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Hearty Cranberry Apple Beef Stew

Enjoy an autumn twist on classic beef stew! Tender chunks of beef simmered with apples, cranberries, and a splash of apple cider for a cozy, one-pot comfort meal. Perfect for chilly fall evenings or a hearty weekend dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 399

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, seasoned with salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup red wine or red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and large diced
  • 3–4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, large diced (unpeeled)
  • 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 3 leaves bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, roughly chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or heavy pot
  • Instant Pot (optional)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef’s Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef, salt, pepper, and flour, tossing to coat. Cook until beef is browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
    Add tomato paste and stir until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Pour in red wine and scrape up any browned bits. Cook another 2 minutes.
    Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook 3–4 minutes until onion softens. Stir in carrots, potatoes, apple, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider, beef broth, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 1 hour, until beef is fork-tender.
    Alternatively, cover and bake in a 350°F oven for 3½–4 hours. Stir in sage and cranberries and cook 10 more minutes. Season to taste and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
  2. Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Add olive oil, beef, flour, and tomato paste, stirring to coat. Brown for 5 minutes. Add red wine and cook 2 minutes, scraping the bottom.
    Add 2 cups beef broth and ½ cup apple cider (reduced liquid for pressure cooking). Add remaining ingredients except cranberries, sage, and parsley. Secure lid, set to Meat/Stew, and cook for 35 minutes.
    Allow a 10-minute natural release, then quick-release. Add cranberries and sage and cook on Sauté for 10 minutes until cranberries begin to burst. Turn off heat, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley.

Notes

Make Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! Refrigerate overnight and gently reheat on the stove.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Gluten-Free: Omit the flour or use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Stew will still thicken slightly as it cooks down.

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