Beef Stew and Dumplings
Why make this recipe
Beef Stew and Dumplings is a classic comfort food that warms the heart and fills the belly. It’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you want to enjoy a hearty meal. With tender beef, fresh vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is sure to bring smiles to the dinner table. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup easy!
How to make Beef Stew and Dumplings
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
Directions:
- In a large pot, brown the beef cubes over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in the milk to form a dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the stew about 15 minutes before the stew is done.
- Cover and cook until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to serve Beef Stew and Dumplings
Serve Beef Stew and Dumplings hot in bowls. You can sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for added flavor and a touch of color. It pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread if you like to soak up the delicious gravy.
How to store Beef Stew and Dumplings
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it should be good for up to 3 months.
Tips to make Beef Stew and Dumplings
- For a richer flavor, you can brown the beef in some olive oil before adding the other ingredients.
- Feel free to mix and match vegetables according to your preference. Peas or green beans add great color and taste!
- If you want a thicker stew, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Variation
You can change the flavor profile by adding different herbs like rosemary or parsley. For a spicy kick, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can be added!
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can! Chicken stew with dumplings is also delicious. Just cook it for less time since chicken cooks faster than beef.
2. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can brown the beef first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for about 6-8 hours.
3. What can I serve with Beef Stew and Dumplings?
This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side of bread, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Beef Stew and Dumplings
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, brown the beef cubes over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Stir in the milk to form a dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the stew about 15 minutes before the stew is done.
- Cover and cook until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
