Pin It A cozy autumn dish featuring cider-braised beef stew served over creamy cheddar mashed potatoes with fresh chives comfort food perfect for chilly evenings.
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.
Pin It 
Pin It Pairs beautifully with a dry hard cider or a medium bodied red wine.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of beef works best for this dish?
Top sirloin cubes are ideal as they become tender and flavorful when braised slowly in apple cider and broth.
- → Can I use a different cheese for the mashed potatoes?
Sharp cheddar provides a rich taste, but you can substitute with other firm cheeses likeGruyère or aged white cheddar for a similar creamy melt.
- → What is the purpose of apple cider in this cooking method?
Apple cider adds a subtle sweetness and acidity that tenderizes the beef while infusing a warm, autumnal flavor to the stew.
- → How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?
Use Yukon Gold potatoes and add a bit more milk or sour cream while mashing to achieve a smoother, richer texture.
- → Is it possible to prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
You can braise the beef stew a day before and reheat gently. Prepare the mashed potatoes fresh to maintain their creamy consistency.
- → What wine pairs well with the cider-braised beef and cheddar mash?
A medium-bodied red wine complements the rich flavors without overpowering the dish, enhancing its autumnal notes.