There is something endlessly comforting about a simmering pot of beef stew, punctuated with soft, fluffy dumplings gently nestled on top. When cooked in a slow cooker, this classic dish melds robust flavors with minimal effort. This recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Stew Dumplings will not only warm your kitchen but also your soul, creating perfect comfort for cool-weather dining that requires little hands-on time.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Equipments
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew Dumplings – Step By Step
Step 1 – Prepare the Vegetables
Start by preparing your vegetables. Slice the carrots, dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Getting your veggies ready in advance will make the assembly quick and easy, allowing you to focus on layering the delicious flavors of your stew.
Step 2 – Brown the Beef
Though it’s optional, browning the beef pieces in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker enhances the flavor profile significantly. Simply heat a little oil in a pan and sear the beef chunks until they have a golden crust. This step seals in juices and intensifies the richness of your stew.
Step 3 – Assemble in Slow Cooker
Now, into your slow cooker, add the browned beef, prepared vegetables, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to make sure the seasonings are distributed evenly throughout the mixture.
Step 4 – Slow Cook the Stew
Set your slow cooker on low and let it do its magic for about 7 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, you can set it on high for 4 to 5 hours. The slow, gentle heat will tenderize the beef and meld all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 5 – Prepare and Add the Dumplings
About an hour before the stew is done cooking, it’s time to make the dumplings. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until a soft dough forms. Drop spoonfuls of dough on top of the bubbling stew in the cooker and allow them to cook for the last hour of stewing time. They’ll puff up into soft, chewy dumplings.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew Dumplings
This delectable stew can be served directly from the slow cooker. Spoon hearty portions of beef, vegetables, and dumplings into deep bowls, making sure to ladle plenty of the rich broth. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely touch of color and brightness.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To ensure the best results, consider searing the beef beforehand for deeper flavor, and don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs. A pinch of rosemary or a dash of red wine can elevate the taste.
Bumper Protein Power: High Protein Beef Stew
If you’re looking to increase your protein intake, substitute regular dumplings with quinoa dumplings. This adds a wholesome protein boost, perfect for fitness enthusiasts or anyone needing extra energy throughout their day.
Low Carb Delight: Keto-Friendly Beef Stew with Dumplings
You can enjoy a low-carb version by omitting the potatoes and using cauliflower florets instead. For dumplings, almond flour or a blend of coconut and almond flour makes an excellent ketogenic alternative, transforming this comfort dish into a keto-friendly delight.
Storage Instructions
Leftover stew can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions of stew without the dumplings, as they can become soggy once thawed and reheated.
FAQs
- Can I freeze the stew with dumplings? It’s best to freeze the stew sans dumplings and add freshly made dumplings when reheating.
- How do I know when the dumplings are done? The dumplings are ready when they are firm to the touch and have expanded in size.
- Is browning the beef necessary? While it’s optional, browning improves the depth of flavor and retains more juices.
- Can I add additional vegetables? Absolutely, feel free to add veggies like peas or mushrooms to the mix.
The Final Bite on the Flavorful Slow Cooker Beef Stew Dumplings
Creating a homemade bowl of comfort food like Slow Cooker Beef Stew Dumplings doesn’t have to be complex. With this recipe, your slow cooker does most of the labor, leaving you with a satisfying meal that’s as effortless as it is delicious. Don’t forget to share your variations or family adaptations of the stew in the comments, and do share this recipe with friends and loved ones.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew Dumplings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- beef broth
- carrots
- potatoes
- onion
- garlic
- bay leaves
- thyme
- salt and pepper
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
- milk
- butter
Instructions
Steps
- Start by preparing your vegetables. Slice the carrots, dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Though it's optional, brown the beef pieces in a pan before adding to the slow cooker for enhanced flavor and sealed juices.
- Add the browned beef, prepared vegetables, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Set your slow cooker on low for 7–8 hours, or on high for 4–5 hours.
- About an hour before the stew is done, prepare the dumplings by combining flour, baking powder, and salt, then stir in milk and melted butter.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the stew in the cooker and let them cook for the final hour until they fluff up.