Apple Cider Beef Stew

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Cook: 6-1/4 hours

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Sep. 09, 2022
I created this slow cooker recipe using convenience products to save time chopping vegetables and browning beef. Apple cider and cinnamon are the unique additions that give a down-home flavor to this oh-so-easy and economical stew. It also makes a rich, flavorful potluck dish for holiday gatherings or on busy school nights. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California

Ingredients

  • 4 cups frozen vegetables for stew (about 24 ounces), thawed
  • 1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained
  • 1 jar (4-1/2 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
  • 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
  • 2 envelopes brown gravy mix
  • 2 tablespoons onion soup mix
  • 2 teaspoons steak seasoning
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
  • 1-1/4 cups apple cider or unsweetened apple juice
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup cold water

Directions

  1. Place the vegetables, water chestnuts, mushrooms and onion in a 5-qt. slow cooker. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the gravy mix, soup mix, steak seasoning and cinnamon; add beef, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat. Add to slow cooker.
  2. Combine the broth, cider and tomato sauce; pour over beef. Add bay leaf. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until meat is tender.
  3. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into stew. Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes or until thickened. Discard bay leaf.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 197 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 748mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.