This Apple Cider Braised beef Shoulder is an easy one-pot dinner recipe that is perfect for cozy fall evenings. Slow-cooked in a fragrant mix of fresh apple cider, tender beef, and hearty vegetables, this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, the comforting flavors of this dish will warm your heart and home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With just a few easy steps, you can create a delicious meal that feels gourmet.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of apple cider and herbs infuses the beef with incredible taste, making every bite memorable.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This dish serves multiple people, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
• One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to relax after your meal!
• Seasonal Ingredients: Utilize fresh apples and herbs to celebrate the flavors of fall.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for braising, it retains heat well and evenly cooks the beef.
• Whisk: Useful for combining ingredients smoothly, ensuring even flavor throughout the dish.
• Cutting board & Chef’s knife: Essential for prepping your ingredients efficiently.

this recipe

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 4-5 lb beef shoulder roast or boston butt roast
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• 2 cups fresh apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cups chicken stock or broth
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard

For the Aromatics

• 1 tablespoon dehydrated minced onion
• 1 head of garlic, top sliced off opposite of the root end
• 3 rosemary sprigs
• 4 thyme sprigs

For the Vegetables

• 1 red onion, cut into thick slices
• 2 firm and slightly tart apples, peeled and cut into wedges

Seasoning

• kosher salt
• freshly cracked black pepper

How to Make Apple Cider Braised beef Shoulder

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is perfect for slow-braising the beef until it’s tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

1. Trim excess fat from the beef shoulder if necessary.
2. Cut the beef into 4 large pieces or leave it whole if bone-in.
3. Pat dry with paper towels and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

1. Heat neutral oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, place the beef pieces in a single layer.
3. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes until deeply browned. Repeat until all sides are seared.

Step 4: Mix Braising Liquid

While searing:
1. Whisk together apple cider, chicken stock, dijon mustard, and dehydrated minced onion in a bowl.
2. Use kitchen twine to tie rosemary and thyme into a small bundle for easy removal later.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients in Dutch Oven

Once browned:
1. Pour the braising liquid over the beef.
2. Add garlic head (top sliced off) and herb bundle to the pot.
3. Cover with a lid and transfer to preheated oven.

Step 6: Braise in Oven

Braise for approximately 3 hours:
1. Check at about 2.5 hours for doneness (especially if boneless).
2. Flip beef halfway through cooking time.

Step 7: Add Onions and Apples

When beef is almost fork-tender:
1. Remove from oven.
2. Arrange red onion slices and apple wedges around the beef.
3. Cover again and return to oven for an additional 30-45 minutes until very tender.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

After cooking:
1. Remove from oven and let rest in braising liquid for about 30 minutes.
2. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves out of their husk into broth or onto beef before serving.
3. Adjust seasoning of braising liquid with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve this delightful Apple Cider Braised beef Shoulder with juices spooned over everything—enjoy!

How to Serve Apple Cider Braised beef Shoulder

Serving Apple Cider Braised Beef Shoulder is all about enhancing its rich flavors and creating a cozy dining experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to elevate your meal.

Classic Comfort

• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the savory braising liquid.
• Buttered Noodles – Simple buttered noodles provide a soft texture, complementing the robust flavors of the beef.

Seasonal Sides

• Roasted Root Vegetables – A mix of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized adds a sweet touch.
• Apple and Walnut Salad – A fresh salad with crisp apples and crunchy walnuts offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty beef.

Bread Options

• Crusty Bread – A loaf of crusty bread is ideal for mopping up the delicious juices from the pot.
• Dinner Rolls – Soft dinner rolls are great accompaniments that can also be enjoyed with butter.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Braised beef Shoulder

To achieve the best results with your Apple Cider Braised Beef Shoulder, keep these tips in mind.

• Choose Quality Meat – Opt for a well-marbled beef shoulder roast for maximum tenderness and flavor during cooking.
• Sear Properly – Ensure each side of the beef is deeply browned before braising to develop richer flavors.
• Use Fresh Herbs – Fresh rosemary and thyme infuse the dish with aromatic notes that dried herbs cannot replicate.
• Don’t Rush the Braise – Allow ample time for braising; low and slow cooking breaks down tough fibers for tender meat.
• Rest Before Serving – Letting the beef rest in the braising liquid allows it to absorb more flavor before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Braised beef Shoulder

Pairing your Apple Cider Braised Beef Shoulder with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower – A lighter alternative to mashed potatoes that still offers creaminess and flavor.
2. Green Beans Almondine – Crisp green beans sautéed with almonds add crunch and freshness to your plate.
3. Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes – The sweetness from roasted sweet potatoes harmonizes beautifully with apple cider flavors.
4. Quinoa Salad with Cranberries – Nutty quinoa mixed with tart cranberries provides a healthy and flavorful side dish.
5. Creamed Spinach – Rich and creamy spinach complements the savory beef perfectly while adding a pop of color.
6. Braised Red Cabbage – This tangy, sweet side pairs wonderfully with the richness of braised beef, enhancing your overall meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking a dish like Apple Cider Braised beef Shoulder can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Failing to Brown the Meat: Not searing the beef before braising can lead to a lack of flavor. Always brown the meat well to enhance its taste.
• Skipping Seasoning: Underseasoning can make the dish bland. Be generous with salt and pepper when preparing your ingredients.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Using subpar cider or broth affects the overall flavor. Choose fresh apple cider and good-quality chicken broth.
• Not Checking Doneness: Relying solely on cooking time without checking tenderness can result in tough meat. Use a fork to test for doneness halfway through.
• Ignoring Resting Time: Cutting into the beef right after cooking can cause juices to escape, leading to dryness. Allow the beef to rest in the braising liquid before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The Apple Cider Braised beef Shoulder will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Cider Braised beef Shoulder

• Portion out leftovers into freezer-safe containers.
• You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Apple Cider Braised beef Shoulder

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the beef in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely. Heat on medium power until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Apple Cider Braised beef Shoulder.

How long does it take to cook Apple Cider Braised beef Shoulder?

The total cooking time is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including searing and braising times.

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Yes, while beef shoulder is ideal, you can substitute with chuck roast or brisket for similar results.

Is there a vegetarian version of Apple Cider Braised beef Shoulder?

You can create a vegetarian version by replacing beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or jackfruit, using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

What should I serve with Apple Cider Braised beef Shoulder?

This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Final Thoughts

Apple Cider Braised Beef Shoulder is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort. With its tender meat and rich flavors, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs!

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Apple Cider Braised Beef Shoulder

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x

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Description

Experience the warmth of fall with this delightful Apple Cider Braised Beef Shoulder. This one-pot meal is perfect for cozy evenings, featuring tender beef slow-cooked in a fragrant blend of fresh apple cider and aromatic herbs. The combination of succulent meat and hearty vegetables creates a comforting dish that’s ideal for family gatherings or intimate dinners alike. With simple preparation steps and rich flavors, this recipe will elevate your autumn dining experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–5 lb beef shoulder roast
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• 2 cups fresh apple cider
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 firm apples, cut into wedges
• 1 tablespoon dehydrated minced onion
• 1 head of garlic, top sliced off
• 3 rosemary sprigs
• 4 thyme sprigs
• kosher salt
• freshly cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Trim excess fat from the beef and season it with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, searing the beef on all sides until browned.
4. In a bowl, whisk together apple cider, chicken stock, dijon mustard, and minced onion.
5. Add the braising liquid to the pot along with garlic and herb bundle. Cover and transfer to the oven.
6. Braise for about 3 hours, checking for doneness at 2.5 hours.
7. Add onion slices and apple wedges around the beef, covering again for an additional 30-45 minutes until tender.
8. Let rest before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Braised
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Choose high-quality beef shoulder for optimal tenderness. Fresh herbs enhance flavor; consider experimenting with different varieties. Allow ample time for braising to achieve melt-in-your-mouth results.