Hearty Beef Stew with Fluffy Dumplings Recipe
Introduction
Beef Stew and Dumplings is a comforting classic that combines tender beef and vegetables in a rich broth, topped with fluffy dumplings. This hearty dish is perfect for cozy dinners and brings warmth to any table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, cut into chunks
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, onions)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, brown the beef chunks over medium heat. Add the vegetables and sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook gently until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Step 2: Prepare your dumpling dough (typically flour, baking powder, salt, and milk), then drop spoonfuls onto the simmering stew. Cover the pot and steam the dumplings for about 15–20 minutes, or until they are puffed and cooked through.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot and develop a richer stew base.
- Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the broth for added aroma and depth.
- Vegetarian dumplings can be made by skipping meat and increasing the vegetable variety and seasoning.
Storage
Store leftover stew and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the dumplings. For longer storage, freeze the stew without the dumplings and add fresh dumplings when reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef first, then transfer to a slow cooker with vegetables, flour, and broth. Cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add and steam dumplings on the stove just before serving.
What if my dumplings fall apart?
Make sure your stew is simmering gently and that dumplings are not stirred while cooking. Handling dumplings carefully and avoiding overcooking will keep them intact and fluffy.
PrintHearty Beef Stew with Fluffy Dumplings Recipe
A comforting classic Beef Stew with tender chunks of beef and hearty vegetables simmered in a rich broth, served with soft, fluffy dumplings steamed on top. This dish is perfect for a cozy meal, combining the deep flavors of slow-cooked stew with light, pillowy dumplings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Beef Stew
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for coating beef)
For the Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 2/3 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry and toss them with 2 tablespoons of flour until evenly coated. This helps create a thicker stew base.
- Sear the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches until all sides are nicely seared. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and herbs: Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for another minute to enhance the flavors.
- Simmer the stew: Return seared beef to the pot and pour in beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef is tender and stew thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the dumpling dough: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until just combined; do not overmix.
- Add dumplings to the stew: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter evenly over the simmering stew. Cover the pot tightly with a lid.
- Steam dumplings: Cook for 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid to allow the dumplings to steam and cook through until they are fluffy and cooked inside.
- Serve: Spoon stew and dumplings into bowls and enjoy warm as a hearty and comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef overnight in a little Worcestershire sauce and garlic before cooking.
- You can substitute fresh herbs instead of dried if preferred, using about three times the amount.
- To make the dumplings lighter, avoid overmixing and handle the dough gently.
- Leftover stew can be refrigerated and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
Keywords: beef stew, dumplings, comfort food, stew recipe, hearty meal, slow-cooked beef, steamed dumplings
