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5.0 from 15 votes

Beef Apple Stew

This beef apple stew is perfect for the fall season. A comforting stew loaded with meltingly tender beef, apples, and carrots smothered in a rich, creamy sauce.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 30 mins
Total Time
2 hrs
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 682 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: German

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs stewing beef chuck 1 kg, Note 1
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 large onions
  • 2 large garlic cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 cups beef stock low-sodium,500 ml, Notes 2, 3
  • 4-5 medium carrots 250 g/ 9 oz,
  • 2 sprigs thyme or ½ teaspoon dried
  • 2 sprigs marjoram or ½ teaspoon dried
  • 2 apples medium, tart
  • 1-2 teaspoons Clear honey to taste, Note 4
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar more to taste
  • ¾ cup heavy cream 200 ml
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • Fine sea salt and black pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Prepare beef: Cut the meat into bite-sized cubes and dry the pieces with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl and toss them into the flour. Remove excess flour by patting the meat pieces with your hands.2 lbs stewing beef chuck/ 1 kg + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  2. Brown the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in the pot. Sear the meat in 2 or 3 batches (Note 5), adding a bit of oil in between the batches when necessary. You will need about 5 minutes per batch. Turn the pieces of meat with tongs so that they brown all over.
  3. Chop the onions and the garlic cloves in the meantime.2 large onions + 2 large garlic cloves
  4. Add onions: Leave the last batch of meat in the pot and add the onions and the garlic. Brown them lightly while stirring often.
  5. Add the rest of the browned meat, the bay leaves, and beef stock. You should add enough stock to almost cover the meat.2 bay leaves + 2 cups beef stock / 500 ml
  6. Simmer: Place the lid on top, bring the stew to a boil and simmer for 60 minutes.
  7. Add the sliced carrots, thyme, and marjoram and simmer for another 15 minutes.4-5 medium carrots / 250 g + 2 sprigs thyme + 2 sprigs marjoram
  8. Add the peeled and chopped apples and simmer for another 15 minutes.2 apples
  9. Adjust the taste: Taste and add 1 or 2 teaspoons of honey, depending on the tartness of the apples. Add one teaspoon of balsamic vinegar and check the taste again.1-2 teaspoons clear honey + 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  10. Thicken stew: Whisk the heavy cream and one tablespoon of flour in a small bowl. Whisk the slurry into the stew and simmer gently for about 1 minute. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper again.¾ cup heavy cream + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour + fine sea salt and black pepper

Notes

  • Meat: Cubed lean beef with a bit of marbling, sold under the name of stewing or stew beef. It can come from different cuts of beef, such as chuck, round, shoulder, or sirloin cuts. I prefer chuck.
  • Stock: You can use chicken stock instead. It is better to use low-sodium stock and add more salt at the end of the cooking process if necessary. The stock will reduce, and the whole dish might be too salty if the stock is too salty.
  • Adjusting taste: How much honey and balsamic you need depends on the tartness of the apples.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan, or the beef will release too much juice and start cooking in its own juices instead of searing.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1/4 of the dish Calories 682kcal (34%) Carbohydrates 32g (11%) Protein 56g (112%) Fat 37g (57%) Saturated Fat 17g (85%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5g Monounsaturated Fat 11g Trans Fat 0.05g Cholesterol 196mg (65%) Sodium 438mg (18%) Potassium 1443mg (41%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 19g (38%) Vitamin A 11258IU (225%) Vitamin C 14mg (16%) Calcium 131mg (13%) Iron 6mg (33%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 682

% Daily Value*

Serving 1/4 of the dish
Calories 682kcal 34%
Carbohydrates 32g 11%
Protein 56g 112%
Fat 37g 57%
Saturated Fat 17g 85%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g 29%
Monounsaturated Fat 11g 55%
Trans Fat 0.05g 3%
Cholesterol 196mg 65%
Sodium 438mg 18%
Potassium 1443mg 31%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 19g 38%
Vitamin A 11258IU 225%
Vitamin C 14mg 16%
Calcium 131mg 13%
Iron 6mg 33%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.