There’s something irreplaceable about a hearty beef stew that evokes a sense of warmth and comfort. Now, elevate this classic dish by adding delicate dumplings that soak in all the flavors. Perfect for any chilly evening or as a delicious weekend treat, this beef stew with dumplings is the comfort food your family will adore.
Ingredients
Here are the essentials to make your beef stew with dumplings:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Equipments
You’ll need the following equipment for this recipe:
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
- Mixing bowls
- Ladle or spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Beef Stew with Dumplings – Step By Step
Step 1 – Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding, and brown them on all sides. This step helps seal in the juices and adds an extra layer of flavor to the stew. Remove and set aside for later use.
Step 2 – Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and potatoes. Sauté until the onion is soft and starts to caramelize. Add garlic and continue to cook for another minute to release its aromatic flavors into the mix.
Step 3 – Building the Stew Base
Add the tomato paste to the pot, stirring it in with the vegetables to intensify the tomato flavor. Pour in the beef broth and water, ensuring all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot are lifted to add to the stew’s depth of flavor.
Step 4 – Simmer the Stew
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the stew to simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. This slow cooking softens the meat and mingles all the flavors beautifully.
Step 5 – Mix Dumpling Dough
While your stew is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk and melted butter, stirring just until everything is moistened. Be careful not to overmix to ensure light and fluffy dumplings.
Step 6 – Cook the Dumplings
Spoon the dough by tablespoons over the simmering stew. Cover and let cook without lifting the lid for about 15 minutes, allowing the dumplings to steam and puff up perfectly. Resist the urge to peek to guarantee tender, cloud-like dumplings.
How to Serve Beef Stew with Dumplings
Serve your beef stew and dumplings hot from the pot, garnished with fresh parsley. This comforting meal pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread to soak up the savory broth, or with your favorite seasonal veggies for a well-rounded dish.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For best results, consider the following tips:
- Pat the beef pieces dry before browning to ensure a good sear.
- Use a decent-quality beef broth to enhance the stew’s richness.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like parsnips or turnips for additional flavor and nutrition.
High Protein Beef Stew with Dumplings
If you’re looking to up your protein intake, consider using low-fat beef and swapping all-purpose flour for chickpea flour in the dumplings. This alternative adds more protein per serving while maintaining the comfort factor of this classic dish.
Low-Carb Delight: Beef Stew with Dumplings
For a low-carb version, substitute the potatoes with turnips and use almond flour for the dumplings. This tweak retains the delightful texture of dumplings but significantly reduces the carb content in the meal.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm gently on the stove before serving. Dumplings can soften over time, so consider reheating them separately from the liquid to ensure they maintain their delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I freeze beef stew?
Yes, beef stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, it’s best to add fresh dumplings after thawing and reheating.
What if my stew is too thick?
Simply add more beef broth or water and let it simmer until the desired consistency is reached.
Why are my dumplings tough?
This could be due to overmixing. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for light dumplings.
Can I use pre-cooked beef?
Yes, using pre-cooked beef can shorten the cooking time, but you might lose some flavor development.
Share Your Thoughts About This Delicious Recipe
This beef stew with dumplings is not just a meal but an experience of warmth and comfort worth sharing. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments and let us know how your family enjoyed this delightful dish. If you loved this recipe, share it with your friends and spread the joy of cooking together!
Beef Stew with Dumplings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- olive oil
- beef broth
- water
- carrots
- potatoes
- onion
- garlic
- tomato paste
- dried thyme
- bay leaf
- Salt and pepper
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
- milk
- melted butter
Instructions
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown all sides.
- Add onion, carrots, and potatoes to the pot, sautéing until soft. Stir in garlic.
- Mix in tomato paste, then deglaze with beef broth and water.
- Return beef, add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer until tender.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix in milk and butter until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto simmering stew and cover.
- Cook without lifting the lid for about 15 minutes. Serve hot.