This cozy beef stew is packed with tender meat and tasty veggies, all simmered together in a rich broth. And who can resist fluffy dumplings on top? Yum!
I love how this stew warms me up on chilly days. It’s like a big hug in a bowl! And the dumplings? They’re the perfect fluffy finish. Just don’t forget to save some for later! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for stew because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using sirloin. Just remember it might need less cooking time.
Vegetables: Classic choices like carrots, potatoes, and celery are great for flavor and texture. If you’re out of any veggie, feel free to swap in parsnips or peas. They’ll work nicely too!
Red Wine: It enhances the stew’s flavor! If you prefer not to use it, just add an extra cup of broth or a splash of vinegar for acidity.
Dumplings: All-purpose flour is the star here. For a gluten-free option, you could use a gluten-free flour blend, but you may need to adjust the liquid a bit.
How Do I Get the Beef Perfectly Tender?
Cooking the beef slowly is key to getting it tender and juicy. Start by browning the meat to develop flavor. Then, simmer on low heat for at least 1.5 hours. The longer you let it cook, the better it will taste!
- Use medium-high heat to brown and then reduce to low heat.
- Cover the pot well while simmering to keep moisture in.
- Check it occasionally; good stew needs love!
What’s the Best Way to Make Fluffy Dumplings?
Mixing your dumpling dough gently is crucial! Overmixing makes them tough. You want a soft, sticky dough.
- Combine dry ingredients, then cut in the cold butter until crumbly.
- Pour in the milk gradually, stirring just until mixed.
- Drop spoonfuls directly onto the simmering stew—don’t lift the lid during cooking!
These tips will help you create a delicious beef stew with perfectly fluffy dumplings! Enjoy your cooking!
Beef Stew with Dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef Stew:
- 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For The Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beef stew with dumplings will take about 15 minutes to prep and another 2 hours to cook, including simmering time. You’ll spend some time browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, and then all you have to do is let it cook and enjoy the lovely aromas!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Stew:
Start by seasoning the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef pieces in batches for about 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown on all sides. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring until the onions are translucent. Then, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, stirring well to cook the flour for about a minute.
Now, slowly add the red wine (if using), scraping any delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the beef broth along with thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Mix everything together and return the browned beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and let it simmer gently for about 1 ½ hours, until the beef starts to become tender.
2. Add Vegetables:
After the stew has simmered for 1 ½ hours, it’s time to add the veggies! Add in the carrots, potatoes, and celery, stirring well. Cover and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the beef and vegetables are fork-tender.
3. Make the Dumplings:
While the stew is finishing, it’s time to whip up the dumplings. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you want, stir in the chopped parsley. Gradually add the milk, stirring until just combined to form a soft dough (be careful not to overmix).
4. Add Dumplings to Stew:
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough (about the size of a golf ball) onto the surface of the simmering stew. Cover the pot tightly and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid, until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
5. Serve:
Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaves from the stew. Garnish with fresh parsley and ladle the hearty beef stew and fluffy dumplings into bowls. Enjoy this warm and comforting meal!
Enjoy your hearty and comforting Beef Stew with Dumplings!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the beef completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option. Make sure to pat it dry before browning to get a nice sear!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef stew a day in advance, as the flavors develop beautifully overnight. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat on the stove. Prepare the dumplings fresh just before serving for the best texture!
What If I Don’t Have All the Vegetables Listed?
No worries! You can substitute with any hearty vegetables you have on hand, like parsnips, turnips, or even green beans. Feel free to mix and match according to your preference!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings are best consumed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them separately. Reheat the stew on the stove and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.