Delicious Beef Stew and Dumplings

A Cozy Bowl of Comfort

Whenever the weather turns chilly, I find myself craving the kind of meal that warms me from the inside out. That’s exactly why I love making this delicious beef stew with dumplings. It reminds me of cozy evenings spent at home, the rich aroma filling the kitchen as the stew simmers slowly, and the joy of sitting down with a steaming bowl that feels like a hug in food form. This recipe is my go-to when I want to make something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying for my family without spending a fortune.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This beef stew and dumplings recipe is the perfect combination of tender, slow-cooked beef, wholesome vegetables, and fluffy dumplings that soak up all the savory goodness. The broth is rich and flavorful, the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the dumplings make every bite feel indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is one that never fails to impress.

Versatile and Family-Friendly

One of my favorite things about this stew is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand – carrots, peas, potatoes, parsnips, or even green beans all work beautifully. You can also tweak the seasoning to your liking. Love garlic? Add more! Want a deeper flavor? Add extra beef broth or a touch of tomato paste. This flexibility makes it a staple in my kitchen because I can make it slightly different every time without losing its comforting essence.

Affordable and Accessible

Another reason I turn to this recipe often is that it uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients. Stew beef is affordable and becomes wonderfully tender with slow cooking. The vegetables are common pantry staples, and the dumplings are made from ingredients most of us already have on hand. It’s a filling meal that stretches a pound or two of beef to feed the whole family.

Ingredients for Delicious Beef Stew and Dumplings

• For the Stew:

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized chunks)

  • 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 3 carrots, sliced

  • 3 potatoes, cubed

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 cups beef broth

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 1 tsp dried rosemary

  • 2 bay leaves

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

• For the Dumplings:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 3 tbsp cold butter (cubed)

  • 3/4 cup milk

How to Prepare Delicious Beef Stew and Dumplings

Preparing the Stew

To make this comforting dish, start by preparing the beef. Pat the stew meat dry with paper towels so it browns well. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Brown the meat on all sides until it develops a deep, rich color. This step is crucial because it adds so much flavor to the final dish. Remove the browned beef and set it aside on a plate.

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma. Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes, and cook them for about 5 minutes to bring out their natural sweetness. This step builds layers of flavor that make the stew taste rich and hearty.

Next, stir in the tomato paste and cook for one minute. Deglaze the pot with a splash of beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the browned beef to the pot, then pour in the remaining beef broth. Add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir everything well, then bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes fork-tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

Making the Dumpling Dough

While the stew is simmering, prepare the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix, as this will keep the dumplings light and fluffy.

Adding Dumplings to the Stew

Once the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, it’s time to add the dumplings. Drop spoonfuls of the dough on top of the simmering stew. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid. The steam inside the pot will help the dumplings puff up and become tender.

When the dumplings are fully cooked, they will be light and fluffy on the inside and slightly firm on the outside. Stir the stew gently around the dumplings to make sure everything is coated in the flavorful broth. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Quick and Easy Tips

Although this dish requires a bit of simmering time, the hands-on preparation is quick and simple. You can prepare the stew earlier in the day and reheat it gently when ready to serve. The dumplings can be mixed just before cooking to keep them fresh. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without a lot of fuss.

Customizable Options

This recipe is very adaptable. You can swap the potatoes for sweet potatoes or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or parsnips for more texture and depth. If you like a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew before adding the dumplings. For a more herbaceous flavor, sprinkle in fresh parsley or thyme just before serving.

Popular with Many People

Beef stew with dumplings is one of those recipes that appeals to everyone. It is a classic comfort food that works well for family dinners, potlucks, and even casual gatherings with friends. The rich broth, tender beef, and soft dumplings make it a dish that both kids and adults look forward to. It also stores well, so leftovers can be enjoyed the next day, making it an economical and practical recipe to keep in your rotation.

Delicious Beef Stew and Dumplings

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This beef stew with dumplings is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for cozy evenings. Tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings combine in a rich broth that warms the soul. This versatile, family-friendly dish is easy to customize and perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

• Author: Lura Skye
• Prep Time: 25
• Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Stew:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp cold butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup milk

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Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Pat beef dry. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches until golden on all sides and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onion for 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes and cook 5 minutes.
3. Add Tomato Paste and Broth: Stir in tomato paste, cook 1 minute, then deglaze the pot with a splash of beef broth, scraping up browned bits.
4. Simmer the Stew: Return beef to the pot, add remaining broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 1.5–2 hours until beef is tender.
5. Prepare Dumpling Dough: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk to form a soft dough.
6. Add Dumplings to Stew: Drop spoonfuls of dough over the simmering stew. Cover tightly and cook 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
7. Check Dumplings: Ensure dumplings are cooked through—fluffy inside and slightly firm outside.
8. Finish and Serve: Gently stir stew around dumplings, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Notes

Do not lift the lid while dumplings are cooking to avoid collapsing.

Leftovers can be reheated gently; add fresh dumplings before serving.

Swap vegetables or herbs for variety.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Add the dumplings during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q: Can I freeze the stew?
A: Absolutely. Freeze the stew without the dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw completely, reheat gently, and make fresh dumplings to add on top.

Q: Can I use other types of meat?
A: You can substitute beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as poultry cooks faster than beef.

Q: Can I make gluten-free dumplings?
A: Yes. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure the baking powder is gluten-free. The texture may be slightly different but will still be delicious.

Q: How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?
A: Dumplings are ready when they are no longer doughy inside and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. They should be fluffy yet firm on the outside.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the stew a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add fresh dumplings just before serving.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Yes, feel free to add peas, green beans, parsnips, or mushrooms. Add vegetables that cook quickly near the end of simmering to avoid overcooking.