Apple Cider Braised Beef Shoulder
Apple Cider Braised Beef Shoulder is the epitome of fall comfort food, delivering a delightful combination of tender, juicy beef infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider and fresh herbs. This slow-cooked dish transforms a simple boneless beef shoulder into a savory masterpiece, perfect for family gatherings or meal prep throughout the week. Whether served in pulled beef sandwiches, tacos, or over creamy mashed potatoes, this recipe promises to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds during chilly autumn nights.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6-8 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 pound boneless beef shoulder
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 large apples, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Pat the beef shoulder dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat; sear the beef on all sides until browned, then set aside.
- Sauté onions in the same pot until softened; add apples and garlic, cooking until slightly softened.
- Deglaze with apple cider vinegar and scrape up browned bits.
- Add apple cider, chicken broth, mustard, brown sugar, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves; return beef to the pot.
- Bring to a simmer; cover tightly and braise on low heat for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.
- Shred beef after resting; reduce sauce if desired before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup shredded beef (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg