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Apple Cider Braised beef Shoulder: The Ultimate Fall Comfort Food

Apple Cider Braised Beef Shoulder: The Ultimate Fall Comfort Food

Apple Cider Braised Beef Shoulder is the ultimate comfort food for fall, delivering a warm and hearty meal that the whole family will adore. The tender beef shoulder is braised slowly in a rich mixture of apple cider, fresh apples, and aromatic herbs, creating a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings, this dish shines when served in pulled beef sandwiches, tacos, or alongside creamy mashed potatoes. With minimal prep time and straightforward cooking steps, it’s an easy yet impressive recipe to add to your autumn menu.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 10 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 pound boneless beef shoulder
  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 2 large apples (e.g., Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 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 all-purpose flour (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons water (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1. Season the beef shoulder with salt and pepper.
  2. 2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; sear the beef until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. 3. In the same pot, cook chopped onions until softened; then add chopped apples and garlic.
  4. 4. Deglaze with apple cider vinegar; add apple cider and chicken broth along with mustard, brown sugar, herbs, and bay leaves.
  5. 5. Return the beef to the pot; bring to a simmer before covering and braising on low heat for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.
  6. 6. Rest the beef before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
  7. 7. Reduce the sauce if desired and serve by mixing shredded beef back into the sauce.
  • Author: Juniper
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Use high-quality apple cider for the best flavor. Feel free to mix different varieties of apples to enhance complexity. If you prefer a thicker sauce, create a slurry with flour and water before adding it back into the simmering liquid.