Cranberry Cider Braised Beef Stew with Rosemary Polenta.
Cranberry Cider Braised Beef Stew with Rosemary Polenta. Slow cooked beef stew with cider, wine, fresh herbs, and sweet cranberries. If there’s one cozy autumn meal you need to be making, it’s this beef stew. It’s such a simple dinner to throw together, even kind of festive, and totally delicious. Serve this stew over a bed of creamy rosemary polenta and you’ll have the perfect dinner for a cold night in with family and friends.
Is anyone else in a bit of disbelief that we are already six days into November? It’s weird because on one hand, it feels like November, the temperatures are cold, the leaves have fallen, and Thanksgiving is my current focus (well, and the new cookbook, of course). On the other hand, it feels like it should still be September. Where did October go? How are we entering into the final days of 2019? Soon it’s going to be onto Christmas, my mind is just in complete shock.
I know that everyone says this, but how is time flying by so quickly? I’m currently on a plane headed to LA, but by the time this post goes live on Wednesday I’ll be finishing up my LA trip and already be heading back that night on a plane home – wow!
It is supposed to be a nice eighty-ish degrees in LA. I’m sure the next few days will be a little confusing to me weather-wise. Especially since I’m in full-on cozy fall mode…as you can tell from pretty much every recipe I’ll be sharing this month…but I’ll take it!
So what’s my point in all this crazy airplane rambling? Well, it’s November, and with November comes the arrival of fresh cranberries.
Most of the time we all only think to use cranberries in our Thanksgiving cranberry sauce. Maybe sometimes we’ll incorporate them into a cocktail, but rarely do we think to use cranberries in other ways.
Thankfully that’s why I’m here. I love using cranberries in savory ways throughout the months of November and December. Not only are cranberries festive and pretty…they can also be a sweet yet tart addition to savory recipes when used correctly. Enter this beef stew. It’s classic beef stew, but with a twist. And it’s just as delicious as you can imagine.
Here are the stewy details.
Start with the beef. The wonderful thing about beef stew is that you can use a cheaper cut of meat, but make it taste incredible. Cooking the beef low and slow helps to tenderize it and rid the beef of any toughness.
No time for low and slow? No worries, I also tested this recipe out in the instant pot. I was pleasantly surprised with just how mouth-wateringly good the beef turned out.
As with most meat-based recipes, I like to brown the beef before adding any kind of liquid. I know it’s an additional step, but I find it makes for an even more flavorful stew.
Brown the beef, then simply add in sweet cider, a touch of red wine, plenty of carrots, shallots, herbs, and all the other delicious workings of a great beef stew. The key to this stew is the use of fresh apple cider and tart cranberries. The cider spices up the sauce and balances out the tartness from the cranberries. And I know cranberries may seem odd, but trust me, beef and cranberries are such a delicious combination.
If you tried last year’s cranberry braised short ribs, you’ll love this beef stew.
Of course, if you’re truly not a fan, you can easily omit the cranberries from the recipe.
Now, onto that rosemary polenta.
Just before you’re ready to eat, you should start making the polenta. You could also do something like mashed potatoes or egg noodles, but I’ve found that rosemary polenta is particularly delicious.
To give the polenta a really delicious flavor, I started off by frying the rosemary in a little olive with a few cloves of garlic. This infuses the oil but doesn’t leave you with an overpowering rosemary flavor. Once the rosemary is crisp just add water, then stir in the instant polenta.
If you’re new to instant polenta, it only takes five minutes to make but leaves you with the creamiest, butteriest polenta. This is one of my go-to (and gluten free) side dishes throughout the colder days of the year. It’s healthy, easy to make, and so delicious.
Finish it up.
Once the beef is tender and the stew sauce has thickened into a loose gravy, spoon the beef over plates of steaming polenta.
Then top with that crisped rosemary and enjoy with a side of crusty bread…and maybe a glass of wine too.
I know it’s only Wednesday, but I don’t see why we can’t make it just as special as a Saturday. Right?
So let’s do it!
PS. How amazing would it be if I actually came home to this cooking away tonight? Unfortunately, I don’t get in until later, and then have to make the hour and a half trek home…ugh. Not my favorite.
BUT that leaves me with a thought. If you know someone who needs a little cheering up. Or you’d just like to do something nice for someone you love…make this beef.
It’s sure to be a win!
If you make this cranberry cider braised beef stew with rosemary polenta, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Cranberry Cider Braised Beef Stew with Rosemary Polenta.
Slow cooked beef stew with cider, wine, fresh herbs, and sweet cranberries. If there’s one cozy autumn meal you need to be making, this is it.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck, trimmed and cubed
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 shallots, thinly sliced
- 6 carrots, chopped
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon can also use beef broth
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 1/2 cups dry instant polenta
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
Instructions
Slow Cooker
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1. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, sear the beef on both sides. Remove the beef and transfer to the slow cooker.
2. To the slow cooker, add the shallots and carrots. Add the cider, wine, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, brown sugar (or honey), thyme, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper, gently stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. During the last 2 hours of cooking, add the cranberries.
3. To make the polenta. Heat the butter, garlic, and rosemary in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the garlic is golden and the rosemary is crisp and "fried", about 3 minutes. Remove the rosemary and reserve. To the pan, add 4 cups water and bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in the polenta, stirring until the polenta is soft and thick, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. If the polenta thickens too much, thin with additional water or cream for an extra luscious polenta.
4. To serve, remove the thyme and bay leaves from the stew. Serve the stew and gravy over the polenta. Top with crisped rosemary. Enjoy!
Oven
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1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe braiser, sear the beef on both sides. Remove the beef to a plate. Add the shallots and carrots, cook 5 minutes or until the shallots begin to caramelize. Add back the beef. Add the cider, wine, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, brown sugar (or honey), thyme, and bay leaves. Sprinkle the cranberries overtop. Season with salt and pepper, gently stir to combine. Cover and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2 ½ to 3 hours or until the beef is tender.
3. Make the polenta and finish as directed above.
Instant Pot
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1. Switch the instant pot to sauté. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Sear the beef on both sides until browned. Turn the instant pot off.
2. To the instant pot, add the shallots and carrots. Add the cider, wine, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, brown sugar (or honey), thyme, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper, gently stir to combine. Seal the instant pot and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
3. Switch the instant pot to sauté. Add the cranberries and bring the sauce to a boil. Boil 8-10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Make the polenta and finish as directed above.
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Gorgeous photos! I will be making this on Sunday! I love the idea of using cider.
Thank you Carrie! I hope you love this! xTieghan
Will pre-cooked polenta work? My local store didn’t have instant.
looks delicious
Thank you Ruth! xTieghan
The cranberries were a pleasant surprise! And quite tasty. I served it with mashed potatoes and it felt like the ultimate comfort food. I did add a dash of cinnamon and ginger as it offered a flavor burst. Definitely will make again.
So happy to hear that you loved this Trish! Thank you so much! xTieghan
Can you freeze this?
Hi there! Yes, this freezes very well. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
I made this in my oven, and it was delicious! The polenta, I made in my instant pot. I only had long cooking polenta, but in instant pot it was done in 9 minutes! Thanks for delicious recipe!
Wow that sounds so amazing! I am so glad you enjoyed this Maureen! xTieghan
Made this for supper tonight. Very good! Will certainly make again.
Thank you Sheran! I am so glad you loved this! xTieghan
I see bay leaves in the directions but not on the ingredient list. Just an FYI. Making this tonight! Thanks!!
Thank you Annie! I hope you love this! xTieghan
The cranberry cider beef stew was insane! I made it last night and there is none left – everyone went back for seconds. I was worried about the cranberries overpowering the flavor but after two hours of cooking they blended right in. So delicious! I love your blog and cook your recipes all of the time. Keep them coming!
I love to hear that! Thank you so much for trying this Sarah! xTieghan
I don’t have apple cider – anything I can substitute or can I just leave out?
Hi Kimberly, I would just leave it out and use addition broth. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Question: for instant pot preparation do you let the pot release naturally or do you manually release it? I am planning to make this tonight – it looks amazing.
HI! I like to use the naturally release for this recipe. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
We loved it! Photo on Instagram. Jill3692
Great! I cannot wait to check it out! Thank you Jill! xTieghan
Delicious!! I loved it! BTW, the recipe ingredients don’t list bay leaves, but they’re in the directions. I added two and it turned out great!
I am so glad you loved this recipe so much Elaine! Thank you so much! xTieghan
Could I try dried cranberries instead of fresh & would you add them at the same time? Thanks!
Hi Sarah! I am sure dried cranberries will be great, though will be a touch sweeter. Yes, I would add them ad the same time. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Is apple cider and apple cider vinegar the same??
Hi Manon! It is not! Apple cider is just a drink, it does not have vinegar flavor! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I cant find fresh cranberry. What can I use instead?
Hi! Can you use frozen cranberries? If so that is great! if you cant find, just omit the cranberries from the recipe. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
I’ve tried and loved many of your recipes and have both of your cookbooks, but this is the first time I’ve commented on a recipe. I made this for dinner last night, and it was amazing! Perfect for the record-breaking cold weather we’re having here in the Midwest. I used my Instant Pot, and the beef was incredibly tender. The combination of the cranberries, cider and red wine made for such a rich, complex broth. The garlic-, butter- and rosemary-infused polenta took it over the top. Truly elevated comfort food. Thanks for this and all of your recipes that make your blog and cookbooks stand out from so many others.
Wow that is so amazing to hear! Thank you so much Jules! I am so glad you have been loving my recipes, this one especially! xTieghan
Looks so good! Can I cook it in a regular pot? I don’t have a slow cooker.
Thank you
Hi there! yes of course. The oven directions are located right below the slow cooker directions. Just scroll through and you will see them there. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
This was a win! Made it in the instapot; used 1 pound carrots and would happily use more next time. Also thinking about using parsnips too next time. Swapped cinnamon-scented mashed sweet potatoes for the polenta – the husband opted for egg noodles. The stew is super flavorful, perfect for the cold snap we’ve had, and the cranberries added a really nice zing.
I am so glad you loved this recipe so much Hillary! Thank you! xTieghan
Hi! Wondering how many bay leaves to add? Just tossed two in the slow cooker. Thank you!
Hey Allie! I like to add 2 bay leaves. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
List of ingredients doesn’t include bay leaves but directions do. Are there bay leaves? How many?
Thanks.
Hey Barbara, use 2 bay leaves. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
I made this in the instant pot and it is easy, delicious, and pure comfort food. The cranberries add just a hint of sweetness without being overwhelming. I served over mashed potatoes instead of the polenta.
Yum! I am so glad this turned out so well for you Leslie! Thank you! xTieghan
I’m curious to know if oven vs slow cooker vs instapot have a effect on the taste and texture of the stew. Is there one option that’s “best”?
Hey Marge! I prefer the slow cooker for sure. Low and slow with this cut of meat is always best. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Made this tonight and it was a hit! My husband went back for seconds and thirds. I did feel like the broth was a little sour…though he didn’t mind. Did not get the sour note in the meat though. I used the instant pot method…should I have cooked the cranberries longer? (I cooked them about 10 mins) Or maybe I used too many? Just wanted to get your input to get it completely right next time, thank you! Love your blog and new cookbook is on my Xmas list!
Hey Angela! Try cooking down the cranberries more. Maybe 20 minutes? You want them to bur completely burst. If that doesn’t help, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey. That will get rid of any sourness. I am so glad you loved this recipe! Thank you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! xTieghan
This looks lovely, but I don’t eat beef. Any idea whether pork could be substituted?
Hey Rosa!! I am sure an equal amount of cubed pork will be delicious. Great idea! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! xTieghan
I want to make this but I have goat shoulder.. how long should I make it for?
Hey Sana, I would need to know more about the goat shoulder. I am not very familiar. I would recommend the same amount of cooking time assuming you cube the meat, but again I am not sure. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! xTieghan
This was delicious!! I will say that in the instant pot, it needed at least 10 minutes longer. I checked it at 45 minutes and realized it needed a little longer. So I added the cranberries and set it for 10 more minutes on high pressure. But it was so yummy!!
I am so glad this turned out so well for you! Thank you! xTieghan
Are you sure this is 2 cups of apple cider vinegar? The APV took over the taste of everything – basically empowering the dish. We make your recipes all the time and we are a HUGE fan of your blog and own both of your cookbooks. HELP! What did we do wrong?
Hi Reisa! Oh no! It is apple cider, not apple cider vinegar! It is not vinegary at all, its just a juice! Please let me know if you have any other questions!! xTieghan
oops ignore my comment – just realized we used ACV instead of APPLE CIDER! WOW!! We will try this again and will report back~
Is it suppose to be watery- like>
HI! This is not meant to be watery. Was there something you changed? Can you give me some details on how you have made this?
The vinegar is over powering in my recipe! How do I make it less overwhelming by the time I serve it tomorrow?
Hey Lexi, try cooking the stew longer with the lid off. This will cook out the vinegar and make it better to your taste. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope this helps! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
Which method of cooking this meal, do you think comes out best? Crock pot or oven?
Thanks
Hi Emily, I like the crockpot best. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
This is insane good. I subbed out the polenta for mashed potatoes because I had them on hand, but everything else I did as written. I served it with a bunch of charred Brussels sprouts. Made it in the instant pot because I ran out of time to get it in the slow cooker. Will definitely make this again. So much flavor.
Thank you Christine! I am so glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Big hit in our home. Used left over home made cranberry sauce and omitted the honey. Knew I would not make the polenta so added traditional potatoes. The liquid did cook down considerably so I would advise checking on it at 90 minutes or so. Thanks for another delicious recipe!
Thank you Brooke! I am so glad this turned out so well! xTieghan
So so good! I had beef bone broth on hand ready to use and did ¾ cup that and ¼ cup red wine. Added extra carrots and served over mashed potatoes. We made in Instant Pot and the directions were totally on point. Loved by the whole party of all ages and taste; I was worried the cranberries would be too fancy for 96 year old guest, but he licked the plate clean! Even a mostly vegetarian was wowed by this stew.
Wow that is so amazing! I am so glad this turned out so well for you all! xTieghan
Freaking delicious!!! i think the best polenta to use is Bobs Red Mill. Tried other and they are rock hard. This one was so good. Will definitely use this recipe again!
Thank you so much Nanette! I am so glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Wow! This truly was delicious and easy! I didn’t have dry polenta, but rather a polenta log. I just lightly sautéed slices in butter, then stirred in garlic and finally added chicken broth (though I’m sure water would be fine) to thin it out. Worked great!
I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe so much Olivia! Thank you so much! xTieghan
If I wanted to set this up a bit with higher-quality meat, what would you suggest I substitute for the beef chuck?
Hi! I would use beef tenderloin. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
Made this exactly as written and my husband and I absolutely loved it! It was delicious and also very pretty once plated. Definitely a keeper so thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you Katie! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
For the apple cider is that alcoholic or non alcoholic? Making this tomorrow for some friends, but using venison instead 🙂 thanks!
Hi Kristie! I use non alcoholic! I hope you love this! xTieghan
Hi there! I don’t have six hours before dinner. Can I put it on high for three in the slow cooker? The meat in large cubes so may hold some moisture? I don’t usually cook with meat at all but your picture drew me in!
Hi Heather! This is best low and slow, but cooking on high for 3 hours should be just fine. Just make sure he meat is fully cooked before eating. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
Hi there. I’m about to make this and am wondering if I can substitute apple juice for the apple cider? This may be a basic question, not sure. Thanks!
HI! Apple juice should work just fine. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
I’m so excited! I have this in the slow cooker right now – can hardly wait to eat it, it smells like heaven!
That is so amazing! Thank you so much Nancie! xTieghan
This was so good – truly one of the most flavorful beef recipes I’ve ever made. The cranberries were a little strong so I would consider halving the recipe amount next time. I would also try again with higher quality beef- didn’t get as “melt in your mouth” as I hoped! Can’t wait to make this again for a group!
Wow that is so great to hear! Thank you so much for trying this recipe Rene!! I hope it turns it even better with higher quality beef! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan! I don’t have a slow cooker, so I was wondering if an Iron Dutch Oven would work instead? Or would that potentially ruin the texture/flavor of the stew? P.S. I love your blog and cookbook! I gave your cookbook to a friend for their birthday and they absolutely love it. Keep up the amazing work!
Hi! You can sue a Dutch Oven. The directions to do so are listed right below the slow cooker directions. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and I hope you had Merry Christmas! Sorry my response what a bit late! xTieghan
PS. enjoy the cookbook!
Made this for Christmas dinner and everyone was so impressed. It was pretty easy and you kinda just throw it in and forget about it! HBH recipes never fail I highly recommend trying this. The polenta was delicious too!
I am so glad you loved this Gabrielle! Thank you for trying it! Merry Christmas! xTieghan
In the crockpot as we speak. I’m serving over rosemary and garlic oven-roasted potatoes rather than mashed potatoes or polenta (we have a family member with textural issues). Smells heavenly and it’s only been two hours! Thanks for another sure-to-be-fantastic recipe!
That is so amazing! I hope this turns out amazing for you Tandi! xTieghan
Made the IP version – delicious and easy!
Thank you! I am so glad that turned out so well for you! xTieghan
This stew is fabulous. Made it exactly as the recipe calls for with no changes. Used red wine. Braised in a Lodge pot in the oven for three hours Chuck was falling apart and the flavors melded beautifully. Very well balanced.
Hi Beth! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! Thank you for trying it! xTieghan
This is one of my absolute favorite recipes. I made this the first time with cherries instead of cranberries because they were out of season, and it was delicious. I made it for a group of people who all asked for the recipe. HIGHLY recommend!! AND, it’s SO easy!!!
Thank you so much for trying this and sharing it!! SO glad you have been loving it Amanda! xTieghan
Dear Tieghan, thank you so much for this delicious recipe. My guests and I really loved it. I added some parsnips & brown mushrooms to it as well. The veggies really soaked up the wonderful flavour. I slow cooked it in the oven. Can definitively recommend it. For starters I made your cranberry & brie tarts which are the best. The theme for the evening was cranberries :-).
Andrea (Stuttgart, Germany)
Hi Andrea! I am so happy to hear that you and your guests loved this recipe! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
This was a dinner hit! The recipe was easy enough to follow. I accidentally added the rosemary to the stew and did not have fresh cranberries but used 1 1/2 cup dried, but it was still delicious. I may try next time without the added sugar because it was quite sweet. Also used precooked polenta according the package instructions and added rosemary and garlic. Superb!!! Definitely going to be a monthly, if not biweekly meal for our house.
Thank you so much Arsenia! I am glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Are you using American style apple cider (non-alcoholic) or hard cider?
Hey Maren,
For this recipe I used non-alcoholic apple cider. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
If I want to double the amount of meat, should I double all the ingredients? How should I change the cooking time?
Hey Lisa,
Yes if you double the meat you will want to double all of the ingredients. Cooking time depends on what method you are using. I would be cautious with how much meat you can fit in your slow cooker and instant pot. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Made this tonight for dinner in the instant pot. We loved the flavor of the broth but upon reading some of the comments went back to directions for oven and slow cooker and see the cranberries get added to simmer with everything for at least two hours…. wondering why in the instant pot recipe you chose to add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking on saute mode. They were so tart (i kind of liked contrast with the richness of the beef and the creaminess of the polenta, but still had to pick a lot of them out.) I may try this again and add them before I close the instant pot have a feeling they’ll soak up some of the sweet/savoriness of the dish and be amazing. If cooking them for a couple of hours with everything does make a huge difference (as I suspect it does), you may want to consider adjusting the instant pot directions? 🙂
Hey Christine,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, sorry you did not like the cranberries. I haven’t had an issue with them in the instant pot, but I will go back through the recipe. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I must have done something wrong, it was crazy tart. The cranberries even turned the vegetables sour. This took me 10 hours to cook in the crockpot which may be the mistake. I added in the cranberries at the 5th hour thinking it would only need two more. How can I cut the tartness Ana Dave this dish?
Hey Susan,
So sorry you had issues with this dish. Did you adjust the recipe at all? Let me know how I can help! xTieghan
Made this today in the crockpot and it was great! I couldn’t find instant polenta so i pan seared pre cooked polenta with butter, garlic, and rosemary. Meat has been very expensive at my grocery store recently so I substituted half the beef with diced mushrooms and added celery. The cranberries added a good flavor and it was nice to try something new but would probably only use 1 cup next time. Your recipes are so flavorful! Ive got about a dozen more bookmarked to make next :o)
That is so amazing! I am really glad you enjoyed this and I hope you continue to enjoy my recipes, Coral! Thank you! xTieghan
Am cooking this today and cannot wait! I couldn’t find fresh cranberries at the store yet, so I picked up frozen. Would you still add the frozen two hours before it’s done or adjust when I throw them in?
Hey Jocelyn,
I would just add them as directed! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
We’re not really beef eaters. How do you think this would be with lamb?
Hey Kate,
I think lamb would work well. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I plan on making this tomorrow…it looks amazing.
Is the apple cider alcoholic or can you just use Apple juice??
Thank you
Jill
Hey Jill,
I use non-alcoholic apple cider. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This has potential but sadly was inedible!!! Followed the recipe exactly, and it was so acidic that we could not eat it. So sad. I don’t think 2 cups of apple cider vinegar is right—completely overpowered it. I used the Instant Pot and followed the Instant Pot part of the recipe….
Hi Juliette! This recipe does not call for apple cider vinegar… just regular apple cider. That is most likely why this did not turn out well for you. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help with! xTieghan
Do you think grits would be a good substitute for the polenta? Or would it be not quite as good? I haven’t cooked with Polenta before!
Hey Grace,
Sure grits would be great! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I never write reviews, but this recipe was SO good I just had to! I love braising and have tried a lot of different recipes, and this is the one I always come back to. It’s the perfect amount of braising liquid and subsequent gravy at the end. The combination of sweet and tart, and the depth of flavor is so delicious everyone in my house devoured it and immediately asked for it again! We felt like we’d gone out to a restaurant right at home. Thank you for the perfect chilly weather comfort food!
Thank you Katherine! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Not only did my husband love it, but the teenagers went back for seconds. Huge hit – cranberries make the huge difference.
Thank you so much Shannon! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
I so wanted to love this! But it just fell short for my family. Followed the recipe to a T in the oven. It was very easy to put together which I very much appreciated! But it just came out a bit too sweet for us. The polenta was great. I think I would consider trying it out again and maybe swapping the cider for beef stock and not adding brown sugar. Looking forward to trying out more recipes on your site! Thanks!
What a beautiful recipe! Could I use apple juice instead of cider?
Thanks!
This was so good! My husband said he could eat the whole pot full!! The sauce was so flavor packed. Loved the tart of the cranberry. The polenta was the perfect side! Tomorrow I will be trying the Cranberry brie bites! Everything I have made from your recipes has been wonderful!!!! Thank you for sharing with us!
Wow that is so amazing! I am really glad this turned out so well for you, Nicole! Thank you! xTieghan
This is the best beef stew I have ever made. period. great tart-ness, super easy-made it in the Instant Pot, which couldn’t have been simpler! great all-day cooking flavor for minimal effort. If this doesn’t make any sense, it’s because I made a pitcher of your harvest-cider margaritas as well…
Haha love that! I am really glad you enjoyed both recipes, Jennifer! Thank you! xTieghan
Made this today. Such a wonderful dish! Never have I fried rosemary! I can munch on that all day. The beef, cider, wine, and cranberries made for a lovely combination. My only fail, not taking a pic. Thrilled I found you.
I am so glad this turned out so well for you, Keely! Thank you so much for trying this one! xTieghan
This is my new favorite recipe and I’m running to tell everyone. I have already made it 3 times in my instant pot! The red wine really makes the dish but everything is just perfection!
Thank you so much Kait!! xTieghan
Can we use something instead of apple cider? I read apple cider vinegar and I have to start this im the next 20 minutes =(
Hey Nicole,
You can use broth. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Very tasty dish. I cooked it in my crock pot. Love the rosemary garlic polenta, and the fresh flavors of the apple cider and cranberries. I do have a couple of questions – in your recipe photo the gravy/sauce looks like a nice medium consistency. Mine was more watery, like it needed to be reduced or have some flour or corn starch added. Maybe it’s the crock pot method with the lid on the whole time. Also, after browning the smashed garlic – did you leave it in with the polenta? I removed it and small diced it and put it back in the finished polenta.
Hey Diane,
Thanks so much for trying the recipe, I am sorry your sauce was watery. Next time I would add some corn starch to thicken it up. I like to removed the smashed garlic from the polenta. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
This. Was. So. Freaking. Good. Only had 1 cup of cider left so used that + 1 cup of water instead. Also, forgot the brown sugar/honey but didn’t miss it. Followed the instant pot directions and it came out so great. It ended up sitting on low for about 2 hours after the cranberries went in so they kind of dissolved but it made the most wonderful gravy. Definitely will make this again and again!
I am so happy this recipe turned out so amazing for you, Maggie! Thank you so much for trying this one!! xTieghan
I followed the recipe exactly EXCEPT I substituted elk meat for the beef and it turned out FANTASTIC! Thanks for the delicious recipe!
Thank you so much Kate! xTieghan
Made this for our first snow of the season! It was so easy in the instant pot and the polenta was a perfect addition! Added a bit of Parmesan to the polenta at the end and it added a great salty/nutty bite! Will definitely be making this again.
Hi Raffaella! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
This is so delicious!! It is melt in your mouth yummy! I made it with garlic mashed potatoes instead of polenta, as my family prefers that. Definitely a “keeper” for my recipe collection!
Thank you so much Netty! xTieghan
This was good but unfortunately my cranberries did not get very balanced out and so it tasted a little too tart. Otherwise the overall flavor without the cranberries was still delish! Loved serving this over the polenta and will work this option in with my other meat dishes. Overall this is a super easy recipe and one I will repeat, just without the cranberries.
Thank you so much Penelope! I am really glad this recipe turned out so amazing for you!! xTieghan
Can I make this the day before and heat up the day of? I’m looking to have a super mellow Christmas! Obviously, I would make the polenta the day of!
Hey Danielle,
Sure that would work! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Made this tonight It was so yummy and the perfect comfort food on a snowy cold night
Hey Marie,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad it worked out for you! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
This was absolutely fantastic. The cranberries added a wonderful pop of flavor. I highly recommend it. I made it in my Instant Pot. The meat was super tender
Hey Megan,
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for giving it a try! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Hiii
Could this be cooked only on stovetop without putting it into the oven??? Thanks!!!
Hey there,
Yes, that would be fine to do. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Hi! Love your recipes and I can’t wait to give this a go for Christmas! If I want to cut this in half to serve 3 people how long should this cook for if I’m using the slow cooker method?
Hey Megan,
You will want to cook for 6 hours low. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
This was a really easy recipe to follow, and it turned out delicious! It took me at least an hour to prep, and ours did not really have any sauce to it. I’m not sure why. I added about 1/4-1/2 cup water when it came out of the oven, because I was waiting on my husband and was afraid it would dry out. Despite not being overly saucy, the flavors all came together beautifully. I highly recommend and will for sure be making this again.
Hey Heather,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad you enjoyed! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
New favorite stew! Absolutely delicious. Made for New Year’s Eve dinner and loved by everyone. Only changes made were sirloin tip roast instead of chuckroast and rice pilaf since polenta couldn’t be found. Just as delicious the next day, too.
Hey Linda,
Thank you so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad it worked out for you! Happy New Year! xTieghan
Question! All the stores were out of fresh thyme! 🙁 Would you recommend adding dry thyme? or even the fresh rosemary I have? what do you think? 🙂
Hey Claire,
You can absolutely use dried thyme or fresh rosemary, either one would work well! I hope you love the recipe. Please let me know if I can help in any other way! xTieghan
Can I use frozen cranberries? Fresh are out of season and I can’t find them anywhere.
Hey Cortney,
Yes, frozen cranberries will work just fine. I hope you enjoy the recipe. Let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Made this for supper yesterday, cooked it the night before, stored in the fridge and reheated. Everyone loved it, especially me. Easy to make, not expensive, tons of flavour. Used extra carrots, added some green beans for the last hour and served with rice and crusty bread. Delish. Thanks for another great recipe!
Hey Jacqueline,
Thanks so much for making the recipe, I am so glad it was enjoyed! xTieghan
Please make a note next to Apple Cider that it is NOT apple cider vinegar. It’s quite obvious from the comments several people, including me, are making mistakes. Not sure if it’s a regional thing, but honestly Apple Cider drink isn’t too common where I live so I didn’t even think twice and used Vinegar. It is kind of funny reading the comments where
people are blaming the cranberries for making the dish tart and sour. Please save future people from making this mistake.
Hey Bonnie,
So sorry for any confusion, but if the recipe called for apple cider vinegar then that would be the ingredient that is listed:) I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Made this one in the oven – it’s delicious! Even the picky members of the family ate it! Definitely recommend!
Hey Julee,
I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks a lot for giving it a try and happy Sunday! xTieghan
It’s not exactly cranberry season but this recipe sounds amazing! Any suggestions on a cranberry substitute?
Hey Laura,
I would recommend using frozen cranberries. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Wow! This was delicious. I’m usually not a beef stew fan, but we had stew meat to use up and this recipe seemed like a fun twist. I used dried cranberries since fresh were not available and it was still delightful. I loved the flavor that the apple cider and dried cranberries brought to this dish. So unique and the husband loved it too!
Hey Kelsey,
Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am delighted that it was enjoyed! xTieghan