With the first chill of autumn in the air, I felt an undeniable call to create something warm and fulfilling. Enter this Cranberry Apple Beef Stew. Imagine a delightful blend of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and the unique tang of cranberries paired with sweet apples — it’s like taking a cozy hug with every spoonful. The beauty of this dish lies not just in its heartwarming flavor, but also in its flexibility. Whether you’re seeking a quick stovetop dinner or the convenience of an Instant Pot meal, this stew has got you covered. Plus, for those who need a gluten-free option, simply skip the flour, and you’re all set. So, why not let this cozy stew warm up your kitchen and your heart this season? What comforting spices will you add to make it your own? Why is this stew a must-try? Ultimate Comfort Food: This Cranberry Apple Beef Stew is designed to wrap you in warmth and flavor, making it the perfect dish for crisp autumn nights. Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you choose the stovetop or the Instant Pot, you’ll enjoy a delightful meal without fuss. Unique Flavor Profile: The blend of tart cranberries and sweet apples adds an unexpected twist that sets this stew apart from traditional recipes. Gluten-Free Friendly: Simply omit the flour for a gluten-free option, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy this hearty dish. Meal Prep Winner: Make it ahead of time! The stew’s flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making it an ideal candidate for leftovers or meal prep. Not sure what to pair it with? Serve with warm biscuits for a complete experience, or check out my recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Apple to compliment your meal! Cranberry Apple Beef Stew Ingredients For the Stew • Beef Chuck Roast – The main protein that tenderizes beautifully during cooking; brisket is a good substitute. • All-Purpose Flour – Coats beef for browning and gives a slight thickness; omit for a gluten-free version. • Olive Oil – Used for sautéing, adding a lovely flavor; vegetable oil can be a suitable replacement. • Tomato Paste – Adds richness and depth to the stew; it enhances the color beautifully. • Red Wine or Red Wine Vinegar – Provides acidity to balance the flavors; feel free to use white wine as an alternative. • Onion (Yellow) – Creates a sweet aromatic base; shallots can step in if you prefer. • Celery – Offers a crunchy texture and flavor; leeks work nicely as a substitute. • Garlic – Boosts the flavor profile significantly; fresh or powdered garlic can be chosen based on availability. • Carrots – Bring sweetness and vibrant color; parsnips can swap in for an interesting twist. • Yukon Gold Potatoes – Yield a creamy texture once cooked; russet potatoes are a good alternative if needed. • Granny Smith Apple – Provides a tart flavor that balances the dish; honeycrisp apples can also add sweetness. • Worcestershire Sauce – Contributes a hearty umami depth; soy sauce is great in a pinch. • Apple Cider – This sweet and tangy ingredient replaces some broth for added flavor; avoid cider vinegar for this recipe. • Beef Broth – Forms the stew’s comforting base; vegetable broth is an option for vegetarian needs. • Bay Leaves – Infuse aromatic herbal notes; remember to remove them before serving! • Fresh Sage – Enhances the overall flavor; dried sage can deliver a more intense taste. • Cranberries (Fresh or Frozen) – Add the necessary tartness; skip dried cranberries as they are too sweet for this dish. • Fresh Parsley – A gorgeous garnish that elevates flavor visually. Feel ready to jump into this cozy cooking experience with your Cranberry Apple Beef Stew! Your kitchen will soon be filled with mouthwatering aromas as you put together this heartwarming dish. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Apple Beef Stew Step 1: Brown the Beef In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season your beef chuck roast with salt, pepper, and a light dusting of all-purpose flour. Add the beef pieces and brown them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve a rich, golden color. This step enhances the flavor of your Cranberry Apple Beef Stew. Step 2: Add Tomato Paste Once the beef is perfectly browned, stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook for around 2 minutes, allowing the paste to darken slightly and intensify in flavor. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release those delicious browned bits, ensuring every ounce of flavor contributes to your stew. Step 3: Deglaze with Wine Pour in 1 cup of red wine or red wine vinegar, using your spoon to scrape up any remaining bits stuck to the bottom. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly and meld with the beef flavors. This deglazing step is crucial for achieving a deep, robust taste in your Cranberry Apple Beef Stew. Step 4: Sauté Vegetables Now, add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and tender. This will build a delicious base that elevates the overall flavor profile of the stew. Step 5: Combine Remaining Ingredients Stir in the remaining ingredients: 2 diced carrots, 4 diced Yukon gold potatoes, 1 diced Granny Smith apple, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup of apple cider, and 4 cups of beef broth. Toss in 2 bay leaves and 1 teaspoon of fresh sage. Bring the mixture to a boil, inviting all those cozy elements of your Cranberry Apple Beef Stew together. Step 6: Simmer the Stew Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender while the flavors meld beautifully, transforming the stew into a heartwarming dish. Step 7: Add Cranberries and Final Seasoning After simmering, stir in 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries and taste the stew. Cook for an additional 10 minutes to let the cranberries soften and release their tartness, beautifully balancing the flavors. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper to your liking — this is your chance to make the Cranberry Apple Beef Stew uniquely yours. Step 8: Serve and Garnish Once everything is cooked to perfection, ladle the cranberry apple beef stew into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot, ideally with warm bread or biscuits, to soak up that delicious broth and enjoy every comforting spoonful. Expert Tips for Cranberry Apple Beef Stew • Proper Browning: Make sure to dry the beef thoroughly before browning to prevent it from steaming—this is key for a flavorful base. • Liquid Adjustment: If using an Instant Pot, reduce your liquid amounts according to the recommended pressure cooking guidelines for best results. • Tartness Control: Avoid canned cranberries! They’re often too sweet and won’t offer the vibrant tartness that fresh or frozen cranberries provide in your stew. • Herb Flexibility: Fresh sage elevates the stew, but if you only have dried, remember to use less as dried herbs are more concentrated. • Creative Variations: Don’t hesitate to mix in different root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for a unique twist on your Cranberry Apple Beef Stew! Cranberry Apple Beef Stew Variations Feel free to explore these delightful variations and make this stew uniquely yours! Dairy-Free: Replace any butter or cream with coconut milk for a creamy texture without dairy. Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes or your favorite hot sauce during cooking for a warm heat. Sweet Potatoes: Swap Yukon Gold potatoes with sweet potatoes for a deliciously sweet twist to this savory dish. Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic herby profile that brightens the stew. Instant Pot Method: For a quick option, follow the Instant Pot instructions, which can save you time while still creating a flavorful stew. Apple Cider Swap: Substitute apple cider with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy depth instead of sweetness. Root Veggies: Get creative with root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for a hearty texture and unique flavor. Vegetarian Version: Use mushrooms and chickpeas instead of beef to create a filling vegetarian-friendly stew that’s full of flavor. If you’re searching for some comforting sides, serve this stew with warm biscuits or crusty bread, and don’t forget to check out my delicious recipe for Cheesy Beef Wraps to pair as well! Make Ahead Options These Cozy Cranberry Apple Beef Stews are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can chop your vegetables and measure out ingredients up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can prepare the stew itself and refrigerate it for up to 3 days; in fact, the flavors deepen and improve as it sits. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop until bubbling and add the cranberries in the last 10 minutes of cooking. Following these prep-ahead tips ensures your Cranberry Apple Beef Stew remains just as delicious and comforting! What to Serve with Cozy Cranberry Apple Beef Stew? Warm your kitchen with delicious pairings that elevate your dining experience alongside this delightful stew. Crusty Baguette: The perfect companion for soaking up every last drop of rich, flavorful broth — a match made in heaven! Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with tangy vinaigrette contrasts beautifully with the hearty stew, adding freshness to your meal. Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread to complement the savory flavors while adding an irresistible crunch to your dinner. Roasted Root Vegetables: Caramelized turnips, carrots, and parsnips bring a touch of sweetness and earthy flavors, enhancing the autumn vibe. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Silky, buttery mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that pairs wonderfully with the stew’s vibrant flavors. Apple Cider: A glass of warm apple cider echoes the sweetness of the apples in the stew while also inviting a cozy fall atmosphere. Pumpkin Spice Muffins: For dessert, these muffins offer a sweet, spiced finish that perfectly complements the flavors of the stew. With these delightful pairings, your cozy meal is set to be one that leaves hearts and bellies full. How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Apple Beef Stew Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious! Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Allow the stew to cool completely before sealing for best results. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Reheating: Always reheat thoroughly, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating, and enjoy the comforting warmth of your Cranberry Apple Beef Stew! Cranberry Apple Beef Stew Recipe FAQs What are the best apples to use for my stew? When it comes to creating a delightful balance of flavors, Granny Smith apples are my go-to for this Cranberry Apple Beef Stew! Their tartness beautifully complements the dish’s sweetness. If you’re looking for a sweeter option, Honeycrisp apples can work wonders as well. Just steer clear of soft or mealy apples, as they won’t hold up during cooking. How should I store leftovers of the stew? Absolutely! To preserve those heavenly flavors, store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As it sits, the flavors meld even further, enhancing the dish. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to ensure it’s heated through evenly, and let those comforting aromas fill your kitchen once again! Can I freeze Cranberry Apple Beef Stew for later? Yes, you can! To freeze your stew, let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. For best results, label the containers with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally. This way, you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready even on the busiest of days! What can I do if my stew turns out too thick? If your stew ends up thicker than you’d like, don’t fret! Simply stir in a bit of beef broth or water while on low heat until you achieve your desired consistency. This method helps to keep those flavors intact while tweaking the texture to perfection. Remember, every cook’s taste is unique, so feel free to adjust it according to what suits your palate best! Is this stew suitable for a gluten-free diet? Absolutely! To make your Cranberry Apple Beef Stew gluten-free, just omit the all-purpose flour used for browning the meat. It will still be deliciously thick and hearty thanks to the natural starches from the vegetables. Always double-check the labels on your broth and Worcestershire sauce to ensure they are certified gluten-free, and you’ll have a meal that everyone can enjoy. Cozy Cranberry Apple Beef Stew for Ultimate Autumn Comfort This Cranberry Apple Beef Stew combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and the unique tang of cranberries and sweet apples for an unforgettable autumn meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: BeefCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Stew2 tablespoons Olive Oil3 pounds Beef Chuck Roast or brisket as a substitute2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour omit for gluten-free2 tablespoons Tomato Paste1 cup Red Wine or Red Wine Vinegar feel free to use white wine as an alternative1 Yellow Onion diced; shallots can be substituted2 Celery Stalks chopped; leeks work nicely as substitute3 cloves Garlic minced2 Carrots diced; parsnips can be used as a substitute4 Yukon Gold Potatoes diced; russet potatoes can be used as an alternative1 Granny Smith Apple diced; honeycrisp apples can also be used2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce or soy sauce1 cup Apple Cider not cider vinegar4 cups Beef Broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option2 Bay Leaves remove before serving1 teaspoon Fresh Sage or dried sage1 cup Cranberries (Fresh or Frozen) skip dried cranberries1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley for garnish Equipment Dutch OvenWooden spoon Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Apple Beef StewIn a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season your beef chuck roast with salt, pepper, and a light dusting of all-purpose flour. Add the beef pieces and brown them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve a rich, golden color.Once the beef is perfectly browned, stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook for around 2 minutes, allowing the paste to darken slightly and intensify in flavor.Pour in 1 cup of red wine or red wine vinegar, using your spoon to scrape up any remaining bits stuck to the bottom. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes.Now, add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and tender.Stir in 2 diced carrots, 4 diced Yukon gold potatoes, 1 diced Granny Smith apple, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup of apple cider, and 4 cups of beef broth. Toss in 2 bay leaves and 1 teaspoon of fresh sage.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.After simmering, stir in 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries and taste the stew. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.Once everything is cooked to perfection, ladle the cranberry apple beef stew into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg NotesFor best results, dry the beef thoroughly before browning. You can experiment with various root vegetables for a unique twist. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
