Delicious Beef Stew and Dumplings
Beef stew and dumplings are a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This hearty dish is perfect for chilly evenings, offering a combination of tender beef and flavorful vegetables, all topped with fluffy dumplings. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it solo, this recipe is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly.
Why Make This Recipe
Making this Delicious Beef Stew and Dumplings is not just about feeding your hunger; it’s about creating a nurturing environment with food that comforts and delights. The deep, rich flavors of the stew, combined with the light, airy dumplings, provide a delightful contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more. Additionally, this recipe is relatively straightforward and allows for customization based on seasonal vegetables or personal preferences, making it a versatile meal option for any day of the week.
How to Make Delicious Beef Stew and Dumplings
Making this delightful dish involves a few simple steps that result in a rich and flavorful meal. Begin by searing the beef to lock in its juices, then build layers of flavor with aromatic vegetables and herbs. The dumplings add a unique twist, cooking to perfection atop the fragrant stew. Follow the steps below to create your very own bowl of comfort!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
Directions:
- In a large pot, brown the beef cubes over medium-high heat. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary.
- Return beef to the pot with beef broth, carrots, and potatoes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- For the dumplings, mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly, then stir in milk to form a dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling mixture onto the stew.
- Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
- Stir in peas before serving.
How to Serve Delicious Beef Stew and Dumplings
Serve this dish hot, right from the pot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. The stew can be ladled into bowls, and each serving can be topped with a generous helping of fluffy dumplings that soak up the savory broth.
How to Store Delicious Beef Stew and Dumplings
Leftover beef stew and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If you anticipate leftovers, consider storing the dumplings separately from the stew, as they may become soggy over time.
Tips to Make Delicious Beef Stew and Dumplings
- For even more flavor, marinate the beef in the broth and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
- Feel free to experiment with vegetables! Add mushrooms, celery, or parsnips based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of the cooking time.
Variation
To make a Southern-style version of this dish, you can replace the dumplings with biscuit-style toppings. Simply prepare your favorite biscuit dough and drop spoonfuls over the stew during the final cooking stage. Alternatively, you can try adding a splash of red wine to the stew for depth or using different cuts of meat like lamb or chicken for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes! You can brown the beef in a skillet and then transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding the dumplings in the last hour.
2. Can I freeze the beef stew and dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze the beef stew without the dumplings for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat, and then make fresh dumplings to add.
3. What can I substitute for beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with some added seasonings for flavor. However, the taste may vary slightly.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with this Delicious Beef Stew and Dumplings! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Beef Stew and Dumplings
Ingredients
For the stew
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes Best to use chuck for tenderness.
- 4 cups beef broth Can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth.
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas Add just before serving.
For the dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter, softened Cut into the flour mixture.
- 1 cup milk Use whole milk for best results.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, brown the beef cubes over medium-high heat. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary.
- Return beef to the pot with beef broth, carrots, and potatoes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
Dumpling Preparation
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in butter until crumbly, then stir in milk to form a dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling mixture onto the stew.
- Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
- Stir in peas before serving.
