Beef stew n dumplings

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Difficulty Level: Medium
Servings: 6

Introduction

Beef stew with dumplings is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a warm, filling meal. Tender chunks of beef simmered slowly with vegetables create a rich, flavorful stew, topped with fluffy, soft dumplings that soak up the delicious broth. This classic British-inspired dish combines a savory stew with light dumplings to make a satisfying one-pot meal your family will love.

Ingredients

For the Beef Stew:

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups beef broth (or stock)

• 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with extra broth)

• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced

• 3 celery stalks, sliced

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 cup frozen peas (optional, added at the end)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• ¾ cup whole milk

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven

• Mixing bowls

• Wooden spoon

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Knife and cutting board

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

• Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.

• Toss the beef in the 3 tbsp of flour until evenly coated.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

• Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Don’t overcrowd the pot. Remove browned beef and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

• Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Cooking the Stew

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer

• Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine reduce for 3-4 minutes.

• Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, browned beef, carrots, celery, and potatoes.

• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.

Making the Dumplings

Step 5: Mix the Dumpling Batter

• In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

• Stir in milk, melted butter, and chopped parsley until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Add Dumplings to Stew

• Once the stew is tender and ready, drop spoonfuls (about 2 tbsp each) of the dumpling batter on top of the simmering stew.

• Cover tightly and cook for 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid (this traps the steam needed for the dumplings to rise and cook).

Step 7: Final Touches

• If using, stir in frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

• Remove bay leaves.

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serving

Ladle the stew and dumplings into bowls, making sure to get some dumpling and plenty of rich stew. Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or a side salad.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftover stew and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.

• Note: Dumplings may become denser after reheating.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Note: Nutrition varies based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Tips and Variations

• Vegetables: Add parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms for more variety.

• Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp flour with cold water and stir into stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

• Dumplings: For a lighter version, substitute half the milk with sparkling water or buttermilk.

• Slow Cooker: Brown beef and sauté onions first, then transfer all ingredients except dumplings to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours, adding dumplings in the last 30 minutes.

• Herbs: Fresh rosemary or sage can add extra aroma to the stew.

Summary

This Beef Stew and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings soaking in a rich broth. Perfect for cold days or anytime you want a satisfying homemade meal that feels like a warm hug. Simple to prepare but full of deep flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.