There’s nothing quite as comforting as a hearty beef stew, and when paired with fluffy dumplings, it’s the ultimate winter warmer. This Savory Beef Stew and Dumplings recipe is packed with tender beef, rich vegetables, and a thick, flavorful broth. It’s the perfect dish for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week!
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Why You’ll Love This Savory Beef Stew and Dumplings Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: A complete meal with tender beef, wholesome veggies, and soft dumplings.
- Rich in Flavor: Slow-cooked goodness with a savory, aromatic broth.
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep, and the stew practically cooks itself!
- Family Favorite: A classic dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients for Savory Beef Stew and Dumplings
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cold butter (cubed)
- ½ cup milk (plus more if needed)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Savory Beef Stew and Dumplings
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Stew
3. In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
5. Return the beef to the pot, then add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
7. Add carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Make the Dumplings
8. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
9. Stir in milk and parsley to form a soft dough. Avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
10. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the simmering stew. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the dumplings to steam.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
11. Remove the bay leaf and give the stew a final stir. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up the rich broth.
- Add a side of steamed green beans or roasted vegetables for extra greens.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the dumplings for a melty topping.
Tips for the Best Beef Stew and Dumplings
- Choose the Right Beef: Chuck roast or stewing beef works best for tender results.
- Thicken the Broth: For a thicker stew, mash a few pieces of the potato or add a slurry of flour and water.
- Don’t Peek at the Dumplings: Keep the lid closed while cooking to ensure light, fluffy dumplings.
- Make it Ahead: Stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
- Reheat: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Sear the beef and sauté the onions and garlic before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the dumplings during the last 30 minutes.
Q2: Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
A: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and adjust the liquid as needed.
Q3: What other vegetables can I add?
A: Parsnips, turnips, or peas are excellent additions for more variety.
Conclusion: A Bowl of Comfort
This Savory Beef Stew and Dumplings recipe is a timeless classic that’s sure to warm your heart and soul. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or saving it all for yourself, every bite is pure comfort.
Did you try this recipe? Share your thoughts and photos on social media—we’d love to see how it turned out!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 6g
Enjoy this hearty dish and make it a regular in your recipe rotation!
Print
Savory Beef Stew and Dumplings
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Description
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a hearty beef stew, and when paired with fluffy dumplings, it’s the ultimate winter warmer. This Savory Beef Stew and Dumplings recipe is packed with tender beef, rich vegetables, and a thick, flavorful broth. It’s the perfect dish for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week!
Subscribe to our newsletter for more comforting recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox!
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cold butter (cubed)
- ½ cup milk (plus more if needed)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Stew
3. In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
5. Return the beef to the pot, then add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
7. Add carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Make the Dumplings
8. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
9. Stir in milk and parsley to form a soft dough. Avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
10. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the simmering stew. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the dumplings to steam.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
11. Remove the bay leaf and give the stew a final stir. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Choose the Right Beef: Chuck roast or stewing beef works best for tender results.
- Thicken the Broth: For a thicker stew, mash a few pieces of the potato or add a slurry of flour and water.
- Don’t Peek at the Dumplings: Keep the lid closed while cooking to ensure light, fluffy dumplings.
- Make it Ahead: Stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Cuisine: American
