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Apple Cider Braised Beef with Mushrooms, Baby Potatoes & Pearl Onions

A comforting and delicious dish that brings together beef, mushrooms, baby potatoes, and pearl onions, all infused with the sweetness of apple cider.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch pieces Ensure beef is well-trimmed
  • Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper, to taste For seasoning the beef
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For searing the beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped Add sweetness and aroma
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced For added flavor
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced Button or cremini mushrooms work well
  • 1 pound baby potatoes, halved Adds heartiness to the dish
  • 1 pound pearl onions, peeled Adds sweetness and texture
  • 2 cups apple cider Choose a drinkable variety
  • 2 cups beef broth For moisture and depth of flavor
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme Or 1 teaspoon dried thyme for flavor
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Balancing acidity
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard For depth of flavor

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season the beef pieces with salt and pepper.
Searing
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the beef chunks in batches, searing until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
  3. Remove the beef and set aside.
Sautéing Aromatics
  1. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms.
  2. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
  3. Add the minced garlic in the last minute.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Return the beef to the pot and pour in the apple cider and beef broth.
  2. Add the baby potatoes and pearl onions, then toss in the thyme, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
  3. Stir everything together.
Braising
  1. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it braise for about 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.
Serving
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  2. Spoon into bowls and serve hot.
  3. Enjoy with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Notes

This dish tastes even better the next day! Double your batch for leftovers. For a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch mix at the end.