Description
Apple Cider Braised Beef Shoulder is the ideal dish for autumn, combining tender beef with the sweet, rich flavors of apple cider, fresh apples, and aromatic herbs. This comforting meal fills your home with a delightful aroma as it slow-cooks to perfection. Whether served in sandwiches, tacos, or over creamy mashed potatoes, this recipe offers endless versatility and warmth for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. With its easy preparation and remarkable flavor, it’s sure to become a fall favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 pound boneless beef shoulder
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1 large yellow onion
- 2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Season the beef shoulder with salt and pepper.
- 2. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil and sear the beef shoulder until browned on all sides. Remove from pot.
- 3. Sauté chopped onion and apples in the same pot until soft; add garlic and cook briefly.
- 4. Deglaze with apple cider vinegar and scrape browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 5. Add apple cider, chicken broth, mustard, sugar, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and return beef to the pot.
- 6. Cover and braise on low heat for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.
- 7. Shred beef after resting; skim excess fat from sauce and thicken if desired before combining shredded beef with sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg