Cranberry Apple Beef Stew

If you’re anything like me, the moment the air turns crisp you start craving meals that hug you from the inside out. And this Cranberry Apple Beef Stew does exactly that. It’s my cozy-day secret weapon—a little sweet, a little tangy, a whole lot tender—and yes, your house will smell like you hired a professional chef for the evening.

Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or simply trying to get dinner on the table without losing your sanity (we’ve all been there!), this stew brings big flavor without the big fuss. And because our Cranberry Apple Beef Stew makes generous portions, you’ll get leftovers that taste even better the next day. Busy-week magic? Absolutely.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Apple Beef Stew

Let me paint the picture: fork-tender beef, tart cranberries that burst into the broth like little pops of sunshine, and apples that soften into silky sweetness. All simmered together with veggies, sage, and a rich broth. This stew is comforting, seasonal, crowd-pleasing, and—dare I say—just a little enchanting.

This became a family favorite after my kids declared it “the stew that tastes like fall but also like Christmas.” I’m not totally sure what that means, but the pot was scraped clean, so I’ll take the compliment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into this gorgeous pot of goodness:

• 1 1/2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, seasoned with a pinch of sea salt and ground black 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 celery ribs, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and large-diced
• 3–4 Yukon gold potatoes, large-diced (no peeling needed!)
• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and large-diced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup apple cider
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, roughly chopped
• 1 1/2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

How to Make This Cranberry Apple Beef Stew

This recipe is written for real life—no fancy techniques, no endless babysitting required, and definitely no stress.

1. Brown the Beef (aka Flavor Step #1)

Heat your olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your beef along with the flour, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir.
Cook until the beef is browned on all sides—about 10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the browning builds the rich, deep flavor we love.

2. Add the Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste until the beef is coated. Cook for about 2 minutes, letting it toast slightly. This deepens the flavor and thickens the stew later.

3. Deglaze the Pot

Pour in your red wine (or vinegar).
Let it bubble for a couple of minutes while you scrape up all those caramelized bits on the bottom. That’s the good stuff—the “chef magic” you’ll brag about later.

4. Add the Aromatics

Toss in the onion, celery, and garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion turns glossy and softens.

5. Load Up the Remaining Ingredients

Add everything except the sage, cranberries, and parsley.
This includes your carrots, potatoes, apple, Worcestershire, apple cider, broth, and bay leaves.

6. Simmer to Tender Perfection

Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer. Cover and cook for at least 1 hour, or until the beef easily shreds with a fork.

Oven option: Transfer to a 350°F oven for 3 ½–4 hours for even deeper flavor.

7. Add the Bright Notes

In the last 10–15 minutes of cooking, stir in the cranberries and sage.
They soften, melt slightly, and add the tangy-sweet sparkle that makes this dish unforgettable.

8. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over each bowl.
Serve with crusty bread… or just a giant spoon. Either works.

Cooking Tips to Make Your Stew Even Better

• Don’t skip the browning! That step alone elevates the dish from good to “where has this been all my life?”
• Your stew looks too thick? Add a splash of broth or water.
• Too thin? Remove the lid and simmer 10 minutes longer.
• Not a wine drinker? Red wine vinegar works beautifully and adds brightness.
• Sauce looks lumpy? Totally normal. It all evens out by the end—stew magic at work!

One time, in my early cooking days, I forgot to add the potatoes until halfway through. The result? Surprisingly delicious, chunkier-than-usual stew that my family begged me to “forget” again. Moral of the story: stew forgives everything.

FAQs About Cranberry Apple Beef Stew

A Cozy Bowl Worth Sharing

When you ladle this Cranberry Apple Beef Stew into a warm bowl, you’re not just serving dinner—you’re giving your family a moment to slow down, breathe, and feel the comfort of a home-cooked meal. Recipes like this remind me why I started Chicken Magic Recipes in the first place: food brings us together, even on the busiest days.

So, the next time you’re craving something hearty that still brings a spark of brightness, let this Cranberry Apple Beef Stew be your go-to. Trust me—you’ll want to make it again long before the pot is empty.

If you try it, come back and tell me how it went. I love hearing your kitchen stories!

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

If this Cranberry Apple Beef Stew warmed your heart (and your kitchen!), I’ve got a few more delicious ideas you can curl up with next. These dishes bring those same comforting, cozy vibes—perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or when you simply want something special without extra effort.

• If you adore that sweet-tangy cranberry magic, you have to try my Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef. It’s rich, tender, and absolutely unforgettable.
• Craving another warm and hearty bowl? My Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is packed with rustic flavors and feels like a hug in dinner form.
• Hosting or just in the mood for something festive? The Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath is gorgeous, gooey, and guaranteed to impress every single time.
• And for a bright, creamy treat to finish the night, the Cranberry Mousse Cups make the perfect sweet bite after a cozy stew.

Feel free to explore these next—they’re all tried, tested, and loved in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for them to become favorites in yours too!

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