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Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings Recipe

Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings Recipe

4.9 from 12 reviews

This Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings recipe features tender chuck meat simmered with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs in a rich beef stock, topped with light and fluffy herb-infused dumplings. Perfect for a comforting and hearty meal, it combines traditional slow-cooked flavors with a simple and delicious dumpling topping, ideal for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Stew Ingredients

  • 2 pounds stew meat (chuck meat)
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 large onion, roughly chopped
  • 4 to 5 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 3 cups golden potatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, diced
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 teaspoons tomato paste
  • 2 quarts beef stock
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Dumpling Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter (room temperature)
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup milk
  • Fresh herbs (parsley and chives, diced, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sear the Meat: Season 2 pounds of stew meat with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. Coat the meat evenly with 2 tablespoons of flour. Heat butter or oil in a pot and sear the meat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side without overcrowding. Remove and set aside once browned.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add more oil if needed and sauté the roughly chopped onion until softened. Add the carrots, potatoes, diced rosemary, 2 teaspoons sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, crushed garlic, and tomato paste. Stir to combine and enhance the flavors.
  3. Combine Ingredients and Begin Stewing: Return the seared meat to the pot, pour in beef stock to cover all ingredients. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce to low. Add fresh thyme sprigs, cover, and cook gently for about 2 hours until meat is tender.
  4. Prepare the Dumpling Batter: While the stew cooks, dice fresh parsley and chives. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sea salt, and herbs. Add butter and incorporate with hands until grainy. Gradually add 1/3 cup milk until the dough is sticky but airy; avoid over-kneading. Cover and set aside.
  5. Add Dumplings to the Stew: After 2 hours, remove thyme stems. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter (golf ball size or smaller) directly onto the stew without shaping. For crispy tops, place the pot uncovered in a 350°F (175°C) oven; alternatively, cover and steam on the stovetop for 20 minutes until dumplings are cooked.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Once dumplings are cooked through, serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy this hearty, comforting meal!

Notes

  • Use chuck meat as it becomes tender and flavorful during slow cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the pot when searing to ensure proper browning.
  • Fresh herbs in dumplings add brightness, but they are optional.
  • Adjust milk quantity in dumpling dough to achieve a sticky but airy texture.
  • You can cook dumplings on the stove or in the oven depending on preference for crispiness.
  • Be sure to remove thyme stems before serving to avoid a bitter taste.
  • This recipe freezes well if stored properly after cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, dumplings, hearty stew, comfort food, slow cooked beef, homemade stew, beef and vegetable stew, simple dumplings