If you’re looking for a stew that’s bursting with both hearty and unexpected flavors, this Beef Stew with Turkey Bacon, Apples, and Prunes Recipe is going to be your new favorite comfort meal. It masterfully combines tender beef, smoky turkey bacon, sweet apples, and luscious prunes into one soul-satisfying dish that warms you up from the inside out. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want to treat yourself to something deliciously unique, this stew promises layers of rich taste and delightful textures that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic of this Beef Stew with Turkey Bacon, Apples, and Prunes Recipe. Each component plays a vital role—bringing depth, sweetness, earthiness, and a perfect balance of savory notes, making the whole stew sing harmoniously.
- Beef shoulder (3 ½ – 4 lb): The ideal cut for slow cooking, it becomes meltingly tender and juicy, forming the stew’s hearty base.
- Turkey bacon (½ lb): Offers a smoky yet lighter twist compared to traditional bacon, adding both flavor and a satisfying texture.
- Large onion (1): Builds a sweet, aromatic foundation when sautéed, enriching the stew’s savory depth.
- Garlic cloves (2): Brings in a subtle sharpness that wakes up the palate.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): Infuses the stew with comforting umami and ensures a richly flavored cooking liquid.
- Prunes (1 cup): Add natural sweetness and a luscious fruitiness that beautifully contrasts the savory ingredients.
- Apples (2): Introduce a tender, fresh sweetness and slight tartness that balances the richness perfectly.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Provides smoothness for browning the meat and vegetables, enhancing overall flavor.
- Grainy mustard (2 tbsp): Adds texture and a gentle bite that brightens the stew.
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Offers a smooth, tangy note tying all flavors together.
- Fresh thyme (2-3 sprigs): Soothes and elevates the stew with herbal, earthy aromas.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Helps thicken the stew to a luscious, velvety consistency.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
- Apple juice: Used to deglaze the pan, imbuing the stew with a subtle fruity brightness.
How to Make Beef Stew with Turkey Bacon, Apples, and Prunes Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Ingredients
First, trim the beef shoulder and cut it into generous 2-inch chunks, making sure to pat the pieces dry so they brown beautifully later. Then, slice your turkey bacon into strips that will crisp up nicely and complement the stew’s texture.
Step 2: Browning the Beef
In a large braiser or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks in batches, allowing each piece to develop that golden crust which locks in juices and adds incredible flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this step is key for a rich stew base.
Step 3: Crispy Turkey Bacon
Next, sauté the turkey bacon strips until they turn crispy and fragrant. Once done, remove them from the pot and set aside. The rendered fat left behind will add another dimension of flavor to the stew.
Step 4: Building Flavor with Aromatics
Using the same pot, add diced onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and sweet. Toss in minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant. Then deglaze the pan with a splash of apple juice, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon—this little trick enhances every bite.
Step 5: Adding Mustard, Herbs, and Broth
Stir in both grainy and Dijon mustards along with the fresh thyme sprigs, creating a fragrant, tangy base. Return the browned beef chunks to the pot and pour in the chicken broth, covering the ingredients. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Slow Simmering
Cover the pot and let everything simmer on low heat for one full hour. This slow cooking tenderizes the beef shoulder perfectly and blends all the flavors deeply.
Step 7: Incorporating Prunes and Bacon
After an hour, add the prunes and crispy turkey bacon back into the stew. Let the pot simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes, allowing the prunes to soften and impart their sweet richness.
Step 8: Final Touches with Apples and Thickening
Finally, add quartered apple slices and cook until they’re tender but still hold their shape—this adds a beautiful freshness and slight tartness to the mix. To finish, whisk together cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, and stir it in to thicken the stew to a luscious, velvety texture.
How to Serve Beef Stew with Turkey Bacon, Apples, and Prunes Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Beef Stew with Turkey Bacon, Apples, and Prunes Recipe look as good as it tastes, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves on top. A little cracked black pepper mixed in just before serving adds that perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This stew is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you want to round out the meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles will soak up the luscious sauce beautifully. A crusty loaf of bread also pairs wonderfully, perfect for mopping up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic, family-style experience, serve the stew in a large cast-iron pot right at the table. Alternatively, portion it into individual bowls and garnish with apple slices or whole prunes for added visual flair. Offering a small side dish of grainy mustard can let guests customize their bites with an extra tang.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had extra time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an ideal recipe for batch cooking ahead.
Freezing
You can freeze this Beef Stew with Turkey Bacon, Apples, and Prunes Recipe for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Label with the date to keep track and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the stew has thickened too much in the fridge, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave reheating is convenient too—just cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.
FAQs
Can I substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon?
Absolutely! Regular bacon will add a richer, smokier flavor, but turkey bacon keeps the dish a bit lighter. Both work well, so choose based on your preference.
What type of apples work best in this stew?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect because they hold their shape during cooking and add a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the beef and turkey bacon on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours. Add apples and cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes to avoid over-softening.
Why use prunes in a beef stew?
Prunes add natural sweetness and a rich fruity depth that balances the savory and smoky elements, creating a uniquely delicious flavor profile.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and mustard, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Cornstarch is a great thickener that also keeps it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
If you want a stew that’s bursting with comfort and a beautiful twist on classic flavors, you simply must try this Beef Stew with Turkey Bacon, Apples, and Prunes Recipe. It’s cozy, vibrant, and packed with layers of taste that will warm your heart and impress everyone at your table. Once you make it, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a family favorite!
Print
Beef Stew with Turkey Bacon, Apples, and Prunes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Beef Stew with Turkey Bacon, Apples, and Prunes combines tender chunks of beef shoulder with smoky turkey bacon, sweet apples, and rich prunes, simmered in a flavorful broth infused with mustard and fresh thyme. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this stew balances savory and sweet notes for a deliciously unique twist on a classic stew.
Ingredients
Beef and Meat
- 3 ½ – 4 lb beef shoulder, trimmed and cut into 2-inch chunks
- ½ lb turkey bacon, cut into strips
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 apples, quartered
Liquids and Broth
- 3 cups chicken broth
- Apple juice for deglazing (about ¼ cup)
Fruits
- 1 cup prunes
Fats and Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings and Thickeners
- 2 tbsp grainy mustard
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Trim the beef shoulder and cut into 2-inch chunks; pat the pieces dry to ensure good browning. Cut the turkey bacon into strips.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large braiser over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef chunks until they develop a golden crust, which adds depth of flavor to the stew.
- Cook Turkey Bacon: In the same pot, sauté the turkey bacon strips until crispy. Remove them and set aside to add later.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Deglaze the pot by pouring in apple juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add Mustards and Thyme: Stir in the grainy mustard, Dijon mustard, and add the fresh thyme sprigs to the pot to infuse aroma and flavor.
- Add Beef and Broth: Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Season with kosher salt as needed. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for one hour, allowing flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
- Add Prunes and Bacon: Stir in the prunes and cooked turkey bacon strips, then simmer the stew for another 15 minutes to soften the prunes and develop sweetness.
- Add Apples and Thicken: Incorporate the quartered apple slices into the stew until they are tender. Prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the stew to thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
Notes
- Patting the beef dry before browning helps achieve a better crust and richer flavor.
- Simmer the stew gently to avoid toughening the meat.
- The combination of apples and prunes adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- You can substitute chicken broth with beef broth for a deeper flavor if desired.
- Make sure to stir the cornstarch slurry well to avoid lumps.
