Golden Beef and Apple Cider Stew

By luvmybuttonsnbows

PREP:
35 minutes
COOK:
Low 8 hours, High 4 hours
MAKES:
5 servings
SLOW COOKER:
3'/2- to 5-quart

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef or lamb stew meat, cut into 1 -inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 4 carrots or parsnips, chopped
• 2 medium red potatoes, chopped
• 2 onions, halved and sliced
• 2 small apples, cored and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
• 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons instant beef bouillon granules
• 1 teaspoon snipped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried
• thyme, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Preparation

Step 1

In a large skillet brown meat, half at a time, in hot oil. Drain off fat.
In a 3 1/2- to 5-quart slow cooker place carrots or parsnips, potatoes, onions, apples, and celery. Sprinkle tapioca over vegetables. Add meat. In a bowl combine the cider, water, bouillon granules, dried thyme (if using), and pepper; pour over meat
Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or on high-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours. To serve, stir in fresh thyme, if using.