Apple Cider Braised Beef with Mushrooms, Baby Potatoes & Pearl Onions

Apple Cider Braised Beef with Mushrooms, Baby Potatoes & Pearl Onions is a warm, easy one-pot meal that fills the kitchen with sweet cider and savory beef smells.

introduction — Apple Cider Braised Beef with Mushrooms, Baby Potatoes & Pearl Onions

This recipe uses apple cider to give the beef a light sweet tang and deep flavor.
It cooks slowly until the chuck roast becomes fork-tender and the potatoes soak up the juices.
If you enjoy hearty beef dishes, you might also like this Egyptian beef with pita and rice for another simple beef meal idea.

why make this recipe — Apple Cider Braised Beef with Mushrooms, Baby Potatoes & Pearl Onions

Make this dish when you want an easy hands-off meal that feeds a crowd.
It needs little active work and gives a big, comforting result.
This high-protein meal also fits well into plans that focus on recovery and strength, as mentioned in these simple muscle recovery tips.

how to make Apple Cider Braised Beef with Mushrooms, Baby Potatoes & Pearl Onions

Start by browning the beef to seal in flavor.
Sauté the vegetables in the same pot, add cider and herbs, then braise the roast with potatoes until tender.
This method keeps all the flavors in one pot for easy cooking and clean up.

Ingredients : Apple Cider Braised Beef with Mushrooms, Baby Potatoes & Pearl Onions

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 1 cup pearl onions, peeled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Directions : Apple Cider Braised Beef with Mushrooms, Baby Potatoes & Pearl Onions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides in the oil.
4. Remove the beef and set aside.
5. In the same pot, add the garlic, mushrooms, and pearl onions and sauté until soft.
6. Add the apple cider, thyme, and bay leaf, bringing to a simmer.
7. Return the beef to the pot, and add the baby potatoes.
8. Cover and place in the oven.
9. Cook for 3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

how to serve Apple Cider Braised Beef with Mushrooms, Baby Potatoes & Pearl Onions

Serve slices of the braised beef with the potatoes and mushrooms spooned over the top.
A simple green salad or crusty bread works well on the side.
For more side ideas that pair well with egg or savory mains, see these side meal recipes.

how to store Apple Cider Braised Beef with Mushrooms, Baby Potatoes & Pearl Onions

Cool the dish to room temperature, then place in an airtight container.
Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2–3 months.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven to keep the meat tender.

tips to make Apple Cider Braised Beef with Mushrooms, Baby Potatoes & Pearl Onions

• Brown the beef well to build more flavor.
• Use good quality apple cider for a deeper taste.
• Add vegetables late enough so they do not turn to mush.
• For a different potato texture, try serving with mashed potatoes or try ideas from this mashed potato guide.

variation (if any) — Apple Cider Braised Beef with Mushrooms, Baby Potatoes & Pearl Onions

• Swap mushrooms for sliced carrots or parsnips for a sweeter profile.
• Use bone-in chuck for extra richness.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end for brightness.

FAQs — Apple Cider Braised Beef with Mushrooms, Baby Potatoes & Pearl Onions

Q: Can I use red wine instead of apple cider?
A: Yes. Red wine gives a bolder flavor. Replace cider with equal parts red wine or a mix of wine and beef broth.

Q: What cut of beef is best for this braise?
A: Use chuck roast or any well-marbled braising cut. They break down and become tender with long, slow cooking.

Q: Do I need a Dutch oven for this recipe?
A: A heavy, oven-safe pot works best. If you need one, you can Buy it here.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown the beef and vegetables first, then transfer to the slow cooker with cider and herbs. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Apple Cider Braised Beef with Mushrooms, Baby Potatoes & Pearl Onions

A warm, easy one-pot meal that fills the kitchen with sweet cider and savory beef smells.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast
• 2 cups apple cider Use good quality cider for deeper taste.
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved For a different texture, try mashed or other variations.
• 1 cup pearl onions, peeled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
• In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides in the oil.
• Remove the beef and set aside.
• In the same pot, add the garlic, mushrooms, and pearl onions and sauté until soft.
• Add the apple cider, thyme, and bay leaf, bringing to a simmer.

Cooking

• Return the beef to the pot, and add the baby potatoes.
• Cover and place in the oven.
• Cook for 3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
• Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve slices of the braised beef with the potatoes and mushrooms spooned over the top. A simple green salad or crusty bread works well on the side. Cool leftovers to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in refrigerator or freeze for 2-3 months.

Keyword apple cider, braised beef, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meal