Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash

Featured in: Hearty Comfort Dinners

This autumn-inspired dish features beef slowly braised in apple cider until tender and flavorful, complemented by a smooth cheddar-infused mashed potato base. The harmony of savory beef, subtle sweetness from the cider, and creamy potatoes topped with fresh chives creates a comforting, rich meal perfect for chilly evenings. Combining simple ingredients with methodical preparation, it brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:13:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash over creamy cheddar mashed potatoes, ready to eat. Save
Steaming bowl of Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash over creamy cheddar mashed potatoes, ready to eat. | smokyfeast.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 dish pays homage to my favorite fall flavors and always brings warmth to our dinner table.

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

Preheat Oven:
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:
Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates and generously top with apple cider beef stew. Garnish with extra chives if desired
Hearty Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash with tender beef, a savory aroma, and fresh chive garnish. Save
Hearty Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash with tender beef, a savory aroma, and fresh chive garnish. | smokyfeast.com

Enjoyed with family on chilly evenings this stew always brings us closer around the table.

Notes

Substitute Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier mash. This dish 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.

Close-up of bubbling Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash, a comforting, warm meal for a chilly evening. Save
Close-up of bubbling Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash, a comforting, warm meal for a chilly evening. | smokyfeast.com

This comforting fall stew is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home.

Kitchen Questions

What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Top sirloin cubes are ideal as they become tender during slow braising while maintaining texture and flavor.

Can I use a substitute for apple cider?

Freshly pressed apple cider is recommended for authentic flavor, but a dry hard cider or apple juice mixed with a splash of vinegar can be alternatives.

How do I achieve creamy mashed potatoes?

Boil potatoes until soft, then mash with milk, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese for a smooth and rich texture.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, substituting regular flour with a gluten-free blend in the stew thickening step ensures the dish remains gluten-free.

What herbs complement this dish well?

Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor and vibrant color, enhancing the creamy mashed potatoes and overall dish balance.

Fall Apple Cider Stew Mash

Tender cider-braised beef served over creamy cheddar mashed potatoes garnished with fresh chives.

Prep duration
30 min
Heat time
90 min
Complete duration
120 min
Created by Jackson Reed


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, cubed
04 Salt, to taste
05 Black pepper, to taste
06 2 cups 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

Method

Phase 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Phase 02

Sear beef: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and black pepper. Sear until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Thicken stew base: Sprinkle flour over beef and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

Phase 05

Add liquids and boil: Pour in apple cider and beef broth while scraping any browned bits from the pan. Bring mixture to a boil.

Phase 06

Bake stew: Transfer mixture to an oven-safe Dutch oven or casserole dish. Cover tightly and bake at 375°F until beef is fork-tender and sauce thickens, 60 to 90 minutes.

Phase 07

Cook potatoes: Place peeled potatoes in a large pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Drain thoroughly.

Phase 08

Mash potatoes: Return drained potatoes to pot. Mash with milk, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and chopped chives until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.

Phase 09

Serve: Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates and top generously with 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 Details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains dairy, gluten, and beef.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

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