Normandy Beef and Apple Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty French stew with tender beef, sweet apples, and aromatic herbs, slow-simmered to rich perfection. This french-inspired slow cooker ready in about 155 minutes pairs pounds beef chuck, medium yellow onion, medium carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 135 min Serves 6 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1.5 pounds beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 medium finely chopped yellow onions to the pot and cook for 3 minutes until translucent.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 medium peeled and diced carrots, stirring for 2 minutes. Add 2 medium peeled and diced apples, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for 2 more minutes.
  5. Step 5: Return beef to the pot and pour in 1 cup red wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce wine.
  6. Step 6: Add 2 cups chicken stock, bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  7. Step 7: Remove lid, increase heat to medium, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken sauce.
  8. Step 8: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Normandy Beef and Apple Stew take to make?

Total time is about 155 minutes (20 min prep + 135 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Normandy Beef and Apple Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds beef chuck from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Normandy Beef and Apple Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Normandy Beef and Apple Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Normandy Beef and Apple Stew?

French slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes