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
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Ingredients

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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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.

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