Hearty Beef Stew with Fluffy Dumplings Recipe
Introduction
Beef Stew and Dumplings is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Tender chunks of beef and vegetables simmer in a rich broth, topped with soft, fluffy dumplings for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dumpling batter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, combine the beef, potatoes, carrots, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
- Step 2: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter over the simmering stew. Cover and cook for another 15-20 minutes until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Tips & Variations
- For richer flavor, brown the beef before simmering.
- Add herbs like thyme or bay leaves to the broth for added aroma.
- Substitute potatoes with parsnips or turnips for a twist.
- Use self-rising flour in the dumpling batter to ensure light texture.
Storage
Store leftover stew and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the dumplings soft. Avoid reheating in the microwave to prevent dumplings from becoming tough.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef first, then place all stew ingredients (except dumplings) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add dumplings in the last 30 minutes and cook until done.
Can I freeze beef stew with dumplings?
It’s best to freeze the stew without dumplings, as they can change texture after freezing. Prepare dumplings fresh when reheating the thawed stew.
PrintHearty Beef Stew with Fluffy Dumplings Recipe
This hearty Beef Stew and Dumplings recipe features tender chunks of beef simmered slowly with potatoes and carrots in a rich broth, topped with fluffy, soft dumplings. Perfect for a comforting, filling meal on chilly days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Beef Stew Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dumplings Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large slow cooker or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides to develop flavor, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add vegetables and broth: Stir in diced potatoes, sliced carrots, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour the beef broth over the ingredients, making sure everything is covered. Bring to a simmer.
- Slow cook the stew: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Make dumplings: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined into a sticky dough.
- Add dumplings to stew: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the simmering stew. Cover tightly and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid to allow dumplings to steam and become fluffy.
- Serve: Remove bay leaf, check seasoning, and serve the stew hot with the dumplings on top for a warming, comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after browning the beef.
- Vegetables can be varied according to preference; parsnips or turnips are excellent additions.
- Do not lift the lid while dumplings are cooking to ensure they steam properly.
- This recipe can be prepared in a slow cooker or on the stovetop using a heavy pot with adjusted cooking times.
Keywords: beef stew, dumplings, slow cooker beef stew, comfort food, hearty stew, slow cooked meal
