors are sharing ones for easy entertaining during the holidays and throughout the year. Also check out the Beef - Let's Celebrate Pinterest board for more beef recipes and inspiration.
More on The Beef Checkoff: You can follow them on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and their website.
Cider Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
- 2 onions sliced
- 1 celery rib sliced
- 2 ½ cups apple cider
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 4 carrots peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 medium-sized russet potatoes peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 Granny Smith apple peeled, cored, and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch optional
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over beef and toss to coat.
- Heat oil in a large (7-quart) Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches, add the beef to the pot and brown on all sides. Do not brown the beef all at once. Transfer browned beef to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and add onions and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions have softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add browned beef, cider, broth, and vinegar. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour.
- Add carrots and stir to combine. Cover and cook for 1 hour.
- Add potatoes, apple, and thyme. Stir to combine. Cover and cook until potatoes are tender, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
- For a thicker stew, dissolve cornstarch in 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in, a little at time, until desired consistency is reached, during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
Notes
Recipe adapted from one in the Better Homes and Gardens All-Time Favorite Beef Recipes cookbook published in 1977.
Are you ready for holiday entertaining? Take a look at these recipes with beef and see how easy it is to cook a special meal for your family and friends.
Appetizers
- Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon by MealDiva
- Chipotle Beef Taco Bites by Feed Me, Seymour
- Mini Beef Wellingtons by Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
- Pepper Steak in Wonton Cups by Flavor Mosaic
- Philly Cheesesteak Dip by Life Tastes Good
Brunch or Breakfast for a Crowd
- Beef Sausage, Egg and Cheese Roll Ups by Daily Dish Recipes
- Beef Tenderloin Benedict by Cindy's Recipes and Writings
- Chicken Fried Steak by kimchi MOM
- Potato Pancakes with Filet Mignon and Fried Eggs by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Steak and Egg Breakfast Braid by Curious Cuisiniere
Main Dish
- Awesome Avocado Steak Tacos by Cooking Chat
- Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Cider Beef Stew by Magnolia Days
- Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup by Shockingly Delicious
- Steak & Mushroom Pie by The Messy Baker
Potluck Style
- Beef and Bean Enchilada Bake by The Foodie Army Wife
- Braised Beef Ravioli by Family Foodie
- Mom's Lasagna by Alida's Kitchen
- Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs by Casa de Crews
- Skillet Steak Fajitas by Crazy Foodie Stunts
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It's easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The Beef Checkoff. All opinions are my own.
Renee, this looks so comforting and the dishes are beautiful! So festive!
This is for sure a stew that I would treasure, especially because of the addition of cider. Sounds and look comforting and I need food like that. Thanks for sharing Renee and I wish you and your family a sunny christmas. =)
I love the aroma of a stew cooking in the kitchen! We'd love yours on Christmas Eve---easy and delicious!!
Nothing like a comforting stew! Yummy!
This stew looks so hearty! I love a chunky stew!
Your stew is gorgeous, your table setting is gorgeous...I know the 6 trees you have in your house are gorgeous...you have it all going on for this meal!
Haha, for years I thought everyone's home looked so put together for the holidays, like in movies...until I started entertaining myself! You are SO right, Renee. This stew is perfect and I love the addition of cider - I've never used it in a stew, but I need to!
Renee, love this idea of making and elegant and delicious beef stew like this for the holidays! so easy and non-stressful, like you said!! We're grilling steaks this year for Christmas. . beef is always a part of our holiday meals too. I mainly prefer casual, but sometimes we like to get a little fancy. 😛 Happy holidays, Renee!
We are definitely casual around here - but we do eat our supper at the table like civilized people 😉 Your stew looks amazing!!!
Love this Renee! A hearty favorite! Pinning!
This sounds fabulous and your photos are stunning Renee!!
I love these kinds of stews. Its perfect to chase the chills away!
I LOVE beef stew. Your recipe sounds wonderful. This is pure comfort food at its best.
This looks wonderful Renee. A perfect dish to enjoy with family over the holidays!
We love beef stew in the winter but I've never made it with cider before! Love this flavorful idea!
After hearing about this during chat, I can see why everyone was swooning over this. Looks great!
This beef stew sounds incredible! I'm intrigued by the addition of cider!
Beef is always a part of our Christmas meal too. This year we are probably going to grill some steaks or braise some short ribs!
This stew is seriously ALL I am craving right now. I just love how comforting, hearty and of course delicious it looks. Another great recipe!
I just want a great big bowl of this deliciousness with a glass of wine. That is all.
Great looking stew! Curious about how it tastes with the cider, haven't tried beef stew that way.