Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of a rich, savory stew simmering away, without spending hours in the kitchen. This slow cooker beef stew with dumplings brings hearty, rustic flavors straight to your table with minimal fuss and maximum taste. A true cold-weather classic, this stew is a filling meal that warms you up from the inside out. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients
To create this delightful dish, you’ll need lean beef chuck, carrots, potatoes, peas, onions, garlic, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. To make those fluffy dumplings, gather flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk.
Equipments
Your trusty slow cooker is the star of the show for this recipe. Additionally, have a sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, and measuring cups and spoons ready to ensure seamless preparation.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew Dumplings – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping the beef chuck into bite-sized pieces. Peel and slice carrots, dice the potatoes, and finely chop the onion and garlic. Preparing your ingredients ahead of time ensures you have everything ready to toss into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Begin Slow Cooking
Layer the beef, carrots, potatoes, peas, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker. Pour the beef broth over the top and add the bay leaves and thyme. Stir gently to combine everything, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged in liquid for even cooking.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to low and let it do its magic for 7-8 hours. This long cooking time helps the meat become incredibly tender, with the flavors melding beautifully for a rich broth.
Step 4: Prepare Dumplings
About 30 minutes before the stew is done, make the dumplings. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in milk to form a soft dough. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering stew for pillowy dumplings.
Step 5: Final Season and Serve
Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Cover again and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high, allowing the dumplings to puff up and cook through completely. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew Dumplings
This dish pairs well with a slice of crusty bread to mop up the delicious broth. You can also serve it with a side salad to add a crisp and refreshing contrast to the warm, savory stew.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For best results, sear the beef in a skillet with a little oil before adding it to the slow cooker. This caramelizes the meat and enhances its richness. Additionally, consider allowing the dumplings to cook uncovered for the last 10 minutes to achieve a lovely golden brown finish.
Protein-Packed Powerhouse: High-Protein Version
Boost the protein in this recipe by using leaner cuts of beef and adding lentils. Opt for larger, meatier dumplings by enhancing the dough with extra eggs and Greek yogurt. This version ensures a satisfying meal that’s especially nourishing post-workout or during a busy day.
Low-Carb Twist: Slim Down with a Low-Carb Version
To make a low-carb version, substitute potatoes with turnips and carrots with rutabagas. Use almond flour for dumplings to maintain their fluffiness while cutting down on carbs. This low-carb twist is perfect for those who want to maintain a keto or reduced-carb lifestyle.
Storage Instructions
Store your leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze any portion for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove before serving, adding a splash of broth if necessary to restore consistency. Note that the dumplings might lose some fluffiness after freezing.
FAQs
- Can I add more vegetables? Yes, additional vegetables like mushrooms and celery can enhance the flavor of the stew.
- How can I make this stew spicier? Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce will give the stew a fiery kick.
- Do I have to use beef chuck? While beef chuck is recommended for its richness, you can use other cuts like beef shank if desired.
- Can dumplings be made gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute to make gluten-free dumplings.
- Is it possible to make the stew faster? Cooking on high will hasten the process but may slightly reduce tenderness in your beef.
- Do dumplings get soggy if left overnight? Dumplings may absorb more liquid, becoming softer when stored. They’re still delicious though!
Bring This Dish to Your Home
If you’re seeking an effortless yet impressive dish, this slow cooker beef stew with dumplings is your go-to. Not only is it comforting and delicious, but it also allows you to indulge in culinary creativity. Share the recipe with friends or experiment with different variations, and let us know how it works for you in the comments below! 🍲
Rich and Rustic Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Dumplings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- carrots
- potatoes
- peas
- onion
- garlic
- beef broth
- bay leaves
- dried thyme
- salt and pepper
Dumplings
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
- butter
- milk
Instructions
Steps
- Prepare beef and vegetables: chop chuck into cubes, slice carrots, dice potatoes, and finely chop onion and garlic.
- In the slow cooker, layer beef chuck, carrots, potatoes, peas, onion, and garlic. Pour the broth over it and add bay leaves and thyme.
- Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 7-8 hours, letting the flavors meld and beef tenderize.
- Prepare dumplings by mixing flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter and stir in milk to form a dough.
- Drop dough spoonfuls into stew, cover, and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot garnished with parsley.