Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and comforting classic dish
- Tender beef with rich, flavorful broth
- Soft dumplings that soak up the savory stew
- Perfect for cozy dinners or cold weather
- One-pot meal that feeds the whole family
- Packed with vegetables and protein
- Delicious leftovers that taste even better the next day
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
beef chuck, cut into cubes
olive oil
onion, chopped
garlic, minced
carrots, sliced
celery, chopped
potatoes, diced
tomato paste
beef broth
worcestershire sauce
dried thyme
bay leaf
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley, chopped
all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt
milk
butter, melted
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes and sear them until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and stir well to combine with the vegetables.
- Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth.
- Add worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 45–60 minutes until the beef becomes tender.
- Add the diced potatoes and continue simmering for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- In a bowl, prepare the dumpling dough by mixing flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until a soft dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering stew.
- Cover the pot and cook for about 12–15 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Remove the bay leaf and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Variations
You can add vegetables such as peas, mushrooms, or green beans to make the stew even more hearty.
For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine when adding the broth.
Herbs like rosemary or sage can be used along with thyme for deeper flavor.
If you prefer lighter dumplings, substitute milk with buttermilk for a slightly tangy taste.
For a thicker stew, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew before adding the dumplings.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
If the stew thickens during storage, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
The stew can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though dumplings may soften slightly after thawing.
FAQs
What cut of beef works best for stew?
Beef chuck is commonly used because it becomes tender during slow cooking.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the stew ingredients in a slow cooker for 6–8 hours on low, then add dumplings during the final cooking stage.
How do I know when the beef is tender?
The beef should easily break apart with a fork when fully cooked.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare dumplings fresh so they stay light and fluffy.
How do I keep dumplings fluffy?
Cover the pot while they cook and avoid lifting the lid during the cooking time.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be added toward the end of cooking.
What herbs work best in beef stew?
Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf are classic choices.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour for the dumplings and ensure the broth is gluten-free.
What can I serve with beef stew?
Crusty bread or a simple green salad pairs nicely.
Can I thicken the stew?
Yes, add a cornstarch slurry or allow the stew to simmer uncovered until it thickens.
Conclusion
Beef Stew with Dumplings is a classic comfort dish that combines tender slow-cooked beef, flavorful vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings in a rich broth. Perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings, this hearty meal delivers warmth and satisfying flavor in every bowl.
PrintBeef Stew with Dumplings
Beef Stew with Dumplings is a hearty comfort dish made with tender beef simmered in a rich savory broth with vegetables and topped with soft, fluffy dumplings. The dumplings absorb the flavorful stew, creating a warm and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, cut into cubes
- Olive oil
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Carrots, sliced
- Celery, chopped
- Potatoes, diced
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dried thyme
- Bay leaf
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt (for dumplings)
- Milk
- Butter, melted
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and stir to combine with the vegetables.
- Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 45–60 minutes until the beef is tender.
- Add diced potatoes and continue simmering for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
- Stir in milk and melted butter until a soft dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the simmering stew.
- Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Add vegetables such as peas, mushrooms, or green beans for extra texture.
- A splash of red wine can be added with the broth for deeper flavor.
- Herbs such as rosemary or sage can be included with the thyme.
- Use buttermilk instead of milk in the dumplings for a slightly tangy flavor.
- Thicken the stew with a cornstarch slurry before adding dumplings if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
