Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash

Featured in: Comfort Plates

This dish brings together tender beef braised in fresh apple cider and beef broth, slow-cooked until richly flavored and fork-tender. Served over smooth, creamy mashed potatoes blended with sharp cheddar cheese and chopped chives, it creates a perfect balance of savory and subtly sweet notes. The softness of the mash complements the hearty stew, making it an ideal meal for chilly evenings. Simple techniques like searing the beef and baking the stew in the oven yield deep, comforting flavors perfect for fall dining.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:59:00 GMT
Tender beef in this hearty Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash over fluffy, cheesy mashed potatoes. Save
Tender beef in this hearty Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash over fluffy, cheesy mashed potatoes. | tastychuck.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 stew has become a fall favorite in my family—warming and flavorful every time I make it.

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 Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash reveals steaming, rich beef stew atop creamy potato mash. Save
A close-up of Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash reveals steaming, rich beef stew atop creamy potato mash. | tastychuck.com

Sharing this stew with family on cool evenings creates cherished memories and cozy moments.

Notes

Substitute Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier mash. To make this dish gluten-free use a gluten-free flour blend in the stew. Pairs beautifully with a dry hard cider or a medium-bodied red wine.

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

Warm, inviting image: apple cider-infused Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash, perfect comfort food for cold nights. Save
Warm, inviting image: apple cider-infused Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash, perfect comfort food for cold nights. | tastychuck.com

This stew is sure to be a new fall favorite you&ll return to year after year.

Recipe Guide

What cut of beef is best for the stew?

Top sirloin cut into cubes is ideal as it becomes tender when braised slowly and absorbs flavorful liquids well.

Can I substitute the apple cider?

Freshly pressed apple cider offers the best flavor, but you can use a high-quality bottled cider for ease.

How do I make the mashed potatoes creamy?

Use milk, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese while mashing the boiled potatoes for a rich and smooth texture.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour in the stew with a gluten-free flour blend to keep the thickened texture without gluten.

What side pairs well with this dish?

Dry hard cider or a medium-bodied red wine complements the flavors, while a light green salad balances the richness.

How long should I let the stew rest after cooking?

Allow the stew to rest for about 10 minutes to let flavors meld and juices redistribute for better taste.

Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash

Cozy autumn dish with cider-braised beef and creamy cheddar mashed potatoes with fresh chives.

Prep duration
30 min
Heat time
90 min
Full duration
120 min
Created by Chuck Harrison


Skill level Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels None specified

What you'll need

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

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F to prepare for baking.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the mixture, stirring thoroughly to coat the ingredients evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Phase 05

Add Liquids and Boil: Pour in apple cider and beef broth while scraping the skillet bottom to loosen any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Phase 06

Bake Stew: Transfer the stew to an oven-safe Dutch oven or casserole dish, cover tightly, and bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 90 minutes until the beef is fork-tender and sauce has thickened.

Phase 07

Cook Potatoes: Simultaneously, place peeled potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 20 to 25 minutes, then drain thoroughly.

Phase 08

Mash Potatoes: Return drained potatoes to the pot and mash with milk, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and chopped chives until smooth and creamy. Season with salt as needed.

Phase 09

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

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk, sour cream, cheddar cheese).
  • Contains gluten (all-purpose flour).
  • Contains beef.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 525
  • Fats: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 32 g