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Cranberry Apple Beef Stew for Cozy Nights

This hearty Cranberry Apple Beef Stew with tender chunks of beef, tart cranberries, and sweet apples offers a comforting dish, ideal for cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 2 apples peeled and diced
  • 4 carrots sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  • Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot.
  • Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any brown bits from the pot.
  • Return the browned beef to the pot along with the cranberries, apples, carrots, thyme, and bay leaf.
  • Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours.
  • Check for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
  • Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.